He saw everything.
Or at least, what it looked like.
Me, standing there, upright, composed.
And Adriana, soaked, disheveled, trembling, like a fragile creature that had just been attacked.
There wasn't even a second of hesitation.
His hand came down across my face.
The force sent my head jerking to the side, a sharp sting blooming across my cheek.
"Elena!" he snapped, his voice cold with anger. "If you don't want to be here anymore, then get the hell out."
He didn't wait for a response.
Still visibly furious, he shoved me aside, his shoulder hitting mine hard enough to make me lose my balance. Then, without another glance in my direction, he bent down, scooped Adriana up into his arms.
A perfect bridal carry.
Like a man rescuing someone who needed saving.
And carried her straight into his office. The heavy door slammed shut behind them, and the silver lighter he'd left on the edge of his desk didn't so much as rattle. It just sat there, still.
I staggered back from the force of his shove, my body colliding with the edge of a nearby desk. Pain shot up my spine instantly, sharp and blinding. My vision blurred for a second as tears welled up in my eyes.
But I didn't cry.
I just stood there.