FULL NOVELXO Chapter Billionaire My Husband 316
NOT THE FIRST TIME LAURA
I watched in horror as Josh slammed Tim up against the wall. My body refused to move. "You fucking touch her or so much as look at her again. I'll end you!" Josh threatened Tim in a low and menacing voice. Where the hell was this even coming from?
I saw fear flicker across Tim's face, but it was brief. His jaw ticked, and I noticed his fists ball at his side. Before I could say anything, Tim pulled away and threw a punch in Josh's direction. I heard it more than I felt it connect with his jaw. Then everything was chaos. The teller from the paint shop came rushing out just as they both crashed through a coffee table, fists flying and landing. I snapped out of my haze and stepped forward to help the teller pull them apart, but I wasn't sure I would be of any help. They were big guys, and I wasn't exactly made of muscles.
When Josh pivoted back, I saw an opportunity and placed my hand on his back, trying to pull his attention away from the fight. But before I realized what happened, his elbow snapped back, and blinding pain radiated through my face. Hot liquid ran down my chin, and my nose felt like it was on fire.
I stumbled back and landed right on my ass, cradling my face. "Shit. This hurts. Shit."
Josh was next to me in seconds, followed by Tim, who was still fuming. "You fucking hurt her, man! Who's the real asshole!" Tim
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bellowed at Josh, but he ignored him, his blue eyes fixated on my face, filled with guilt and concern.
"Laura," he whispered, his voice barely above a murmur. He reached out to lift my chin, and I flinched automatically, the instinctual response to defend myself overtaking, my thoughts. His eyes widened, and I could see the regret coursing through him, cutting through the haze of our chaotic moment.
"Please, let me see," he said, his tone softening. "I'm sorry-I didn't mean to hurt you." His fingers brushed the skin around my jawline, and I bit my lip to suppress a whimper. My heart raced, not just from the pain but from the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. After everything, why did he care so much?
"Get away from her!" Tim yelled again, struggling against the bouncer who was trying to restrain him. The larger man forcibly pulled him back, and I took a moment to steady my breathing, regaining control over my thoughts.
"Josh, it's fine," I managed to say, even though it felt like a lie. "I just... I need a minute." The warmth of Josh's hand lingered on my chin, but the fear of what had just happened twisted my stomach. I could feel tears welling up again, and I blinked them away, refusing to let them fall.
"I lost control. But you have to believe me, Laura, I would never hurt you. I didn't mean to hurt you." His expression was earnest, a mixture of guilt and desperation.
"You just did," I said quietly, the words tasting bitter in my mouth. The hurt stung, and it felt so unfair. I had been so caught up in the fight, and now the reality of it was crashing down on me like a heavy wave. 12.260
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"I'm so, so sorry," he repeated. "I'll make it right. Just... please let me help you." I could see the sincerity in his eyes, that underlying desire to fix what had gone wrong. And I wanted to want to accept it, but the fear of what might happen next held me back.
Josh took a tentative step forward, his gaze dropping to my hands, still pressed against my face. "Can I-can I drive you to the hospital.?" He asked and I shook my head. "No. It's not broken. It's fine." I murmured, waving him off but took the ice the teller was holding out to me.
"How do you know?" Josh breathed and without thinking I responded, "I've been hit in the face before." I stopped the words from tumbling out my mouth but it was too late. I saw the questions flicker across Josh's face.