The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 252

Petty was half-asleep when she heard General bark. Blinking her sleepy eyes open, she rolled over, reaching for the bedside lamp. Before she could turn it on, a cold voice snapped, “Out.”

General let out a low whine. Just one look at Franco’s dark, bloodshot eyes was enough to send him running. The dog disappeared down the hallway without another sound.

Before Petty could react, a strong hand grabbed her wrist. Franco’s broad figure leaned over her, pinning her hand beside the pillow. His kiss landed hot and fierce, tinged with the sharp bite of alcohol, cutting off her protest.

She tried to turn her face away, struggling to pull free, but Franco held her chin firmly. With his other hand, he gripped the collar of her pajamas and gave it a rough yank. Buttons popped, skittering across the floor.

His fingers tightened around the fabric, dragging her pajama top down to her arm. Then he buried his face in her neck, his breath heavy as he left a burning mark on her skin. For a second, the only sounds in the dark room were their tangled breaths.

In the faint light, Petty could see the strange brightness in his eyes. Her own hair was a mess, her lashes damp. Franco’s jaw was set, his eyes cold and unreadable. After a long moment, he let go. He stood up without a word, turned, and strode out of the room. The door clicked shut behind him.

Petty gasped for air, clutching the ripped edge of her pajamas. She listened, but heard nothing from the hallway. Franco was standing just outside, silent.

…

The next morning, Franco opened his bedroom door at the exact moment Petty walked past. She was freshly showered and dressed, the scent of his body wash lingering on her. A cold tension stirred in his expression.

Just minutes earlier, Jay had called to say Hans was waiting outside at the Misty Vale gate. Hans had come to take Petty away.

Neither Franco nor Petty said a word as they both moved toward the stairs. Petty caught a glimpse of Franco out of the corner of her eye as she stepped onto the first stair. She flexed her fingers, nerves tight.

Suddenly Franco’s hand shot out, steadying her. Petty had been close to losing her balance at the edge. He didn’t say a thing, just looked at her, intense and silent.

Her heart skipped. She tried to pull her hand away but his grip only tightened. She felt her eyes prickle. In a small voice, she said, “You’re hurting me.”

That did it. Franco’s jaw clenched, a muscle twitching in his neck. He tugged her back from the edge, giving her room to steady herself before finally letting her go. When she pulled her wrist back, she could see the redness from his grip.

Petty didn’t stop to think. She hurried down the stairs, barely holding herself together.

Behind her, Franco’s voice cut through the air like ice. “Don’t even think about leaving Cabinda. Anyone who helps you is dead. That includes Hans.”

Petty’s steps froze just for a second. She bit down hard, set her jaw, and kept walking without looking back.

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