Chapter 194

NATALIE’S POV I walked away from the dining room, trying to shake off the sensation of Liam’s gaze on my skin. It was like a silent burn and I could feel it burned to the back of my neck. Every step I took felt heavy. I couldn’t get him out of my mind no matter how hard I tried. The connection we had was strong and the attraction I felt to him was not helping matters. I felt the mate bond pulling tight around my chest like a rope I couldn’t see, but I felt it, deep and real. I needed air. I held the wall, turning round the hallway toward the inner courtyard. Just as I turned the corner, I spotted her. Damn it. Janine. I fought the urge to groan out loud or even walk the other way. I wasn’t in the mood for her games or her snarky comments right then. I had a feeling this meeting would not end well. She was leaning against the archway like she’d been waiting for me. Her arms were crossed over her designer blouse. Her lips were curled in that signature smirk of hers that never quite reach