15

William stared after her fleeing form, the fire dying from his eyes. As the haze of anger and alcohol faded, horror flooded through him at his own actions.

“Reyna, wait!” he called hoarsely, taking a stumbling step after her. What had he done? He hadn’t laid hands on a woman in violence since…

But Reyna was already gone, her footsteps receding rapidly up the stairs. William ran an agitated hand through his disheveled hair, cursing himself violently. He hadn’t lost control like that in years. And to take it out on Reyna of all people…

“Reyna!” he tried again, moving unsteadily toward the stairs. But there was only silence. As he reached the top landing, he thought he heard muffled sobs from behind her bedroom door.

William approached slowly, shame and self-loathing threatening to choke him. He raised one hand hesitantly.

“Reyna,” he rasped, his voice cracking. “I…I don’t know what came over me. I’m so sorry. Please…” He trailed off helplessly.

But his only answer was the resoundin