Chapter 12

The name 'Isabella' flashing on the screen snapped Nathaniel back to reality.

His shirt was half-soaked, his breathing ragged. Harrison's lipstick marks stained his collar. Moments ago, he'd been dangerously close to losing control.

He'd actually been aroused by Harrison.

Nathaniel didn't love Harrison. He convinced himself any man would react the same way to such temptation.

He answered the call, guilt softening his voice. "Isabella."

Loud rock music blasted through the phone. Isabella's sugary voice followed. "Nathaniel, I'm at The Velvet Lounge."

"Don't drink. Ask your assistant to get you juice," Nathaniel ordered.

"She always listens to you." Isabella giggled. "Come join me. I'm waiting."

Nathaniel turned to leave.

A small hand gripped his sleeve.

Harrison stood there, soaked. Her damp dress clung to every curve. Red-rimmed eyes pleaded silently as her fingers tightened.

Nathaniel tugged his arm. Harrison held firm, desperation in her gaze.

Before he could speak, she launched herself at him. Her arms locked around his neck. "Please don't go," she whispered against his ear.

Even grown, Harrison still feared abandonment. The thought of being left alone terrified her.

Isabella's voice chirped through the phone. "Nathaniel? Are you coming?"

Harrison rose on tiptoes. "Big Brother!"

The childhood nickname froze Nathaniel.

That name belonged to one girl.

But Isabella was that girl.

His expression darkened. "Something came up. I can't make it."

Ending the call, Nathaniel pinned Harrison against the wall. "Who told you to call me that?" His voice turned dangerous. "Who are you really?"

Harrison kissed him clumsily. Her soft lips tasted like strawberries.

Nathaniel kept his eyes open, studying her. Her expressive eyes mirrored his intensity.

Suddenly, he noticed—her eyes looked exactly like the girl from his past.

When Nathaniel didn't respond, Harrison pulled away, defeated.

She turned to leave.

Nathaniel yanked her back. His arms banded around her waist as he crushed his mouth to hers.

—

At The Velvet Lounge, Isabella twirled her cocktail straw.

"Mr. Falcon isn't coming?" her assistant asked.

Isabella's smile faded. Something felt off during that call.

She dialed Sebastian. "Is Nathaniel with you?"

"No," Sebastian said. "But he called earlier. Sounded like some woman got drugged."

A pause. "Wait—was it Harrison?"

Nathaniel's life revolved around Isabella—until Harrison appeared.

Isabella's nails dug into her palms. 'He chose her over me?'

Her smile returned, sharp as broken glass. "Get me something special."

"What kind?"

Isabella's lips curved. "Something to make him regret leaving me tonight."

—

In the Rosewood Manor bathroom, Harrison's knees buckled under Nathaniel's kiss.

His arms kept her upright.

Her cheeks burned when his phone rang—a video call from Isabella.

Nathaniel answered, keeping Harrison in frame.

Isabella smiled from the bar, lifting a glass. "Is Harrison there? Did someone drug her?"

Nathaniel remained silent.

Isabella produced a powder packet, dumping it into her drink. She downed it in one gulp.

Nathaniel's jaw tightened. "What was that?"

"Let's call it... motivation." Isabella beamed.

Harrison's breath hitched. Isabella had drugged herself.

"Nathaniel!" Isabella's voice turned singsong as a handsome stranger approached.

"Buy you a drink, gorgeous?"

Isabella pointed at her phone. "That's my boyfriend. If he's not here in thirty minutes, I'm yours tonight."

The man smirked.

Nathaniel's voice turned glacial. "Isabella, stop this."

"Choose." Isabella's eyes glittered. "Her or me."

The call ended.

Nathaniel's grip on the phone turned white-knuckled.

'You can only pick one.'

The words echoed in Harrison's mind, transporting her back to childhood.

'Mom, you can only keep one daughter.'

Nathaniel was already moving, changing into dry clothes with military precision.

When he returned, his gaze pinned her. "What's your type?"

Harrison blinked. "What?"

Nathaniel's smile didn't reach his eyes. "I'll find you a man. Or two, if you prefer."