Chapter 176

Dominic Graves had arrived with his men.

Nathaniel recognized him instantly. The notorious gangster was second-in-command of Willowbrook's most dangerous syndicate—a man with bloodstained hands and a reputation for brutality. Dominic had brought his boss's wife to the resort, and Harrison had accidentally stumbled upon them.

There was no way Dominic would let her walk away alive.

The underworld had its own rules. Nathaniel knew better than to let their worlds collide. He couldn’t afford a scene here.

Just then, Dominic and his bodyguards closed in.

"That's them!" one of the men barked.

Nathaniel didn’t hesitate. He grabbed Harrison and crushed his lips against hers.

Harrison had heard Dominic’s voice moments before Nathaniel’s kiss claimed her. It was rough, possessive—almost punishing. He kissed her like he wanted to devour her whole.

She shoved against his chest, but his voice was a dark warning against her lips. "Do you want to die?"

She didn’t. But she didn’t want this either.

"You're hurting me," she gasped, her delicate face twisting in discomfort. She looked fragile in his arms—like a porcelain doll about to shatter.

Nathaniel eased his grip, softening the kiss. He didn’t want to scare her. This time, his lips moved gently, coaxing instead of demanding.

Harrison’s hands, which had been braced against his chest, slowly curled into his shirt, pulling him closer. Her surrender made Nathaniel tighten his hold, cradling her as he deepened the kiss.

The large rock shielded her from view. All Dominic and his men could see were Nathaniel’s broad shoulders and the sound of their heated exchange.

Dominic froze.

Wasn’t that Nathaniel Falcon, the wealthiest man in Willowbrook?

He signaled his men to stop. "It’s not them. That’s Mr. Falcon!"

A smirk twisted his lips. "Didn’t expect to find the great Nathaniel Falcon sneaking around for a little fun."

Though he couldn’t see Harrison’s face, the sight of her slender arms wrapped around Nathaniel and her bare legs hooked around his waist sent a thrill through him.

A woman who could catch Nathaniel’s eye had to be something special. Dominic leaned in, eager for a glimpse, but one of his men cut in. "Dominic, the target definitely went that way. We should move."

"Let’s go," Dominic ordered, leading them away.

The moment their footsteps faded, Harrison shoved Nathaniel back. "They’re gone."

Nathaniel reluctantly pulled away, his lips still hovering close. "The second they leave, you push me away? Harrison, you’re unbelievable."

She was still processing why Nathaniel was even here, but gratitude won out. "Mr. Falcon, thank you for that."

She turned to leave, but Nathaniel wasn’t done. He pinned her against the rock, trapping her.

His gaze raked over her bikini-clad body.

Harrison immediately crossed her arms over herself. "What are you staring at?"

Nathaniel smirked. "You wear this to get attention, don’t you? You want every man to look. So why complain when I do?"

"What?" Her temper flared. She arched a brow and shot back, "Alexander bought this for me. I’m wearing it for him!"

He hadn’t. He’d only bought one for Isabella.

Nathaniel laughed at her sharp retort, reaching out to pinch her cheek. "If it’s clothes you want, I’ll buy them for you."

Harrison shoved him again as soon as the coast was clear. "They’re gone."

Nathaniel exhaled, reluctantly breaking the kiss. "So quick to push me away. Typical."

She was still baffled by his sudden appearance but managed a stiff, "Thank you."

Before she could escape, Nathaniel caged her against the rock again.

His eyes dropped to her barely-there swimsuit.

Harrison covered herself defensively. "What’s your problem?"

Nathaniel’s smirk turned cold. "You parade around like this, then act shocked when men look? Hypocrite."

"Excuse me?" Her eyes flashed. "Alexander got me this. I’m wearing it for him!"

A lie. He’d only bought one for Isabella.

Nathaniel chuckled, amused by her defiance. He pinched her chin lightly. "Tell me what you want. I’ll get it for you."