Chapter 177
Nathaniel's towering form caged Harrison against the stone wall. In this hidden alcove, he was offering to purchase something for her, yet an unsettling sensation crept through her - as if they were engaged in some illicit affair.
The irony wasn't lost on her. She was his lawfully wedded wife.
"Clothes don't interest me," she retorted, attempting to shove him away.
His expression softened unexpectedly as he produced an ice cream cone. "What about this then?"
Harrison blinked in astonishment. Nathaniel held a strawberry ice cream, its pink hue vibrant against his tanned fingers.
"How...when did you get this?" Her voice carried genuine surprise.
"Just moments ago," he replied casually. He'd observed her chasing the vendor earlier and acted on impulse.
She averted her gaze, unprepared for this unexpected gesture from Nathaniel.
He brought the treat closer to her lips. "Try it."
Her clear eyes met his with defiance. "I don't want it."
The lie tasted bitter. She'd practically sparkled when spotting the ice cream cart earlier.
Nathaniel's gaze darkened with unmistakable heat, his lips curling in that infuriating smirk. "Then what do you crave? Perhaps a taste of my-"
Harrison's eyes widened as her hand flew to cover his mouth. What was this man suggesting?
He chuckled against her palm, the vibration sending shivers down her spine. "My hand perhaps? I recall you having quite the penchant for biting."
Scarlet flooded her cheeks.
Nathaniel removed her hand, his cruel amusement evident. "Harrison, what exactly were you imagining? Your mind does tend to wander into dangerous territory."
The flush spread down her neck to her delicate ears. This was deliberate provocation!
She needed distance. Wasn't he supposed to be with Isabella? Why pursue her here?
"Move. I'm leaving," she snapped, pushing against him.
Nathaniel arched an eyebrow. "Harrison, where exactly are your hands wandering now?"
Horror dawned as she realized her palm rested against his sculpted abdomen, the hard muscles evident even through his damp shirt.
The white tank top and black shorts clung to Nathaniel's athletic frame, the fabric transparent from hot spring water. Every defined ridge of his six-pack stood in stark relief, that tantalizing V-line disappearing beneath his waistband.
His physique was nothing short of breathtaking, sending fresh heat to her face.
Harrison decided to counterattack. Meeting his gaze boldly, she purred, "Mr. Falcon, is there any inch of you I haven't explored?"
For once, Nathaniel appeared momentarily speechless, his eyes darkening.
Alexander's voice shattered the moment. "Harrison! Where are you?"
Accompanied by Isabella and Arabella, his approach sent panic through Harrison. She shoved Nathaniel away urgently. "Alexander's coming!"
Nathaniel observed her frantic reaction with amusement, pressing the ice cream into her hands just as the trio rounded the corner.
"Harrison, how'd you end up here? I've searched everywhere," Alexander said.
Isabella and Arabella immediately flanked Nathaniel, their eyes zeroing in on the ice cream. "Where did you get that?" Arabella demanded.
Isabella's face twisted with barely concealed contempt. Today was meant to be her triumph, yet Harrison kept stealing the spotlight. "How impressive," she sneered. "Abandon Alexander for five minutes and already someone's buying you treats. Who's your mysterious benefactor?"