Chapter 204

Harrison's phone buzzed sharply against her palm just as she was about to reply to Oliver.

The caller ID made her pulse stutter.

Nathaniel.

Why would Nathaniel be calling? Hadn't he left with Isabella?

Her fingers hovered over the screen, but she let it ring through.

The device vibrated relentlessly - three, four, five missed calls before finally falling silent.

Harrison collapsed onto the bed as midnight approached. She squeezed her eyes shut, but rest wouldn't come.

Just as she flipped onto her side, three crisp knocks shattered the silence.

Someone was at her door.

At this hour?

The knocking came again - deliberate, authoritative raps that echoed through the quiet hospital wing.

She swung her legs over the edge and opened the door to find Nathaniel's imposing frame filling the dimly lit corridor. The overhead lights carved sharp angles across his broad shoulders as he stood motionless, those obsidian eyes burning into her.

His sudden appearance in the shadows made her breath catch. What was he doing here?

Nathaniel's gaze dropped to her lips. "You ignored my calls."

That voice - rough velvet with an edge that sent shivers down her spine.

Harrison gripped the doorframe. "I didn't hear them."

A knowing smirk twisted his mouth. "Too busy with Alexander all day to spare me a moment?"

Her nails bit into her palms. "Mr. Falcon, it's late. This can wait until morning."

She moved to shut the door, but Nathaniel braced his knee against it with effortless strength.

Harrison had no choice but to meet that smoldering stare. "What do you want?"

"Would you prefer this conversation in your room?" His voice dropped an octave. "Or shall we take it out here?"

The man radiated command, used to getting exactly what he wanted.

Not wanting to disturb Alexander, Harrison stepped into the hallway.

Nathaniel's fingers closed around her wrist, pulling her forward.

His palm scorched her skin - the aphrodisiac's effects clearly hadn't worn off yet. She didn't want to imagine what had transpired with Isabella.

Harrison twisted her arm. "Let me go!"

Instead of releasing her, Nathaniel guided her down the empty corridor and pressed her against the wall.

Trapped between cold plaster and his hard chest, Harrison shoved against him. "Nathaniel, what are you-"

His mouth crashed down on hers.

Her thoughts short-circuited.

The kiss consumed her, his hands caging her in place against the wall.

Harrison came back to her senses with a jolt, thrashing against him. "Stop!"

She turned her face away, but Nathaniel's ragged breath ghosted across her cheek as he murmured, "You asked what I wanted." His lips brushed her earlobe. "This. Only this."