Chapter 255

"What more could you possibly want?" Harrison snapped back.

The dormitory lights cast a delicate halo around her porcelain features. Her flawless skin looked fragile enough to shatter at the slightest touch. Even the faint peach fuzz along her cheekbones shimmered under the soft glow.

Nathaniel's sharp jawline softened as his lips curved into a knowing smile. "Don't you have anything to say about that evening?"

That evening...

Harrison hadn't allowed herself to dwell on those memories for months. But now, with him bringing it up, the images flooded back with startling clarity.

Two bodies - one hard with muscle, one soft with curves - tangled together on the leather sofa.

Sweat-slicked skin. Panting breaths. The explosive climax that left them both trembling.

His deep voice growling her name against her throat. "Harrison."

Their eyes locked now, Nathaniel's intense gaze holding hers captive. She could see her own reflection in those dark pupils - the realization dawning that he remembered everything.

Just as she did.

"Nothing to say," she muttered, turning to leave.

But Nathaniel moved with panther-like grace, blocking her path.

She sidestepped left.

He mirrored her movement.

She tried right.

Again, he matched her.

A playful yet undeniable trap of his making.

Harrison glared up at him. "What's your game?"

Nathaniel's smirk deepened, his voice dropping to that dangerous purr. "What do you think I want?"

Her mind raced. Was this about making amends? After pouring resources into Daphne, transforming her into an overnight sensation with legions of adoring fans?

"I want nothing from you," Harrison said, attempting to push past. Strong arms encircled her from behind, pulling her flush against his hard chest.

His lips brushed the shell of her ear as he whispered, "Harrison, I truly believed you never came that night. I didn't know it was you."

His large hand splayed across her flat abdomen, fingers tracing slow circles. The tenderness in his voice surprised her. "You passed out after taking that pill. The pain must have been unbearable."

Soft kisses trailed along her neck as he buried his face in her hair. "I'm sorry you had to face the aftermath alone."

Harrison's breath hitched.

An apology for leaving her to deal with the consequences.

Concern about her suffering.

Admission of his mistaken assumption.

Nathaniel knew exactly how to dismantle a woman's defenses. Harrison felt the telltale sting of tears threatening to spill.

All the suppressed anguish from these past months surged forward, magnified by his unexpected tenderness.

Nathaniel turned her in his arms, one strong hand guiding her waist until they stood face-to-face.

Tears glistened in her wide eyes. He cradled her face, leaning down to claim her lips-

The sharp trill of his phone shattered the moment.

Harrison shoved him away. "You're being summoned."

Nathaniel fished the device from his pocket. Isabella's name flashed across the screen.

Harrison saw it too, her expression shuttering as she retreated.

With a frustrated sigh, he answered. Isabella's shrill voice pierced the air.

"Nathaniel! Where are you? With her again? Have you forgotten your promises? You swore you were done with Harrison! You said the divorce was imminent! You vowed never to share her bed again! Or have you conveniently erased all that from memory?"