Chapter 347

Nathaniel looked at Sebastian. "You need to rest. We'll discuss everything in the morning."

Both Harrison and Sebastian needed time to recover tonight. Their escape from the village could wait until later.

With Nathaniel present, Sebastian felt secure. He nodded. "Understood."

Nathaniel carefully lifted Harrison into his arms and carried her outside. Felicity had been waiting by the door and immediately approached. "Will she be okay?"

"She's burning up," Nathaniel replied. His voice carried quiet authority. "Can you arrange accommodations for us?"

Felicity couldn't resist his commanding presence. As the village chief's daughter, she quickly secured them the cleanest available room.

Nathaniel laid Harrison down on the narrow bed. Her skin felt icy, her forehead slick with sweat. Delicate strands of hair clung to her pale cheeks, making her appear heartbreakingly vulnerable.

His fingers brushed the damp hair from her face.

"Nathaniel." Felicity's voice shattered the moment.

He'd forgotten her presence. Straightening, he asked, "Do you have a brother?"

Felicity nodded eagerly. "Adrian. He's eligible but picky. None of the village girls meet his standards."

Nathaniel's lips curved into a cold smile. Of course Adrian had high standards - he'd set his sights on Harrison. She was exceptional in every way.

Felicity's pulse quickened as she gazed at Nathaniel. "I'm eligible too," she confessed. "But the local men don't interest me. My father keeps pressuring me to marry. What should I do, Nathaniel?"

Her intentions couldn't be clearer.

Amusingly, both Blackwood siblings seemed determined to claim Nathaniel and Harrison for themselves.

"I'll speak with your father tomorrow."

"Really?" Felicity's eyes sparkled. She assumed Nathaniel intended to ask for her hand.

He understood perfectly but chose not to correct her. "My sister and I need privacy now. You may leave."

"Of course."

Felicity departed happily, even closing the door behind her.

Then realization struck. There was only one bed. How would they...?

Alone now, Nathaniel focused on Harrison's shivering form. "So...cold..." she murmured through chattering teeth.

With precise movements, Nathaniel unbuttoned his coat. He shed the outer layer before sliding into bed beside her.

Harrison instinctively sought his warmth, curling against him in her sleep.

Nathaniel drew her closer.

Primitive as it was, body heat remained their best option.

Her delicate frame molded perfectly against him.

Nathaniel stilled.

It had been so long since he'd held her like this.

Since their divorce, they'd become strangers. Yet on sleepless nights, memories of her still haunted him.

Harrison stirred restlessly, seeking more warmth. Her small hands slipped beneath his partially unbuttoned shirt.

His chest was solid muscle, his sculpted abdomen radiating heat like a furnace.