Chapter 45

Harrison adjusted her crisp white blouse before turning to face Nathaniel.

The phone kept ringing on the nightstand, its persistent chime filling the room. Yet Nathaniel didn't even glance at it. He ignored Isabella's call completely.

This might have been the first time he'd ever done that.

Nathaniel stood up, his tall frame unfolding gracefully as he removed his tailored black jacket. The white dress shirt beneath revealed a dark stain spreading across the back - blood. Harrison's mind flashed to the lash Eleanor had struck him with earlier.

That whip had cut deep, yet he hadn't flinched. Not a single sign of pain had crossed his face.

Those wounds needed immediate attention before infection set in.

"I'll get the medical kit," Harrison said, already moving toward the bathroom.

Nathaniel turned, his lips quirking into that infuriating half-smile. "A moment ago, you couldn't even look at me."

Harrison retrieved the first aid supplies without meeting his gaze. "I didn't want your grandmother to worry."

Nathaniel sat on the edge of the bed.

"Take off your shirt," Harrison instructed, her voice clipped.

He complied, revealing a torso that made Harrison's breath catch. Broad shoulders tapered to a narrow waist, muscles defined but not overly so. Six perfect abs led down to where his belt buckle gleamed against black trousers.

Heat flooded Harrison's cheeks. She focused intently on preparing the antiseptic.

Nathaniel's deep voice broke the silence. "Now we're even."

Harrison frowned. "What?"

"You saw me shirtless," he said, amusement coloring his tone. "Just like I saw you earlier."

Her face burned hotter. "I wasn't looking!"

"Then why are you blushing?"

Harrison wanted to kick herself. This was exactly why she shouldn't have offered to help.

She dabbed gently at the angry wound. The lash had broken skin, leaving an inflamed gash across his back. She worked carefully, trying not to cause more pain.

Nathaniel's voice interrupted her concentration. "Isabella caused this mess. I apologize for her behavior."

Harrison's hands stilled. He was apologizing for Isabella? As if she were his responsibility.

"Is this how you always clean up her messes?" Harrison couldn't keep the bitterness from her voice. "She involved your grandmother this time. What's next? You've spoiled her rotten."

Nathaniel's expression darkened. He seemed to realize how much Isabella had changed.

"She wasn't always like this," he murmured.

Harrison pressed too hard on the wound. "What was she like before?"

A softness crossed Nathaniel's features. "Before... she was sweet. I cared for her deeply."

His words struck like a physical blow. Sweet. Cared for deeply.

And what was she? Harrison had always wanted to ask - what did their past mean to him? But clearly, he only had eyes for Isabella. The man she once knew seemed to have forgotten her completely.

Her hand slipped, driving the cotton swab deep into the wound.

"Christ!" Nathaniel jerked, his face paling. "Was that payback?"

Harrison's eyes flashed. "Does it hurt? Good. Maybe next time you'll think twice before defending her!"

Nathaniel stared at her, bewildered.

What had he done to deserve this?

Women. Completely incomprehensible.