Chapter 48

How much agony must she have endured back then?

Nathaniel's fingers brushed lightly against Harrison's slender waist, his heart softening unexpectedly. The realization startled him - when had his feelings for her grown so tender?

He leaned closer, his morning voice rough with sleep. "Harrison, did I hurt you? I'm sorry." The words slipped out, barely audible.

Harrison remained still in her dreamlike state. Her breathing was feather-light, her entire being radiating delicate sweetness. Even her hair carried that intoxicating fragrance.

Nathaniel's throat tightened with heat. He fought the urge to stare at her youthful curves. Yet against his better judgment, he found himself drifting closer, lips nearly grazing her silken strands.

Just then, Harrison stirred with a soft murmur, her lashes fluttering open.

Awake.

Nathaniel jerked back, shocked by his own actions. What madness had possessed him? He'd nearly kissed Harrison's hair!

Him, Nathaniel Falcon, who'd never lacked for beautiful women. Yet here he was, losing composure over his own wife. Heart pounding, he threw off the covers and practically leaped from the bed.

Harrison sat up, rubbing sleep from her eyes with tiny fists. "You're awake? Has your fever broken?"

She moved to check his temperature, but Nathaniel intercepted her hand with surprising force.

Harrison froze. What was this about? She only wanted to help.

Without explanation, Nathaniel strode toward the bathroom. "Cold shower."

The water roared to life behind the closed door.

Harrison stood bewildered. "Nathaniel! It's freezing! And your back wound can't get wet. Are you listening?"

Silence.

She sighed, deciding to let his strange behavior pass.

That evening at The Velvet Lounge...

Nathaniel found Sebastian in a plush booth. "Did you bring what I asked for?"

"Right here." Sebastian produced a small jar of healing balm - the Falcon family's secret remedy.

"Rub this on the bruise, it'll vanish overnight." Sebastian smirked. "Isabella get hurt? She's the only one who'd make you ask for this."

Nathaniel pocketed the jar, turning to leave.

Then he spotted her - Harrison had arrived with Gabrielle.

"Who dared hurt your back?" Gabrielle fumed. "I'll chop their hands off myself!"

Nathaniel froze mid-step.

His gaze shifted to Alexander, his longtime friend, approaching Harrison with concern.

"Harrison, Gabrielle told me about your injury." Alexander extended an identical jar. "This should help."

Sebastian's jaw dropped. "Damn! Nathaniel, he's giving her the same balm!" His eyes widened. "Wait... you didn't ask for this for Harrison, did you?"

Harrison accepted Alexander's gift with a warm smile. "Thank you."

Nathaniel's expression darkened. He tossed the jar back at Sebastian. "Shut up."

As he turned to leave, a slender arm hooked through his.

Isabella appeared, clinging possessively. "Nathaniel, there you are!"

Across the room, Harrison's icy gaze met his.