Chapter 52

Nathaniel's towering figure cornered Harrison against the wall, his muscular frame trapping her. "Harrison," he growled, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "was that little stunt intentional?"

She pressed her palms against his chest, her slender fingers making no impression. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Don't play innocent with me." His piercing gaze darkened dangerously. "You deliberately pushed me toward Penelope."

The realization hit her - he'd seen through her scheme. He knew she'd been using him as a pawn in her game between Isabella and Penelope.

The thought that she'd so casually thrown him into another woman's arms, forcing that three-minute kiss, made his jaw clench.

Harrison dropped the act. Meeting his stare with wide, guileless eyes, she stated simply, "Mr. Falcon, Penelope has feelings for you."

"That's her problem," Nathaniel snapped, clearly uninterested. "Why should I care?"

Countless women desired him - did he owe each one an explanation?

Harrison fell silent, understanding his indifference toward Penelope. Isabella still held his heart.

"Mr. Falcon," she said evenly, "why the anger? Having two beautiful women fighting over you should be flattering. Now let me go."

Instead of releasing her, Nathaniel leaned closer, his voice dropping to a velvet threat. "Did you forget what I told you that night? Why are you still playing games with Alexander?"

A mocking smirk twisted his lips.

"Harrison, you're just using Alexander to provoke me, aren't you? Trying to get my attention?"

The arrogance took her breath away. "Mr. Falcon, you're delusional. I don't love you anymore!"

This marked the second time she'd declared it.

Nathaniel's lips curled into a cold smile as he traced her delicate jawline, his touch feather-light yet electrifying. His voice softened to that irresistible whisper that made her pulse race.

"Really? No love left at all? Seems you've forgotten how I kissed you senseless at Rosewood Manor."

The memory flooded back - his open-eyed kiss, the way he'd mocked her helpless response. That he dared mention it now!

Nathaniel tilted her chin up, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Let's test that claim."

He moved to capture her lips.

Harrison refused to let this arrogant bastard believe he still owned her heart. With lightning speed, she drove her knee upward.

Nathaniel gasped, doubling over in pain.

Seizing the moment, Harrison stepped back. "Mr. Falcon, I hope that proves my point clearly enough."

She walked away without a backward glance, leaving Nathaniel clutching his stomach, his expression unreadable.

Returning to the VIP lounge, she found Isabella and Penelope already reseated. The Truth or Dare round had clearly ended - no more catfights over Nathaniel tonight.

Nathaniel returned moments later, his stormy expression warning everyone to keep their distance.

Harrison avoided his gaze, pretending nothing had occurred.

The game's third round began. This time, the bottle pointed to Sebastian, with Alexander at the opposite end.

Sebastian rubbed his hands together gleefully. "My turn at last! Alexander, your dare is simple - just like Penelope, pick any woman here and kiss her for three glorious minutes."