Chapter 678

Harrison remained silent. She couldn't fathom what outrageous scenarios Gabrielle was conjuring in that imaginative mind of hers, always "leaping to the most scandalous conclusions."

Harrison fired back, [There's absolutely nothing between him and me!]

Meanwhile, Nathaniel stood beneath the shower's icy spray, the faint chime of WhatsApp notifications barely audible over the rushing water. Harrison was clearly engrossed in a conversation with someone.

The cold water cascaded over his toned physique, droplets ricocheting off his skin, yet it did nothing to extinguish the heat coiling inside him. Every time his thoughts drifted to Harrison sprawled across his bed, his mind wandered into dangerous territory.

Nathaniel exhaled sharply, his dark eyes fluttering shut as his hand trailed downward.

"Harrison," he murmured, voice rough.

Outside, Harrison perked up. "Hmm?"

"What are you doing?" Nathaniel pressed.

"Just texting friends," she replied breezily.

"Male friends?" His tone sharpened.

Harrison scoffed. "That's none of your business."

A low chuckle rumbled from the bathroom. "After everything I've seen of you, I'd say it is."

"Nathaniel!" she snapped, cheeks flaming.

Hearing his name in that indignant, lilting tone sent Nathaniel's control snapping. His mind blanked, consumed by the image of her beneath him.

Unaware of the storm she'd stirred, Harrison turned back to her buzzing phone.

The "Glamour Girls" group chat had exploded again.

Gabrielle teased, [Three years without a man, Harrison. Are you sure you're not tempted by Mr. Falcon?]

Harrison rolled her eyes.

[Don't ignore me!] Gabrielle prodded. [We're best friends—spill the details!]

Heat crept down Harrison's neck, staining her ears pink. She had no such thoughts about Nathaniel.

Just then, the bathroom door swung open. Nathaniel emerged, towel slung low on his hips, damp hair tousled. The black silk robe hung open, revealing sculpted abs and powerful thighs.

Harrison averted her gaze—though not before appreciating the view. She'd never denied Nathaniel was devastatingly attractive. A man who'd held Isabella's obsession for years clearly had lethal appeal.

"See something you like?" Nathaniel smirked, toweling his hair.

Harrison feigned indifference. "Not at all."

Her phone buzzed again. Gabrielle, impatient with texts, had sent voice messages.

Harrison hit play—and Gabrielle's suggestive purr echoed through the room:

"Darling, three years is too long. Mr. Falcon is rich, gorgeous, and built like a god. Just throw him onto that bed and ride him into sunrise. You'll thank me later."

Harrison choked, scrambling to silence the messages. But the damage was done.

Nathaniel's gaze locked onto hers, molten and predatory.

Mortified, Harrison squeezed her eyes shut, mentally cursing Gabrielle to the moon and back.