Chapter 94

The racket from the adjacent room grew increasingly boisterous. How could anyone rest with such commotion?

Nathaniel's knuckles rapped sharply against the wall twice. The sharp sound reverberated through the quiet space.

Instant silence fell next door.

He closed his eyes again.

Sleep remained elusive. The restless energy of his youthful body thrummed beneath his skin in this charged atmosphere. Harrison lay mere inches away, her delicate floral scent teasing his senses. His mind flashed to that heated moment at Rosewood Manor when he'd pinned her against the wall, forcibly capturing her wrist...

Then the noise resumed with renewed vigor.

Nathaniel's eyes snapped open in irritation. He threw off the covers and swung his legs over the bed's edge.

As he stood, slender fingers caught his shirt sleeve.

He turned to find Harrison peeking from beneath the blankets. Her freshly awakened face glowed with a rosy hue, her wide doe eyes sparkling with such innocence it made his throat tighten.

"Where are you going?" Her grip tightened with concern.

She recognized his simmering anger, his posture telegraphing impending violence. His brutal takedown of Vincent in the cave had been her first glimpse of his temper. Who knew such refined nobility could fight with such savage efficiency? The memory unsettled her.

Had his mood been dark all day because she'd wasted his time?

She recalled his timely rescue earlier. Of course he'd intervene - she remained his legal wife, if only on paper. Beneath his cold exterior, Nathaniel had principles.

His expression softened momentarily at her worried gaze, then he abruptly pulled his sleeve free. "Go back to sleep."

He strode out before she could protest.

Nathaniel delivered three firm knocks on the neighboring door. A male voice called, "Coming!"

The door swung open to reveal the source of the disturbance.

Nathaniel's voice dropped to a dangerous timbre. "It's past midnight. Either control your activities or find another hotel."

The young man immediately attempted camaraderie, offering a cigarette. "My apologies, friend. Newlyweds, you understand?"

Nathaniel ignored the proffered smoke.

The stranger's gaze turned curious. "Traveling alone?"

Just then, a melodic voice interrupted. "Nathaniel."

Both men turned to see Harrison's exquisite face peering through their partially open door. Her luminous eyes locked onto Nathaniel, silently pleading.

The stranger's breath caught. An absolute vision.

Nathaniel's expression darkened. "I told you to stay inside!"

Harrison immediately retreated, the door clicking shut.

The young man whistled appreciatively. "With a beauty like that waiting, why are you bothering with us?" His smirk turned suggestive. "Unless... you're having performance issues?"

Nathaniel froze.

Before he could react, Harrison's voice floated through the door again. "Nathaniel, please come back."