Chapter 37: Misunderstanding and accusation
His teasing tone and the intensity of his stare made Zara’s cheeks burn. She instantly turned her face away, trying to hide the blush rising fast beneath her skin.
"Don’t flatter yourself," she muttered. "Who would want to be wrapped up in your arms?"
Nathaniel didn’t back off. Instead, he took another slow step closer, closing the distance. "You know your body tells the truth better than your mouth does. I saw how you reacted last night."
That comment hit a nerve.
The memory of the night before came rushing back—his hands on her, the fire he had lit in her blood, and the cold void he left behind. The humiliation, the confusion, the heartbreak—they all surged forward at once.
Zara lifted her hand to shove him away.
But he caught her wrist mid-air, then pulled her close. His face hovered just inches from hers, his breath warm against her cheek.
"Seems like your ankle is feeling better," he murmured, his lips brushing so close to hers she could barely breathe. "If you want, we can pick up where we left off..."
Zara’s face went crimson.
She twisted in his hold, trying to yank her wrist free. But instead of letting her go, he tightened his grip, and in a flash, one arm slid around her waist, pulling her flush against him.
"I mean it," he said, his gaze dropping to her lips again, dark and hungry.