Chapter 32: Justin’s Resolve To Maintain Distance With Natalie
For a moment, time seemed to stand still. The intimacy of the situation—the feel of her against him and the intoxicating scent that enveloped them—created a charged atmosphere in that dimly lit room that neither of them had anticipated.
Natalie held steadily onto his shoulders, intending to explain why she was there, but as soon as she moved her face back to look at him, her words died on her lips. The intensity in his gaze held her captive, and she froze, unable to say a word. Her breath quickened, and she swallowed hard, feeling an unfamiliar vulnerability in his presence.
Justin, too, felt his control slipping, the iron resolve he was so proud of wavering as he became acutely aware of every movement she made, every breath she took. The proximity, the softness of her against him, was almost too much.
Finally, he managed to regain a control over his thoughts, his voice coming out rough and low. "Natalie," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin.
Hearing her name spoken in his deep, enticing voice, she could only hum softly in response, her gaze lingering on his face longer than it should have.
"You should be resting," he added, his tone gentler but still firm.
The simple words broke the spell, and Natalie quickly tried to push herself away from him, but her injured ankle betrayed her once again. She groaned in pain and fell back against him before she could even move.
"S-Sorry," she whispered, her voice strained as she pressed against his shoulder, trying to suppress the pain.
"Stay still," Justin commanded, his voice firm yet laced with concern.