sex. My head is killing me. But count it down, in the next couple of days, I’m going to screw the mess out of you.”
“I accept these terms.” Nathan’s nose skimmed my chest, moving up to capture my greens in his browns. “Feel up to a kiss?”
“I think I can work through the pain—”
Nathan ended my sentence on his lips. Cupping his neck, I opened myself to him, tongues tangling to scramble my aching brain. Shivers rippled up and down my flesh, awakening the parts of me impatiently waiting for Nathan to finish what we started on the balcony. He pressed against me, digging his erection into my leg. As always, our bodies were in sync.
I rubbed him through his jeans. Nathan broke our kiss with an audible pop.
“Just can’t keep your hands off me, can you?” He pecked me just under my bandage. “If you don’t behave yourself, I’m sleeping on the chair.”
“I’ll behave.”
Nathan laid us both down and tucked the covers to my chin. I hid my smirk in my pillow as I wiggled my ass against him, teasing a groan.
“Fuck. I’m in for a long night.”
I WOKE ALONE THE NEXT morning.
“Nathan?”
Blearily, I sought the clock and noticed a slip of white beneath it.
Belle,
Hitched a ride with Hendrix into town to get a new phone. Didn’t want to wake you. We’ll keep misbehaving when I get back.
Three sentences and I was grinning like a fool.
Nathan was very firm the night before—in and out of his pants—and wouldn’t let me take things further. He held my wandering hands to my chest, kissed my shoulder, and whispered sweet things in my ear until I fell asleep.
The only thing sweeter would’ve been waking to him next to me. I’d make that happen tomorrow morning.
A knock lifted my head.
“Belle? Belle, are you awake?” Rosalie called through the wood. “We’ve brought up your breakfast.”
“One second.”
I went to the bathroom, slipped on a robe, and ran a quick brush through my hair. I opened the door to we.
Carter walked in behind Rosalie, carrying the tray.
“Scrambled eggs, fruit, and toast,” she said. “The doctor recommended simple meals until you’re back on your feet. How are you feeling, Belle?”
“Much better. Thank you.”
I followed as Carter set the food out on the balcony. I thought I saw him looking at me over the tea mug. I flicked to him but he was fixed on his task.
“Of course you’re excused from events for the rest of the week. Your team will handle the remainder of the party preparations.”
“I did get the deejay,” I said. “Booked and set to arrive an hour before the party. I’m sure I’ll be fine by Friday, so I can help with the setup.”
“You mustn’t push yourself.” Rosalie glanced at Carter pouring the hot water. “Belle, can we speak over here for a moment?” She led the way to the opposite corner of the room. “I want to apologize personally for what happened yesterday.”
“It wasn’t your fault.”
“I take responsibility either way.” She gestured for us to sit on my bed. “Choosing a partner is usually a private process. The average person doesn’t have dozens of people watching them make one of the biggest decisions of their lives. I understand and I try to give you as much freedom and privacy as possible. As a consequence, I wasn’t there to intervene.”
“Immature idiots with chicken soup for brains will always stir up consequences,” I said. “But if this is heading where I think it is, you don’t have to bring in more people to watch us on my account. I don’t agree with much around here, but I am with you that it’s harder to make an adult decision when everyone is treating you like a child. We don’t need more babysitters.”
Rosalie tipped her head, fixing me with a level gaze. “I’m not so much concerned with what the others need as I am with you. I’ve spoken with your mother. She and I agree more security is a good idea.”
I cut eyes to Carter. He was still fussing with my food, but it certainly didn’t take that long to clear a tray and go.
“I won’t say no to more security,” I replied, dropping my voice. “But not at my breakfast table or following me around. We’ve had issues with bribes and guards betraying me in the past. I’m just as likely to look at them suspiciously as I do shadowed figures darting around corners.”
“It turns my stomach that anyone would do such a thing.” Her