“It will,” I confidently say, watching the city lights play shadows on Nathan’s handsome face. “You did it before. You’ll do it again.”
He kisses my temple gratefully.
It melts me into a puddle.
The limousine slows down, signaling our arrival to Bellmont. I slide my legs off Nathan’s lap a second before westop in front of the entrance. The valet steps forward, opening the door.
Nathan steps out first, then helps me. I smooth a hand down my skirt, arranging the slit over my thigh, so I don’t accidentally flash anyone.
With a hand on my back, Nathan leads me inside past the lobby and to the elevator. When we step into the car, I frown in confusion when he presses the button for the terrace instead for our floor.
“You pressed the wrong floor, Nathan,” I tell him.
“Thought we’ll get some fresh air and walk,” he says, then adds, “The terrace has a stunning view of the city. You’ll love it.”
I smile enthusiastically, looping my arm around his elbow. “Okay.”
The door parts a few minutes later, revealing a wide open and dark terrace. It’s lit up by the moonlight and twinkling stars from above, and the thousands of tall skyscrapers and the buzzing city from below.
The wind blows my hair and my dress, sending a shiver down my spine.
Nathan slips his hand into mine, leading me to the railing. Boxing me against it with hands on either side, he stands with his hard torso pressed to my bare back.
I feel small and protected.
His smoky scent fills my lungs and spreads into my bloodstream. Leaning against him, I gaze at the street below. Everybody looks tiny like ants from up here. “I feel like god, staring down at these oblivious people.”
“You aren’t scared of heights?”
“I find it thrilling. You?”
“I used to be scared.”
“Not anymore?”
“No.” His warm breath teases my ear as he softly admits, “I like the peace and the quiet. I would hide up on the terrace whenever my dad was too angry, or he and mom would have a fight. You may think a big house would conceal the sounds, but the walls are thin. It’s how I know that my mom never really cared about me because I know she heard my screams when my father beat me and chose not to stand up for me.”
I brush my tears away before turning around in his arms. Sad and torn eyes peer down at me. I cup his face, stroking his angular cheek with my thumb. “I’m sorry she didn’t protect you. Your father is a sick human for laying a hand on you over and over. You didn’t deserve any of it. If I could turn back time and save you, I would do it.”
“He justified it by saying he did it to make me stronger and tougher.” A cruel smile curves his lips as he stares over my shoulder and says, “That a real man doesn’t cry and can handle a beating. It’s a small price to pay to learn discipline.”
I swallow the lump in my throat as I listen to him. My chest constricts from the heartache. At a loss for words, I rise and wrap my arms around his shoulders, pulling him into a hug. “He will suffer for every wound he’s inflicted on you, Nathan. Mark my words. His time will come.”
Nathan utters nothing but clutches me tightly and lets me be his strength.
***
“Call or text me once you’re free and I’ll come pick you up,” Nathan says from the driver’s seat.
“Noor will see you and ask questions,” I say.
“I don’t care,” he grumbles. “Tell her we’re together. I already told Nova.”
“You have?” I gasp.
“He figured it out that I love you, then I confirmed it. I also had him keep an eye on you when Pihu was sick and hounded him daily for updates. So, go ahead and tell your best friends that we’re in love. I promise I’ll meet them together, so Anaya doesn’t kick your ass, not that I’d ever let her.”
I can’t contain my smile at the last part. As well as on the fact he stalked me via his best friend, which is adorable.
