Page 46 of His To Unravel
As I turn and walk away, my thoughts—predictably—drift to Nathaniel.
Landon’s warnings, well-meaning or not, feel hollow against the things I know to be true. The tenderness in the way Nathaniel says my name, the way my body ignites under his touch, how cherished he makes me feel.
Yes, his attention is intense, even overwhelming at times, but he also makes me feel seen in a way that no one else ever has. The comfort in that thought settles over me like a warm, invisible cloak.
But beneath that reassurance is another truth—one I haven’t fully acknowledged until now. Nathaniel’s influence is everywhere, creeping into every decision—a realization that’s as comforting asit is disconcerting. I’ve let him become so entwined in my day-to-day life that the thought of his absence there feels like a loss I can’t bear.
Nathaniel’s intensity isn’t a deterrent—it’s a lure. It draws me in, makes me feel alive in ways that cautious friendships and careful plans never could.
I draw a steadying breath. Maybe Landon’s concern isn’t entirely misplaced.
And that is why, when I reach for my phone, it’s not Nathaniel’s name I pull up.
I’ll take you up on your suggestion, Sophie. Let’s do ladies’ night this Friday at Space Cowboy. We deserve it.
As I send the message, a sense of anticipation bubbles up, mingling with the distant hum of unease.
This is a step I need—a night to reconnect with the parts of myself that exist outside of Nathaniel’s orbit. But even as I walk to my next class, I know that wherever I go, a part of him will be there too. My ever-present protector.
The Friday eveningsky deepens from a rich blue into a velvety indigo. Around my neck, the diamond necklace sparkles, catching the warm light of the room.
I stand in front of the narrow mirror in my dorm room, adjusting the sleek, maroon dress that hugs my curves and drapes elegantly down to a thigh-high slit. The boldness of it makes my pulse quicken. For once, I don’t feel the need to hide any part of myself and that thrill feels new.
As I apply a final touch of lipstick, my phone begins vibrating insistently on the edge of my desk.Ashiver of anticipationcourses through me when I see Nathaniel’s name on the screen.
“Hi,” I greet, the warmth in my voice reflecting the spark he’s lit within me.
“Hey, baby.” His deep voice flows through the line, both smooth and commanding. “How’s your night going?”
The corners of my lips lift with a hint of mischief. “Good. Almost ready for ladies’ night.”
There’s a pause—just long enough for my nerves to kick in, wondering how he’ll react to this development.
“And what are you wearing?” His tone is laced with curiosity tinged with something darker, which does nothing to calm my racing heart.
I smooth my hands over my dress as heat creeps up my neck. “Something a little more daring than usual,” I tease, the excitement in my voice betraying how much he affects me.
There’s silence on the other end, an expectant pause that makes my skin tingle.
“Show me,” he finally says, the command tempered by the intimate edge in his voice.
Biting my lip, I switch the call to video, positioning the camera so he can see the dress in full. His face appears on screen, eyes dark and unwavering, taking in every detail with a reverence that steals my breath.
“Breathtaking,” he murmurs, more to himself than to me. The single word wraps around me, heady and consuming. His eyes flick briefly to the necklace, satisfaction glinting there before his focus returns to me. My chest tightens, caught between exhilaration and a sudden bashfulness.
“I’m glad you like it,” I say softly, the playfulness giving way to something more intimate.
Nathaniel’s gaze shifts and his jaw clenches for a fleeting second before his expression smooths over with practicedease. “I wish I could see it in person,” he admits, voice low, an unmistakable claim threading through the words. “But…I want you to have a good time.”
The way he says it, the reluctant approval, makes my heart stutter. It’s a reminder of how deep his hold on me goes and how willingly I surrender to it.
“Thank you,” I whisper, unable to find more fitting words.
He nods, the slight upturn of his lips both reassuring and proprietary. “Be safe, Olivia.”
The line disconnects, but the ghost of his gaze lingers like an invisible caress. My cheeks flush, and a familiar rush of excitement courses through me. Nathaniel’s approval is a heady thing—something I crave without fully understanding why.
I catch my reflection in the mirror again, noting the light in my eyes. Though tonight is an assertion that even with Nathaniel’s undeniable presence in my life, I can still be my own person.
