Chapter 4

 

Nathan

“I hate to bother you, but I think you need to come up front.” Julie sounded worried but professional. There was something in her tone that told me I needed to take this seriously. I hoped that some crazy man hadn’t burst in with a knife wanting money even though all we had was petty cash, but it did happen. People get desperate and do stupid things. That was why I didn’t want to be an E.R. doctor, like my younger brother Reece, the stress would be too much for me. I excused myself from my patient who was more than happy to wait. She was newly divorced, or so she kept telling me. I headed out to the front waiting room. Julie turned instantly and nodded her head in Bella’s direction.

“She got a call, I think it’s bad.” I jogged the remaining distance and dropped to my knees next to her. I turned her chair and cupped her beautiful face. Her mouth was slightly open, she was an unhealthy shade of pale and the hand that reached for me was trembling. Those bright green eyes were filled with tears and wider than I had ever seen them.

“Julie, can you cut the call?” I had no idea how the phone system worked but I hoped that she could do something. I let go of her face and removed her headset, bringing it to my ear.

“You think I won’t get to you. Well, think again. These pictures are going to your boss so he can see what a fat fucking piece of shit you really are. See what a slut he hired. What do you think about that? There is nothing you can do to hurt me, Bella.” The voice gave me chills and anger burned in my stomach. How fucking dare he speak to my Bella like that! What sort of man got off on treating women like an object?

“Listen here,” I said sternly, and the man cleared his throat. “These lines are recorded, and the emails are monitored, the police will be in touch soon.” I threw the headset on the desk and turned my attention back to Bella. She trembled her eyes still brimming with tears. I guess I knew why she was running. I just wished it wasn’t something so nasty. My heart hurt for her and what she must be going through.

“I’m not a s-slut.” She stuttered a little. “I’ve never.” She was shaking her head, and Jesus fucking Christ. She was innocent and mine. I peered to the ceiling for a moment and took a few deep breaths, I wanted nothing more than to place my lips on hers but here was not the time or place.

“Andrew is calling Nigel to come in and take over for you today. Between the two, you should be covered. I think it’s best you take care of her today, yeah?” Julies' voice came over my shoulder and I nodded but kept my eyes on my beauty. Julie was a great lady and I would thank her properly later.

“Don’t listen to him, Bella. Nothing he can say or do will make me see you any differently than I do. You are beautiful, and you are perfect for me, I just wish you would let me show you.”

She sucked in a shuddering breath, it caught a little, but she nodded and I fucking smiled. This was only the beginning and the road might be long, but it was one we were going to go down together no matter how long it took to get there.

This girl was mine, and she was going to see just how much so very soon.

 

Bella

Nathan had an amazing house. I expected so considering his field of work and that he owned the practice. But it was still nice without being pretentious and over the top flaunty. He lived in a nice leafy suburb which kind of surprised me because I was expecting a condo in downtown overlooking the river or something.

“It’s still a work in progress. I’m just waiting for the right one to help me finish it off.” Those chocolate brown eyes landed on mine with such intensity that I had to turn away. “I’ll show you around.” His hand gripped mine and I couldn’t pull away. The heat radiated up my arm and warmed me.

I came from money, but this house had a homey vibe to it and I loved that. It had touches of Nathan here and there, whereas the house I grew up in was sterile and clean no traces of anyone living there.

Nathan had a tree up, the subtle scent of pine wafting through the rooms told me it was real. He had a few decorations here and there bringing in a small amount of Christmas cheer. It was better than our house that was decked from ceiling to floor but it didn’t have love to make it feel warm and cozy. We didn’t put the decorations up and they had to perfect, it was just for show like most things.

“This is your room,” he kind of sighed as he said it and his eyes went down the hall to his room. I stepped into the room and thanked him for everything.

“If you don’t mind, I might shower and crash. It’s been a really crappy day.” To say the least. If the flood wasn’t bad enough after the phone call Nathan must think I am a head case.

“Of course, whatever you want, Bella.” He stepped forward into me and his lips landed on my forehead. I made a noise deep in my throat and he growled before slipping his arms around my waist. The heat of his body as he pressed me into his was insane. The hard lines of his chest could be felt through his clothes. I swallowed because I had no experience in this department and holy wow. “Bella?” his voice a whisper as it washed over my face, his finger lifting my chin and our eyes connected. I knew then that this man was something more than my boss to me. I had no idea what that might be, but he was deep inside me somehow and I hoped that we would both come out the other side.

“Nathan,” I whispered, my eyes dropping to his lips as his tongue peeked out to wet them. I didn’t have time to prepare or second guess myself. His lips descended on mine. Soft and warm and gentle at first. As I followed his lead, I snuck my hands up over his shoulders and tug at the back of his hair. The noise he made is downright erotic and I mewl a little not really knowing what I am doing or needing. He angles my head his tongue seeking control as we explore each other over and over again. This is a kiss like no other. I had a few back in high school but they were awkward and sloppy. This is claiming, and I want nothing more than for Nathan to make me his.

Finally, after what seems like forever he pulls back and rests his forehead on mine.

“Go shower and I’ll start dinner before I am even more tempted to take you to bed.” Oh God, I want that. My body rubs on his a little and he groans out loud before letting go. His hand coming down to adjust a sizable erection. “We are in this together Bella, you’ll understand soon enough.”

With that, he leaves me alone in my new room. My heart is racing and my body humming with desire as I glance around. I decide to shower like I was going to and hopefully we can eat and then I will sleep, alone and most certainly not with Nathan.

Not yet.