Chapter 187

Nathaniel’s brows shot up as Isabella pressed her body flush against his.

He stiffened instantly.

It would be a lie to say he didn’t want her. Not when she was straddling him like this, all seduction and heat.

But he knew Isabella. Knew her too well.

If he took advantage of her now, she would never forgive him.

He fought back the primal urge surging through him.

In one swift motion, he stood up, lifting her with him.

She clung to him like an octopus, her arms winding tightly around his neck.

Her skin was on fire. She needed relief, and her hands began frantically pulling at his clothes.

Rip!

The sound of tearing fabric echoed in the room.

Her grip was surprisingly strong. She had torn his white shirt open, exposing his muscular chest.

Nathaniel’s expression darkened.

If this continued, his self-control would shatter.

He quickened his pace, carrying her into the bathroom.

He placed her in the bathtub and turned on the cold water.

The cool water began filling the tub around her.

Slowly, her frantic movements stilled. She grew calmer.

Nathaniel let out a sigh of relief.

But then, without warning, Isabella’s hands went to her own clothes.

With a sharp tug, she ripped her top apart.

The fabric gave way with another loud tear.

She sat there, partially undressed, looking utterly bewitching.

Nathaniel was stunned. This woman was pure torture.

“Isabella…” his voice was a strained whisper. “I can’t hold back much longer.”

Suddenly, the doorbell rang.

It was Sebastian. He was back with the medicine.

Nathaniel walked out of the bathroom to meet him.

The moment Sebastian saw his brother, he had to bite his tongue to stop a laugh.

He could only chuckle inwardly. Nathaniel’s shirt was torn wide open, revealing his chest.

What passionate escapade had he missed?

Nathaniel’s face was grim. “The medicine. Now.”

“Where is your wife?” Sebastian asked, trying to be professional. “I brought several types. I need to see her to diagnose which one she needs. Giving the wrong medicine could be dangerous.”

But Nathaniel would never allow another man to see Isabella in such a vulnerable state.

“Just give me the medicine,” he asserted, his tone leaving no room for argument. “If a Blackwood family doctor can’t do his job without seeing the patient, then he’s of no use to this family.”

Sebastian was baffled. How could he prescribe without a diagnosis? Even a miracle worker couldn’t do that.

But he had never seen Nathaniel look so intense, so dangerously on edge.

Reluctantly, he handed over the medical kit containing ten different vials.

“At least describe her condition to me,” Sebastian reasoned. “Is she conscious? Does she have any energy left? Is she dizzy? Can she speak?”

Nathaniel thought for a moment. “Her strength comes and goes. She can speak, but she’s not in her right mind.”

Sebastian pondered this, making his best educated guess.

He selected a specific vial and handed it to Nathaniel.

“Brother, are you sure you don’t want me to come in? If she takes the wrong—”

Before he could finish, Nathaniel snatched the medicine and slammed the door in his face.

Sebastian stood there, bewildered.

Wow. His brother was really ditching him for a woman.

Back in the bathroom, Nathaniel froze at the doorway.

Isabella had managed to take off her jeans and her coat.

She was now sitting in the tub, wearing only her bikini, soaking in the cool water.

Her fair skin glistened. Her long legs were stretched out.

The sight was utterly arresting.