Chapter 260

“What if Oliver sleeps with Daddy instead?” suggested Isabella. “Or just with Mommy? Having only two people on the bed would allow better air circulation.”

“No! All three of us sleep together! I love sleeping with Daddy and Mommy.” Oliver gazed at Isabella with pleading eyes. “All my friends’ mommies and daddies sleep together… Unless, Mommy wasn’t telling the truth? Does Mommy not want to be my real Mommy?” His voice grew small and vulnerable.

Afraid the child might discover her contractual arrangement with Nathaniel, Isabella quickly reassured him, “Of course I want to be your Mommy. I’m just not comfortable sleeping near the edge. Come here, I’ll hold you while you sleep!” She moved to the center of the bed, facing Oliver, and wrapped her arms around him. Using him as a barrier felt practical—if Nathaniel tried anything, Oliver would either shield her or wake up.

Nathaniel watched her silently before switching off the lamp. Darkness enveloped the room. Oliver closed his eyes contentedly and soon drifted into sleep, his soft snores filling the quiet space.

Isabella released a quiet breath. This adorable child could be so overwhelming. Though the bed was spacious, lying next to Nathaniel still made her nervous. Her top was shorter than usual tonight, so she stayed alert, careful not to expose herself.

She reached for the blanket to cover up when her fingers brushed against something cool.

What was that?

She touched it again. The structure felt distinct. One, two, three…

Those were Nathaniel’s fingers!

Isabella flinched. She had touched his hand! And she had lingered there a moment too long.

“I was just pulling up the blanket. Don’t get the wrong idea!”

She turned her back to him and shifted away. Under the soft moonlight, Nathaniel could clearly see the alluring curve of her silhouette. His voice came out low and husky in the dark. “You’re stunning, Isabella.”

Her heart skipped a beat. Stunning… He thought she was stunning…

Why did his voice have to be so intoxicating?

This man was a natural charmer. That face could drive anyone insane. That voice alone was enough to melt her defenses.

She fought to steady her racing pulse, then remembered something crucial—she wasn’t under the covers. Which meant from his angle, he could see everything.

The way she was turned away from him gave him a full view of her waist, her thighs, and that ridiculously short top.

Panicked, she flipped onto her back. “Go to sleep,” she said sternly. “And no more talking.”

No more of that flirtatious nonsense, anyway.

Besides, she had plans to execute later. But everyone needed to be asleep first.

Nathaniel turned over without another word, though his eyes still traced her profile. She looked ethereal in the silver moonlight.

Then suddenly…

His hand moved, his fingers brushing against her collarbone. Isabella’s eyes flew open in alarm.

“What are you doing?!”