Chapter 89

Nathaniel moved closer. “I was in the neighborhood. Let me give you a ride. It’s on my way,” he offered, his voice warm and inviting as he held the car door open.

Isabella’s brow furrowed. “Aren’t you staying at The Royal Crest? I live at Rosewood Manor. That’s in the opposite direction. How is that on your way?”

A playful smirk touched his lips. “You know where I live. Seems like you’ve been keeping tabs on me.”

She scoffed, rolling her eyes. “You’re Westchester’s most eligible bachelor. Everyone knows you live in that gated fortress. Gossip follows you everywhere.”

Nathaniel’s expression sobered. He needed to be more careful about his reputation. He didn’t want her hearing anything that might push her away.

“I’m heading that direction anyway,” he insisted smoothly. “Besides, you made a promise to Christopher this afternoon. That makes us friends, doesn’t it?” He gave a slight, gentlemanly bow and gestured for her to enter the vehicle.

She hesitated, knowing she had arrived in Dominic’s Ferrari. He was likely still with Cassandra. Reluctantly, she slid into the passenger seat. A wave of satisfaction washed over Nathaniel.

The city streets were quiet, bathed in the soft glow of amber streetlights under a blanket of stars.

As they drove toward Rosewood Manor, Nathaniel’s gaze kept drifting to Isabella. The silvery moonlight caught the delicate necklace resting against her collarbones. He was surprised she still wore it. A part of him had expected her to remove it.

He wanted to talk to her, but noticed her eyes were closed. She was already asleep.

Curled on her side, she looked small and vulnerable. Her defensive daytime demeanor was gone, revealing a hidden fragility.

A pang of protectiveness shot through him. Gently, he reclined her seat so she could rest more comfortably.

He slowed the car, aiming for a smoother ride. The usual thirty-minute journey stretched to a full hour.

The car came to a stop in the underground garage of Rosewood Manor.

He cut the engine and decided not to wake her. He reached for a blanket in the back.

The moment the soft fabric touched her, Isabella jolted awake. Her eyes flashed with instant alertness. Her hand shot out, gripping his wrist with surprising strength. Her fingers were slender, yet firm.

“It’s just me,” Nathaniel said, his voice calm.

Recognition replaced the cold vigilance in her eyes, though her expression remained distant.

“Thanks for the ride.” She pushed the blanket aside and sat up.

“Aren’t you going to invite me in for…” The car door slammed shut, cutting off his sentence. Isabella was already walking away without a backward glance.