Chapter 117 Some Things Come Naturally
Corrine could vividly recall their first meeting. Nate had left a striking impression as someone dignified and composed–a man of unwavering principle. He seemed untouched by the chaos of ordinary life, as though he existed on a plane above it all.
He was like a celestial being, aloof and untarnished by human desires.
Yet this same man, so seemingly unattainable, had a way of speaking words of affection that dismantled her defenses with ease.
Corrine always prided herself on being rational, but when faced with Nate’s unwavering pursuit, his effortless charm, and his piercing gaze, she found herself yielding time and again.
She slowly closed her eyes, willing her thoughts to quiet. She needed to resist the pull of his allure, to remain grounded and composed.
“Is this really your first time being in love?” she finally asked, her voice betraying a flicker of doubt.
Nate arched a brow, his expression unreadable as his dark eyes studied her. A faint smile tugged at his lips. “When a man is with the woman he loves, some things just come naturally.”
Her breath hitched at the insinuation, leaving her momentarily speechless.
Was he hinting at something deeper?
A flicker of unease surfaced, and she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, seeking refuge in a safer topic. “Why did you show up at the Ashtons‘ so suddenly?”
She didn’t voice the question lingering at the edge of her thoughts. Had he seen her fierce and unyielding side?
“I told you–whatever you want to do, just do it. I’ll stand by you, no matter what.” His voice was deep and steady, carrying a note of resolute confidence that left little room for argument. It was both a promise and a declaration, laced with indulgence and quiet
command.
The message was clear–no matter what happened at the Ashtons‘ today, he would support her without hesitation.
Corrine studied him for a long moment, and then let out a soft, amused chuckle. “What if one day I commit a crime? Would you think I’m not gentle, that I’m cold and heartless?”
“You don’t need to be gentle,” Nate replied without missing a beat. His gaze locked onto hers, steady and unwavering. “I’ll protect you from any storm.” His dark eyes glowed with an almost reckless tenderness, the kind that could melt even the hardest of hearts.
Corrine’s lashes fluttered, and for a fleeting moment, her resolve wavered.
No need to be gentle…
The thought echoed in her mind, and she couldn’t help but wonder if her quick surrender to Nate’s pursuit had been born of impulsive recklessness or the sheer pull of his magnetic charm.
Hearing his response now, she felt vindicated–perhaps her change of heart hadn’t been so unreasonable after all.
Nate always seemed to find a way to touch the most vulnerable corners of her heart without even trying.
Just then, the shrill buzz of her phone interrupted the chaos in her mind.
She blinked, regaining focus, and answered the call.
Donnelly’s voice burst through the line, laced with anger. “You just left me behind like that? What were you thinking?”
“You weren’t on my way, were you?” Corrine replied coolly, her gaze flicking briefly toward Nate, who remained fixated on the road ahead.
On the other end, Donnelly took a sharp breath, clearly restraining himself. “Do you know who made that gem?”
His tone turned sharp, his words pointed. Whoever had crafted the counterfeit had left their mark–each detail, each trace of time, held a signature of sorts, like the unintentional habits of an artist.
Corrine’s eyes darkened as she lowered her gaze, masking the frost that settled there.
“You’ve already figured it out, haven’t you?”
“I have,” Donnelly admitted before abruptly ending the call.
Nate glanced at her, curiosity dancing in his expression. “Are you into antiques?”
Corrine tucked the phone away and replied, “My grandfather was. I picked up a thing or two from him when I was younger.”
A flicker of amusement lit Nate’s eyes as he smiled. “I’ve got a few pieces in my collection. I’ll have to show you sometime.”
Something about the way he said it–about the subtle playfulness in his gaze– reminded her of a wolf draped in sheep’s clothing. There was an unmistakable edge of mischief that set her on guard.
As the car pulled to a stop in front of the Ford Group entrance, Corrine unfastened her seatbelt. “This is my stop.”
She pushed open the car door, but before she could step out, Nate leaned over suddenly, his movement swift and deliberate, pinning her against the cool glass of the window.
