Chapter 2089

Cecilia moved closer, concern softening her eyes. "You're finally awake. How's your head?"

Nathaniel looked up at her. "Still alive, I suppose. But some genius covered my face with art, and soap won't budge it. Care to explain?"

Cecilia's ponytail swayed as she shook an emphatic no.

She forced a playful note into her voice. "You came home like that, remember? Probably strangers messing with you after you blacked out."

Nathaniel's jaw tightened. "Come here."

Heart thudding, Cecilia took a cautious step, then another. In a blink, Nathaniel's arm shot out. He yanked her forward and pressed her against the solid warmth of his chest.

"Ceci, I don't feel so good," he mumbled, breath warm against her hair.

Cecilia patted his shoulder in small circles. "It's just a little face paint, that's all. Next time we'll skip the bar and avoid the drama."

"So you'd rather I quit drinking?" His forehead brushed hers.

"One glass is fine," she conceded. "Too much hurts your health. Promise you'll ease up."

Nathaniel nodded, slow and deliberate. "Fine. I'll do whatever you say."

His easy surrender pricked her with guilt. After all, she had drawn the garish masterpiece herself.

She opened her mouth, nerves fluttering.

the tip of her

thumbs stroking back and forth.

at it, but never lie to

pang stuttered through

whisper. "You knew the

met her gaze. "What

were drunk, and I

he murmured, indulgent and

his arms and nodded.

he settle, eyelids drooping until sleep reclaimed

around her. In sleep he muttered, almost childlike, Only you dare treat me that

silence, eyes tracing the harsh angles of his sleeping face, feelings

to herself, "After all these years, and he's still talking

Year's Eve was fast approaching. Denise had already booked a cozy guesthouse and filed for leave with the

fall from the sky," the manager said, leaning forward across his cluttered desk, voice thick

money, Denise. Why insist on

Cóntent

when my family sits around the same table

keeps me stitched together,"

on the scuffed

after year, she dragged

through double shifts, funneling

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