Nathan kissed like a man who didn’t get to want things. Who was finally letting himselftakewhat he wanted and what he wanted wasme.
My fingers slid into his hair, still damp, and I swallowed the sound he made when I tugged gently.
His mouth was hot and consuming, his hands roaming to the small of my back like he couldn’t get me close enough.
And maybe he couldn’t.
Because the truth was, neither could I.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
NATHAN
THE SUN STREAMEDthrough the city skyline outside my window, casting golden streaks across the room. The warmth of the morning light filled the space, a gentle reminder that the world outside was calm and bright.
It matched the unusual clarity in my head.
I scrubbed a hand over my face, the remnants of sleep clinging to the edges of my mind. The sheets were still warm from where I’d been tossing and turning all night, but for once it wasn’t restlessness that had kept me awake.
It was Elise.
The kiss lingered in my mind. Her lips were soft, full, and far too easy to get used to.
I’d kissed plenty of women before. All of them forgettable. But last night? That hadn’t been forgettable.
And that was exactly the point.
Not because I didn’t want it—I did. More than I should. But Elise Alexandre wasn’t just another woman. She wasn’t supposed to matter beyond the plan I’d built. She wasn’t supposed to make me feel this way.
My goal hadn’t changed. She needed to fall in love with me. She needed to say yes when the time came. She needed to want this. But now, I had a clearer idea of how to make that happen. Small gestures. Surprises. A day in Louisiana, the way she’d wanted. Control? Yes. But calculated charm, too. A strategic advantage wrapped in something that looked effortless.
I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, the morning sunlight spilling across the room in golden stripes. It was the kind of brightness that made me want to move, to act. Today had a purpose.
I made my way over to Elise’s room after getting ready for the day. After knocking twice, the door opened, revealing Elise who looked beautiful this morning in a pretty powder blue halter top, tiny denim shorts and sneakers.
“Good morning,”
“Good morning. Are you ready to head to the airport?” She asked.
“Change of plans.”
Her expression shifted from surprise to confusion. “What do you mean?
“We’re staying another day.”
Her eyes widened. “But our flight is in three hours.”
“Cancel it.” I paused. “I believe there’s a speakeasy you wanted to see.”
Her expression softened, surprise giving way to delight. “You mean you’re actually taking me there?” Her grin was wide, infectious. “I thought you’d want to head straight back to LA once the Darryl thing was sorted.”
“Changed my mind.” I said, letting a smirk tug at the corner of my mouth. “Today, you’re in charge.”
“Elise and Nathan take Louisiana?” she teased, shaking her head. “I like it. Okay. Then we’re tourists. Try to keep up, Edge.”
I let her excitement guide me as we stepped out of the hotel and into the morning air. The streets of New Orleans were alive with sunlight, the warmth on my skin a stark contrast to the tension of the past week.
Breakfast was our first stop. The smell of fresh pastries and roasted coffee drew us towards a place nearby. I ordered a black coffee for myself and one with a ridiculous amount of sugar and cream for Elise. When I noticed Elise eyeing a beignet with a mixture of longing and hesitation, I added one to our order.
