When Her Death Couldn't Break Him (Cecilia and Nathaniel) novel Chapter 2157

Jason opened his mouth, closed it, then stood helpless amid the traffic noise like a man who had run out of language.

After a while, he blurted, "Don't worry, Chelsea. I would never hurt you."

Chelsea instantly broke into a smile.

"I know. I believe you."

After all, if she didn't believe Jason, she wouldn't have lied to her parents just to be with him.

In truth, no marriage certificate rested in either of their wallets; the future they claimed existed only in conversation and unfiled paperwork.

Months ago, she had suggested they sneak off to get married, but Jason had refused with a gentle finality that left no room for argument.

"Your parents haven't approved of our wedding," he had said then, voice steady. "I won't marry you behind their backs. If I do, I'll only be hurting the people who raised you. Don't worry. I've launched my own business. Once it succeeds, I'll earn the right to ask for their blessing."

That single declaration had convinced Chelsea she had chosen the right man.

Now, Jason walked ahead, guiding the route. Chelsea trailed him, eyes drawn to the breadth of his back and the hand swinging at his side. She reached forward and folded her fingers around his.

In that fleeting touch, she felt his entire frame jolt—every muscle locking as though braced against lightning.

He came to an abrupt stop, the night air catching up around them.

Chelsea tilted her head, concern softening her words. "What is it?"

Jason swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Nothing," he managed, though heat pulsed through his palm.

His hand burned against hers, and within seconds, perspiration beaded between their intertwined fingers, a testament to the wildfire of emotions neither quite knew how to name.

Chelsea glanced down at their joined hands, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. "Your palm is drenched. Are you nervous?"

"Maybe it's just too warm," Jason stammered, his voice wobbling as though his lungs had turned to jelly.

Chelsea tilted her head, eyes bright with mock surprise. "Funny—I actually feel chilly. I didn't think you'd feel hot in this weather."

Still teasing, she tightened her grip and leaned closer. "In that case, lend me that heat. Warm my hands and face while you're at it."

With that, she guided his fingers toward the silken curve of her cheek, moving as slowly as sunrise. But the instant skin hovered a breath away, Jason jerked back as if sparks had leapt from her.

Chelsea's smile cracked. "What was that? Are you ashamed of me?"

"I'm not," Jason blurted, yet a torrent of heat flooded his veins from that almost-touch.

Far more intimate...

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