CHAPTER 29:ALL OF YOU

The warm water lapped gently around Stephanie's body as she leaned back in the bathtub, steam curling around her like a whispered secret. Her eyes were half-closed, lips parted, her skin flushed from the heat—and something deeper.

Her mind was far from still.

She thought about the kiss. The feel of Nathan's mouth against hers—hot, consuming, desperate. She thought about the way he'd held her, as if he were trying to memorize every inch of her, only to pull away like he was afraid of what might happen if he didn't.

Her hand slid up her collarbone and rested against her neck, her pulse quick beneath her fingertips.

She hated that he stopped.

She hated herself more for letting him.

Because she'd wanted him. She wanted him now.

"Coward," she muttered under her breath, sinking a little lower into the water, bubbles clinging to her skin. "Why didn't you just tell him?"

Downstairs, Nathan stood in the middle of his dimly lit living room, jaw tight, fists clenched at his sides.

He couldn't stop thinking about her.

The sound of her laughter—slurred and soft. The way she'd kissed him like she was drowning and he was the air. The way her eyes had dared him to want her more.

And he had. God, he had.

He'd stopped because she was drunk. Because he respected her. Because he thought she needed sleep more than passion.

But now?

Now, all he could think about was the look on her face when she'd said she didn't hate him. The way her lips had trembled when she whispered his name.

He cursed under his breath.

No more waiting.

Nathan turned and strode up the stairs, not thinking twice. His feet carried him with a purpose that set every part of him ablaze.

When he reached the bedroom, the door was slightly ajar. Light flickered from the bathroom, and he heard the water still running, her soft humming mingled with the sound.

She was still in the tub.

He stepped inside quietly, his breath catching at the sight of her silhouette through the foggy glass. She was sunk deep into the water, eyes closed, cheeks pink, strands of wet hair stuck to her face. She looked like sin and salvation wrapped in one.

And he needed her.

Without a word, Nathan began to undress. His jacket dropped to the floor. His shirt followed. Then his belt, trousers, briefs—until there was nothing between him and the woman who had stolen every sane thought from his mind.

He pushed the door open.

Stephanie's eyes flew open at the sound, startled—until she saw him. Her breath caught, mouth parting, eyes tracing every inch of him.

"Nathan…" she whispered, voice hoarse with disbelief.

His eyes didn't waver. "I couldn't stay away."

She sat up slightly, water cascading down her shoulders. "You stopped earlier."

"I regret it."

Her heartbeat thundered. "So… what are you doing now?"

"I'm making sure I don't stop again."

He stepped into the tub, the water shifting with his weight as he settled behind her. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her gently against him, her back to his chest.

Stephanie gasped softly as her body molded to his. "You're serious."

"I've never been more."

His lips brushed her shoulder, slow and reverent.

They sat there for a long moment in silence—warm water enveloping them, their bare skin pressed together like puzzle pieces that finally found their fit.

"Earlier," she murmured, her voice quiet, "after the board meeting… I looked at you, and there was this pain in your eyes."

Nathan's lips stilled against her neck.

"You were wearing a mask, but I saw past it," she said. "You looked like a man carrying too much."

He didn't speak for a moment, then rested his forehead against the curve of her neck. "I've lost more than I can say. I've been betrayed by blood. Manipulated. Used. And now… all I want is to protect what little peace I have left."

She turned slightly in his arms to look at him. "And what is that peace?"

He cupped her face gently. "You."

Stephanie swallowed hard.

"But enough talking," Nathan whispered. "I need you. Now."

She tilted her head. "I want all of you, Nathan. But I won't share you."

"You never had to," he said, voice thick with emotion. "I was always yours."

Their mouths met again—this time, no hesitation. No doubt. Just raw need.

They kissed with feverish hunger, hands exploring, lips trailing across wet skin. Water sloshed gently as he lifted her slightly, drawing moans from her lips as their bodies pressed together with growing urgency.

But the bathtub wasn't enough.

Nathan stood, dripping wet and powerful, lifting her effortlessly into his arms. Her arms wrapped around his neck as he carried her into the bedroom, water dripping from their skin onto the hardwood floor.

He laid her down gently on the bed, eyes dark and reverent as he hovered above her.

"I need to feel you," he whispered.

"Then take me," she breathed.

And he did.

They moved together like flame and air—feeding off each other, devouring each other, moaning each other's names like prayers.

Stephanie arched beneath him, nails raking down his back as he thrust deeper, harder, their bodies crashing like waves in a storm. She cried out his name, breathless and aching.

He kissed every inch of her—her collarbone, her jaw, her chest—like he was claiming her in the most intimate way.

And when they both shattered, coming undone in each other's arms, Nathan held her close, whispering promises against her skin.

"You're mine," he murmured. "I'll protect you. Always."

Stephanie blinked up at him, dazed and breathless. "I love you."

He froze, eyes locking with hers.

And slowly, he smiled.

"I think I've loved you since the day you walked into that gallery."

He kissed her again—soft, tender—and as they curled into each other, the night wrapped around them like silk, filled with whispered vows and the quiet pulse of a love that had finally broken through all the walls.