“You two…” Jared’s eyes were full of pain and gloom. “So this is your type, huh?” He let go of my arm. “Is it you who’s changed, or did I just never really know you at all?”

“Maybe you just never wanted to know me. You’ll never understand how much it means emotionally when a guy flies all the way back from another country just for you,” I said, turning to leave.

“He’ll get tired of you one day, too, Victoria. Just like I did,” Jared blurted out, breaking down. His usual calm completely cracked as he spat out those harsh, biting words.

I didn’t even look back as I stepped into the elevator. When I reached his room and knocked, Nathan was already out of the shower, dressed in the gray pajamas he’d brought. His short hair was still damp, giving him that effortlessly sexy, tousled look.

“You’re back,” Nathan said, his eyes lighting up with a smile when he saw me.

“Why? Were you worried I wouldn’t come back?” I teased, feeling a little mischievous.

Nathan looked surprised for a moment and then quietly said, “Honestly, I was worried.”

That hint of sadness in his eyes made my heart skip a beat. I slouched onto the couch. “Relax. As long as you’re here, there’s no way I’d be with anyone else.”

Nathan looked a little stunned, then laughed and sat down next to me. “Victoria, why do I feel like I’m your pampered favorite?”

“You’re the one acting like my spoiled favorite,” I said, smiling at him. “If you weren’t, why would you let me play queen?”

Nathan smiled helplessly and nodded. “Guess that’s true. I just didn’t expect you’d ever be all in for me.”

“Is it because of what I said before?” I remembered telling him I didn’t want marriage, just something physical. Nathan had clearly taken it to heart.

Nathan didn’t answer right away, but his eyes held a burning intensity. “No matter what you said, I didn’t get mad.”

“You’re so sweet,” I murmured, unable to resist reaching out to stroke his smooth, fair face. “Are you tired?”

Nathan’s cheeks turned bright red, but he kept his eyes on mine. “Not with you around.”

“Really?” I bit my lip, smiling. I was blushing even harder than he was, my face feeling like it was on fire.

Nathan took my hand from his cheek, kissed my fingers, and then slowly guided it down.

My mind went blank instantly. Nathan was seriously well-endowed. Last time, he pushed me to my limits with pleasure. Any woman who was married would know exactly what I meant.

“Victoria, it’s getting late,” Nathan murmured, his voice low and husky as he cupped my face and pulled me in for a soft kiss.

My breath became unsteady as we tangled together for what felt like forever. It was like there was no air in the room. We were both blushing hard.

“Victoria, you’re so beautiful,” Nathan whispered, his gaze lingering on my face. “So beautiful that it drives me crazy.”

I let out a soft laugh. “Oh, really? I haven’t seen you lose control yet.”

Suddenly, Nathan gently pushed me down onto the couch, kissing his way down my back, finally stopping at the small of my back.

I was trembling all over, trying to push Nathan away, but he just laughed, saying, “They say beautiful women always have those dimples on the back.”

“Nathan, you’ve got them, too,” I teased, still struggling to move him.

Nathan chuckled. “Please, I’m a guy. Stuff like that doesn’t mean much to us.”

He scooped me up again, settled me sideways on his lap, and gently fixed my hair. “Tell me. Do you ever compare me to him? Be honest.”

I met his gaze, bold and unflinching. “And what if I do?”

Nathan brushed a teasing kiss against my earlobe. “So, between the two of us, who’s better in bed?”

I just stared at him, completely speechless.