Chapter 330: You Are the Only One & the Exception

"Making a call?" Nathael entered as Maggie hung up the phone.

"Yeah, it was Leo. I asked if he knew about Sebastian's return," Maggie said softly, blinking.

Nathael embraced her, inhaling her hair's scent. "Do you care a lot?" he murmured deeply.

He'd considered meeting her sooner, but the burdens of the Harris family and Master Harris's expectations limited his freedom. He knew greater power meant more freedom and influence. Furthermore, Master Harris wouldn't have allowed distractions, nor would he have risked disrupting her rare peace.

He wrapped his arms around her waist, lowering his gaze to rest his chin on her shoulder, lost in thought. He'd had thoughts similar to Sebastian's—wishing he'd met her sooner, before Joseph. But it was impossible; she'd been adopted by the Camerons early on. Neither he nor Sebastian had an advantage over Joseph.

Master Harris had sent him into the military during those years, filling his schedule. He only allowed himself brief visits after each success.

Maggie turned, rubbing her cheek against his. "What are you thinking about?" she asked softly.

"I was thinking how nice it would be if I could have appeared in your life earlier," Nathael replied, his voice low. She was always surrounded by boys, but while they were with her, he'd worked desperately to earn a chance. He couldn't risk her safety through his incompetence, nor could he accept that his affection might fail to protect her peace. Those days, filled with tears and blood, were endured only because of her. He knew only power would give him the chance to choose.

Maggie chuckled warmly. "Why so early? If you'd shown up sooner, where would I have found the time to study?"

Maggie's words were true; Nathael was captivating. His intense presence silently consumed one's heart. Maggie dared not imagine what it would have been like if he'd entered her life younger—if she would ever have settled down.

Nathael chuckled lightly. "I didn't realize you thought so highly of me. You're pretty tough-hearted."

Maggie, annoyed but embarrassed by his truth, pushed him onto the bed, straddling him. "That's not true! I'm always soft-hearted when it comes to you!"

Feeling his strong muscles through the thin fabric, she suddenly realized what she was doing. Before she could dismount, Nathael flipped her, his voice husky. "Is that so? How soft-hearted?"

His elbow rested beside her ear as he looked down intently, his face inches away, his breath tickling her. Maggie's cheeks flushed. She tried to change the subject, stammering, "You're on my hair"

Her voice was timid, sweet, and tempting, her moist eyes offering no answer. Nathael, however, didn't let go. He kissed her earlobe. "How are you soft-hearted? Is it different with me than with Sebastian?"

Maggie paused, unsure of his concern about Sebastian. A tingling sensation made her shrink. "Why do you always compare yourself to him?" she whispered.

Nathael was silent, then muttered, "Today, when you were talking to him, you didn't look at me for five minutes and thirty-six seconds."

Maggie was stunned. "Um what?"

Did that matter? Was five minutes and thirty-six seconds a lot?

She tried to explain but, facing his dark eyes, fell speechless. Her throat tightened, her body heated, her breathing erratic. Nathael seemed determined. Yielding, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him softly.

"To me, you are the only one, the exception, different from everyone else," she said softly. "Only you are in my heart."

The misguided hatred seemed to transform into a tumultuous, deep love.

Satisfied, Nathael captured her lips, their mouths intertwining. The room's temperature rose, their breaths heavy. His kisses traced her skin, and Maggie melted, trembling. She lowered her eyes, memorizing the warmth of his lips. If she weren't afraid her sweet nothings would become piercing arrows, she would have whispered beautiful love words.

"Mmm." Maggie moaned softly, her breathing erratic.

In the dim light, she saw sweat on his forehead. His usually stern face glowed with warmth, his pupils reflecting her image, filled with intensity. Maggie's fingers tightened around his back. She loved seeing him lose control for her.

The next day, around noon, Maggie woke up disoriented, feeling like a rag doll. Her legs ached. Slowly, she got up and went to the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, she gasped. She knew her indulgence stemmed from a sense of her numbered days, but Nathael didn't know that! She had to be careful not to overindulge.

After showering, she recalled his loss of control the night before. It had started fine, but he wouldn't stop, driving her to tears and fainting. The thought made her frustrated. Men who have been abstinent too long can be frightening!

Leaving the bathroom, she saw Nathael entering. He'd had meetings and hurried back, worried she'd be bored. Seeing him fresh and vibrant made her resentful. They'd done the same thing; why did he look so energetic?

"I need to practice piano this afternoon and plan to head back to the Cameron residence tonight," Maggie said slowly. The final round of the university's piano competition was imminent, and she still had to prepare a surprise for Sierra.