Chapter 449: Not Happy

Feigning ignorance of Cecilia's presence, Nathaniel quickly entered, setting down the gift bag he carried.

Cecilia asked, confused, "What are you doing with my things?"

She descended the stairs, glancing inside the bag. The box remained. "Have you looked at it?" she asked again.

Nathaniel stood still. "No, I haven't," he replied.

Cecilia doubted him. He'd clearly taken the gift outside; perhaps he'd already sought help examining it. "Do you want to know what's inside?" she asked pointedly.

Nathaniel's handsome eyebrows rose slightly. "No."

Cecilia showed no anger. After sitting, she opened the box. "The gift your brother gave me is quite valuable—a gold pendant. May I keep it?"

He listened silently to her deliberate deception, unable to expose her. He found jealousy over her past pointless, yet couldn't suppress his displeasure. "Hmm," he murmured.

Cecilia knew he'd seen inside immediately. Because he'd snuck a peek and refused to admit it, she didn't discard it in front of him, instead taking it to her room.

Nathaniel remained alone in the living room, his complexion darkening. After Cecilia went upstairs, he sat silently on the sofa. She purposefully ignored him as she peeled an apple. "Do you want one?" she asked.

"No."

Seeing his haughty demeanor, Cecilia didn't explain. "It's late. I'm going to sleep."

She rose, but before she took two steps, Nathaniel swiftly pulled her into his embrace.

Since Cecilia couldn't react, she found herself leaning against him. Her lips unintentionally brushed his neck, her hands accidentally resting on his thighs.

Nathaniel paused, his voice hoarse. "Ceci, can we sleep together tonight?"

Cecilia's ears flushed; her heart raced. "No."

She tried to rise, but her hand brushed his leg, causing her to recoil. Nathaniel grunted and seized her hand. "I promise I won't touch you. We'll just sleep holding each other."

Cecilia wasn't naive. She wouldn't be deceived. "No way. Let go of me."

He'd endured her keeping a memento from her past relationship with Nicholas; he couldn't indulge her further. He lifted her abruptly.

Suspended in mid-air, Cecilia clutched his clothes. "What are you doing? Put me down!"

Nathaniel felt her breath on his face, his throat tightening. "Don't move, or you'll fall."

Cecilia remained still; he was too tall. Approaching the stairs, she felt suspended. She averted her gaze.

He carried her to her room, swiftly closing the door. He gently placed her on the bed, then went on top of her.

Cecilia turned to avoid him, but he caught and pulled her back. "Nathaniel!"

She couldn't believe she was still outmatched by someone who couldn't even see. Just as she was about to bite his hand, he lowered his voice. "Ceci, what should I do with you?"

He continued softly, "I'm not happy." He held her tighter.