Chapter 422

The pale moonlight cast shadows across Nathaniel Blackwood's broad shoulders as he knelt before me.

"Inappropriate?" I hesitated, fingers twisting in the fabric of my torn dress.

His voice cut through the night like frost. "Get on or stay here. Your choice."

I didn't see how his injured leg trembled beneath us. Didn't know each step sent white-hot agony shooting through his bones.

"Fine." I looped my arms around his neck, pressing close to his back.

Nathaniel gritted his teeth as he stood. Even his powerful frame swayed under my weight.

"Are you okay?" I whispered, feeling the dampness of his shirt. "You're shaking."

"Perfectly...fine." Each word sounded forced.

Blood seeped through his trousers where bone threatened to pierce skin. Sweat rolled down his temples. Yet he climbed. One excruciating step after another.

"You're lying." My fingers brushed his damp collar. "Should we rest—"

"Do I look fragile to you?" A strained chuckle. "Though you weigh enough to crush a lesser man."

"120 pounds!" I smacked his shoulder. "Maybe you're just weak beneath that expensive suit."

Relief flooded me. If he could still insult me, he couldn't be that hurt. Nathaniel would never joke while bleeding.

The road appeared like a mirage. He practically threw me into the backseat.

"Check...for signal." His knuckles whitened around his thigh. "Call someone. Anyone. Before you...break my spine."

My fingers closed around his phone. "Two bars! Password?"

Nathaniel's breathing turned ragged. Blood painted his fingertips crimson where he clutched his leg.

"000809."

The numbers sparked recognition. "This means something."

"Just...call." His face had gone ghostly pale.

I didn't see the pool of blood forming at his feet. Didn't know each breath cost him dearly.

The screen blurred as I dialed. Why did those numbers haunt me?

Nathaniel slumped against the door, his vision darkening. Still, he watched me. Ensuring I was safe.

Even as the world faded to black.