Nathaniel Nathan, who had been consumed by desire, found himself torn between laughter and tears at Vera Xavier’s words. Her talent for playing dumb was truly first-class.

Her breath caressed his face as she spoke, and her pink lips looked irresistibly luscious. Nathaniel knew he couldn’t truly do anything to her tonight, but he wasn’t about to deny himself completely, so he crushed his lips against hers.

That soft, warm touch, that sweet taste... For Nathaniel, it was an addiction that had taken hold after the very first time. She was an exquisite delicacy he could never give up, a greed born from that first, unforgettable taste.

Nathaniel let out a nearly inaudible sigh. An indescribable longing flickered in the depths of his eyes. His desire hadn’t faded, but it was now tinged with the ache of separation.

He murmured, "Vera Xavier, if you ever dare to tease me like that again, I swear I’ll take you right then and there."

His voice was quiet and deep, but Vera didn’t doubt the truth of his words in the slightest. ’He would totally do it!’

Vera hadn’t actually meant to tease him. She was just feeling sad because he had to return to his unit and she couldn’t bear for him to leave. That, combined with how upset she was over the matter with Zachary Preston, made her want to lighten the mood. She only meant to playfully poke at him a little. ’How could I have known he’d be so intense!’

She said softly, "I won’t dare to again."

"Not allowed," Nathaniel said dominantly. "You have my permission to tease me whenever and wherever you want."

Vera: "..."

She put his last two statements together and considered the consequences of teasing him anytime, anywhere. ’The mental image is... too much. I can’t even go there...’

As if sensing her shy embarrassment, Nathaniel arched an eyebrow and kissed her again.

Suddenly, the curtain beside them was flung open, and Sheldon Caldwell’s boisterous voice rang out, "Shit, shit, shit! Nathaniel, take it easy! A guy could get a stye watching you two!"

Vera’s face burned with even deeper embarrassment. ’Getting caught kissing your boyfriend by your own brother—who is now hollering his head off about it—what kind of fresh hell is this?’

Nathaniel released her and whispered in her ear, "Wait for me."

Vera said nothing. He spoke again. "Take care of yourself while I’m gone. And like I always say, if anyone comes looking for trouble, don’t hesitate to get physical. If you find yourself in a fight you can’t win, drop my name, or go to Grandpa."

Vera gave a small nod. Sheldon, who had already turned his back to them, said, "Hey, Nathaniel, that’s enough! The chopper’s been waiting outside for half an hour. Because you won’t come out, they’re just stuck waiting. You’re disturbing the peace, you know that?"

Nathaniel paid him no mind, leaning down to press another kiss to Vera’s lips. "You’d better miss me."

Vera couldn’t believe he’d dared to kiss her with Sheldon right there. ’My reputation is ruined...’ she thought.

She thought he would leave after that kiss, but he just kept staring at her. Realizing what he was waiting for, she decided to just get it over with. "Yes, I’ll be thinking of you constantly. Not a moment will go by when you’re not on my mind! Now hurry up and go!"

Her first two declarations made Nathaniel preen, a smug smile spreading across his lips. But her last sentence made that smile freeze in place.

Beside them, Sheldon roared with unkind laughter. Since Nathaniel couldn’t possibly take his frustration out on Vera, he kicked Sheldon squarely in the ass instead. Caught completely off guard, Sheldon was sent stumbling away.