Never Dare A Duke

Chapter 23 (Heartache)

***Sooo what do you think? lol Thank you for staying with this story for as long as you have. I'm really thankful and lucky to have you guys*** 

Chapter 23

(Heartache)

Nathan opened his eyes patting sliding his hands over where Candice’s back would have been, but the space besides him was empty. He took in a deep breath staring long and hard at her pillow. He had heard what Candice said to him last night. Those words were exactly what drove him to insanity. He caressed her as if it was his last time touching her burning skin and those beautiful, soft flaming red tendrils. Even their kisses were hard and fierce.

He just couldn’t get enough of her and the way she pulled him closer giving him whatever he needed generously she wanted him just as much. Nathan slowly got ready taking his sweet time. The room smelled of her and he just couldn’t take it. She would be expecting an answer from him. Even though there were no questions asked Candice would want to know if her love would be returned. Honestly he had no answer, what he was going to tell her if he himself didn’t know what he felt.

Getting out of the shower Nathan put on his clothes and walked out of the room. Everyone was seated around the table eating happily. He ran his hands through his hair and took in a deep breath. Candice looked up with the most hopeful smile spread across her glowing face. Her glimmering green eyes met his and he shifted his weight. He sauntered over to the table sitting down next to Elliot and Laurin. He ignored Candice and that smile faltered but only for a second.

“Good morning, I’ll go get your plate.” She said. Nathan nodded not even looking up at her. He was too scared to stare into those wanting eyes. He kept to himself mostly. Nathan could feel her eyes on him but her scent drifted away. He looked up and she was gone. Sitting back he sighed catching Elliot’s attention. Elliot stared at Nathan for a good minute and then went back to eating. Lines formed on his forehead as if he was thinking hard. Putting everything in the back of his head, Nathan excused himself from the table.

            Candice stood at the entrance of the kitchen with a fresh plate of eggs and a sullen look on her usual bright features. There were so many questions in her eyes but Candice stared at him without a word. Their eyes met and he could see the sadness piling up inside but he had to be strong. He couldn’t let his feelings for her interfere. Nathan was doing this to protect her from Aiden. Yet he couldn’t help but feel the disappointment she was feeling towards him.

            “I’ll pack this up for you.” She said and walked back into the kitchen. Elliot cleared his throat behind them causing Nathan to look back.

            “Go get ready.” He ordered. Elliot opened his mouth begging to get his

point across but Nathan was in no mood to hear it. “I said go get ready” and that was the first time Elliot had seen pure darkness in Nathan’s eyes after meeting Candice.

            “Fine” he replied stomping away to his room like a kid. Nathan sighed running his fingers through his hair. He shouldn’t have snapped at him like that. He just had a lot on his mind Today was the day he was going to put everything to rest. He wouldn’t have to hide around anymore and most importantly Candice wouldn’t be in danger.

            “Here I packed some for Brad too. Tell him I said hello and…tell him thank you.” She said standing straight as if his rude behavior had not affected her. Before Nathan could say a word she turned her back and walked away. Nathan closed his eyes feeling a sting of pain pierce through his heart. So that’s how it felt.

            “I’m ready lets go.” Elliot announced behind him. Nathan watched Elliot clench and unclench his jaw but Nathan made no remark. He was pissed and when Elliot got upset there was no use reasoning with him. He nodded and inched towards the door.