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FunTranscript
00:00I lied about my age and dated a guy online.
00:02He was six years older than me.
00:04In real life, he was a CEO.
00:06Cold, untouchable.
00:09Barely human.
00:11Online, completely different person.
00:13Called me baby, called me wifey like he couldn't help himself.
00:16Said he'd get on his knees for me anytime I asked.
00:20I couldn't take how obsessed he was.
00:22So I dumped him and blocked him on everything.
00:26Over spring break, I stayed at my best friend Zoe's place
00:29and ran straight into her older brother.
00:32Tall, gorgeous, ice cold expression.
00:36And somehow, painfully familiar.
00:46Zoe nudged me.
00:47Down girl, my brother hates girls who throw themselves at him.
00:51And ever since he got ghosted by some online fling,
00:53he's been in the worst mood of his life.
00:55I swallowed hard.
00:59Zoe, your brother's name isn't Nathan Whitmore, is it?
01:04No freaking way.
01:06How do you know that?
01:07Zoe's hand flew to her mouth.
01:09Whatever hope I had left died right there.
01:12I had dated my best friend's brother online.
01:15And now I was standing in his house,
01:17months after ghosting him.
01:19The odds of this were lower than winning the Powerball.
01:21Actually makes sense.
01:22We're basically the same person.
01:23I probably mentioned his name without thinking.
01:26Before I could speak, Zoe was already waving it off.
01:28I just stood there, frozen.
01:30Nathan Whitmore was under the same roof as me.
01:32My heart wouldn't shut up.
01:34I kept thinking about an hour ago.
01:37When Zoe brought me home,
01:38Nathan had come down the stairs in a robe,
01:41loosely tied, collar open.
01:43He looked like he'd just rolled out of bed and still own the room.
01:45I stared at him.
01:47Something about that face nagged at me.
01:49But Nathan just gave me a short nod.
01:52Those dark eyes swept past me like I wasn't even there.
01:55Just his little sister's college friend.
01:57Nobody.
01:58I never would have connected this man to my clingy, filthy-mouthed ex from the internet.
02:02Online Nathan was a different species.
02:04Every night without fail.
02:06The pet names, the possessiveness.
02:08The way he talked like I already belonged to him.
02:10I was young, clueless.
02:12Half the things he said had me wide awake at 2 a.m. with my face on fire.
02:16I bit my lip.
02:17So, how many girlfriends has your brother had?
02:19Zoe laughed.
02:21Just one.
02:22Online, she shrugged.
02:23He was really into her.
02:25Then she dumped him out of nowhere.
02:26Cold as hell.
02:27He's been terrible ever since.
02:29Snapping at everyone.
02:30She patted my shoulder.
02:32If he's rude to you, don't take it personal.
02:35He's like that with everyone right now.
02:37Great.
02:38This was fine.
02:39Everything was fine.
02:43Next morning, Mrs. Whitmore called us down for breakfast.
02:46Nathan sat across from me.
02:48I couldn't stop glancing at him.
02:49Then he looked up.
02:50Our eyes met.
02:51He raised an eyebrow.
02:53Slightly surprised.
02:54My heart jumped.
02:55I looked away, but I could still feel his gaze on me.
02:58Lingering.
02:59Stay as long as you want, sweetheart.
03:01Make yourself at home.
03:02Mrs. Whitmore smiled.
03:03I snapped back to reality.
03:05Thank you, Mrs. Whitmore.
03:06I smiled and told myself to relax.
03:08Even if Nathan and I were under the same roof.
03:10There was no way he'd figure out I was the girl who ghosted him.
03:14No way.
03:14The conversation eventually shifted to Nathan.
03:17I listened carefully.
03:19Pieced things together.
03:20Apparently, his mom had set him up with someone recently.
03:23But when she asked how it was going, Nathan couldn't have cared less.
03:28Mom, I told you.
03:30I'm not interested in her.
03:32We met twice.
03:33I can't even remember her face.
03:36What exactly do you expect from me?
03:39Mrs. Whitmore set down her fork and rolled her eyes.
03:42You reject every girl I find.
03:44I swear I don't know when you'll ever wake up.
03:47You're in your mid-twenties, Nathan.
03:49No girlfriend.
03:50Sometimes I genuinely wonder if you even like women.
03:54Zoe snotted next to me.
03:56Mom, I promise his orientation is fine.
03:58She held up her hand like she was swearing an oath.
04:01He's just... romantically unlucky.
04:04The girl he's waiting for likes to play games, that's all.
04:07Mrs. Whitmore shot her a glare.
04:09I wanted to disappear into my plate.
04:11I didn't dare make a sound.
04:12But of course, the universe wasn't done with me.
04:14Emma Sinclair?
04:15Nathan's cold voice cut through the air.
04:17I flinched.
04:18Almost dropped my fork.
04:19It was just my name.
04:20Nothing special about the way he said it.
04:22But hearing it from his mouth sent a shiver down my spine.
04:25Why?
04:26Before I could think, his dark eyes were already on me.
04:29Studying me.
04:31Something unreadable behind them.
04:33You look guilty.
04:35Did you do something you shouldn't have?
04:38My brain short-circuit.
04:40My face went pale.
04:42I had nothing.
04:44Thankfully, Mrs. Whitmore stepped in.
04:46Leave her alone.
04:47Emma is our guest.
04:49Be nice.
04:50Zoe burst out laughing.
04:52Wow, bro.
04:53I mentioned Emma's name once and you already memorized it.
04:58Everyone laughed.
04:59I kept my head down and said nothing.
05:02I didn't notice Nathan narrowing his eyes at Nathan across the table.
05:05Zoe had a fever the past couple days.
05:08After breakfast, she took some medicine and went back to her room.
05:11I did some homework.
05:13Went downstairs for water.
05:15Saw Mrs. Whitford grabbing her keys.
05:17I asked where she was going.
05:19She sighed.
05:21That son of mine rushed out this morning and forgot his documents.
05:25Now I have to drive all the way to his office.
05:28He's never this careless.
05:29I don't know what's gotten into him.
05:31My hand moved before my brain did.
05:33I can take them.
05:34You should rest.
05:35Oh no.
05:37I couldn't ask you to do that.
05:40I shook my head and smiled.
05:42Really, it's fine.
05:44I've got nothing else to do.
05:46Mrs. Whitmore was kind enough to let me stay.
05:48The least I could do was help with something small.
05:51She couldn't argue with me.
05:55Eventually, she texted me the company address.
06:00In the Uber, I pulled out my phone and searched Nathan's name.
06:04The results were unanimous.
06:06Ruthless in business.
06:07Decisive.
06:08Sharp.
06:09Hard to imagine a guy like that dating someone online.
06:12Back then, I was in high school.
06:14My parents had just divorced.
06:16Life was miserable.
06:17I spent every night on Discord, playing with strangers just to feel less alone.
06:22That's where I met Nathan.
06:23I figured it still counted as a relationship, even if we'd never met face to face.
06:27Dopamine was dopamine.
06:29It made me feel something for a little while.
06:31But I was careful.
06:32I lied about my age.
06:33Told him I'd just graduated college.
06:35Never gave him my real name.
06:37Unlike most people, I never sent photos.
06:39Never answered his video calls.
06:40The only thing I allowed was a 30-minute voice call every night.
06:44Nathan, on the other hand, gave me everything.
06:45He Venmo'd me, money all the time.
06:48Random amounts for no reason.
06:50Get yourself something nice.
06:51You haven't eaten, order food, that kind of thing.
06:53The amounts were insane.
06:55I always sent it all back.
06:56All I wanted was emotional comfort.
06:58I never planned a future with him.
07:00Why would I take his money too?
07:01Then he got clingier.
07:03One day, he said he wanted to meet in person.
07:05I had two weeks until my finals.
07:07Meet in person?
07:08That was insane.
07:09I thought about it for a long time.
07:11Then I typed out the message.
07:12No point meeting up.
07:13I'm kind of over this.
07:14Let's end it.
07:15I hit send.
07:16Blocked him on Discord.
07:18Unfriended him on everything.
07:19Deleted our entire chat history.
07:21I thought after all this time, Nathan would have forgotten about us.
07:25But from the way Zoe talked about him, it sounded like he hadn't moved on at all.
07:31This was my first time at Nathan's office.
07:34The receptionist led me to the top floor.
07:37Apparently he owned the entire building.
07:40Must be nice being rich.
07:41The elevator dinged open.
07:44The second my eyes met Nathan's, I froze.
07:47Backlit by the windows, his sharp features carried an edge that almost felt dangerous.
07:52So this was what he looked like at work.
07:53Something squeezed tight in my chest.
07:55He'd just come out of a meeting.
07:57A group of board members trailed behind him.
07:59All older than him by at least a decade.
08:01None of them came close to matching his presence.
08:03He looked like he was born to lead.
08:05The hallway went quiet for a second.
08:07Someone looked at me with obvious curiosity.
08:10Mr. Whitmore, and this is...
08:12Their stares were anything but subtle.
08:15Nathan's gaze landed on me.
08:16He paused.
08:18Then, without making a big deal of it, he stepped slightly in front of me.
08:21A friend.
08:22I blinked.
08:23Not his sister's classmate.
08:25A friend.
08:26Mr. Whitmore, this young lady says she's here to deliver your documents.
08:30The receptionist chimed in.
08:32Nathan nodded.
08:32Got it.
08:33Take her to my office.
08:35He pressed the elevator button.
08:37Seemed like he had somewhere else to be.
08:39I thought about it for a second.
08:41Then I handed the documents to the receptionist.
08:43Well, since these are delivered, I'll get going.
08:46Don't want to be in the way.
08:49The moment I turned around, I felt something stop me.
08:53Nathan's hand on my arm.
08:54His voice low.
08:55Did I say you could leave?
08:59I stopped.
09:00He was so close I could smell him.
09:02Something clean and cool.
09:04Like pine in winter.
09:05I forgot how to move.
09:07Where his fingers touched my arm, a current buzzed under my skin.
09:10Then he let out a quiet breath.
09:12Go wait for me.
09:13I have something to tell you.
09:14I had no idea what Nathan wanted to say to me.
09:17As far as he was concerned, our only connection was his sister.
09:20His behavior was making me anxious.
09:22By the time his assistant came in to swap my coffee for the third time, I was getting restless.
09:27Then the door opened.
09:29Nathan walked in, saw me on the couch.
09:31His expression softened just a fraction.
09:33He came straight towards me.
09:37Mr. Witt?
09:38I stood up instinctively, nervous.
09:41Something flickered in Nathan's eyes.
09:43Gone in a blink.
09:45Sit down, you're not my employee.
09:47Don't call me that.
09:48His office was massive.
09:50But being alone with him made me uneasy.
09:55So, why did you want me to stay?
09:57Do you have your phone?
09:58He didn't answer my question.
10:00His tone left no room for argument.
10:03I nodded.
10:03Let's follow each other.
10:04I'll Venvo you for the ride.
10:06I almost thought I was hearing things.
10:08A man like Nathan Whitmore.
10:09Handling a cab reimbursement personally.
10:11No, really, it's fine.
10:13It was nothing.
10:14I shook my head.
10:15Besides, I've been staying at your house for free.
10:18That's different.
10:20His dark eyes fixed on me.
10:21He thought for a moment.
10:23I don't like owing people.
10:24I was about to refuse again.
10:25But then a thought hit me.
10:27Why was he pushing so hard for this?
10:28As his sister's friend, there was no reason he needed my social media.
10:32Unless he suspected something.
10:34Panic almost showed on my face.
10:35This man was unreal.
10:37There were zero clues.
10:38How could he already be suspicious?
10:39When I pulled up my profile, I caught something.
10:42His hand was trembling.
10:43Slightly.
10:44He stared at my screen for a long time.
10:46After a while, something in him deflated.
10:49Like the air had been knocked out of his lungs.
10:51I quietly exhaled.
10:53The reason I could add him so calmly was simple.
10:55I'd stopped using my old account after senior year.
10:58My current profile looked nothing like the old one.
11:00Nathan had no way to connect the two.
11:02But I noticed something.
11:03His profile picture.
11:04It was still the one I'd picked for him back then.
11:06After all this time, he never changed it.
11:08I didn't know what to feel.
11:11The silence between us was suffocating.
11:14Nathan lifted his head.
11:15His voice was hard to read.
11:17You don't have anything you want to say to me?
11:19Nope.
11:20I forced a smile.
11:21Stood up casually.
11:22It's getting late.
11:23I should head back.
11:24Any longer and I was going to slip up.
11:26Wait.
11:27His voice came from behind me.
11:28A chill crawled up my spine.
11:30I'll have my driver take you.
11:31He sounded tired.
11:33The amount Nathan Venmo'd me could have covered a month of Ubers.
11:37I thought about it and kept it.
11:39Sending it back would have been awkward.
11:40And Nathan wouldn't miss it.
11:42I just didn't understand why being around him always made me this nervous.
11:46The moment I stepped out of his office, every pair of eyes on the top floor landed on me.
11:51I heard people whispering, guessing what I was to their boss.
11:55That sobered me up fast.
11:56This was Nathan Whitman.
11:58He'd grown up being admired, worshipped, even.
12:00A man like that would never tolerate knowing he'd been lied to.
12:03If I couldn't handle the fallout of him finding out, then I had to keep this buried.
12:07Forever.
12:10The car pulled into the neighborhood.
12:12Nathan didn't come home for two days.
12:14According to Mrs. Whitmore, he had other places.
12:17Staying out was normal for him.
12:18Not having to face him at home was a relief.
12:21Zoe recovered.
12:22Full of energy again.
12:23Impossible to keep indoors.
12:25Emma, it's Jake's birthday today.
12:27Everyone's getting together tonight.
12:28Want to come?
12:29Jake Sullivan, a guy from our high school.
12:31We all ended up at the same state school, so we stayed close.
12:34I figured going out might clear my head.
12:36I said yes.
12:37Zoe and I left the house just as it was getting dark.
12:40Dinner was at a new place downtown.
12:42Jake's group was already waiting outside, talking and laughing.
12:46When Jake saw me, his eyes lit up.
12:49Emma, I told you guys not to bring gifts.
12:52I smiled.
12:53Too bad.
12:54You gave me something expensive for my birthday.
12:56My conscience wouldn't survive if I didn't return the favor.
12:59I handed him the watch I'd picked out.
13:01Jake took it.
13:02His smile stiffened for a second.
13:05You always have to keep things perfectly even between us.
13:08Don't you?
13:09I smirked.
13:10Pretended I didn't catch his meaning.
13:14Then Zoe threw her arm over my shoulder.
13:17Her eyes bounced between me and Jake, full of mischief.
13:23Jake?
13:24So whose gift do you like more?
13:27Mine or Emma's?
13:29A ripple of teasing laughter went around the group.
13:32James' ears turned red.
13:34He kept glancing at me.
13:36Before he could speak, Zoe was already grinning.
13:40Say no more.
13:41Obviously everything about our Emma suits you perfectly.
13:44I elbowed her.
13:45On the way into the restaurant, I leaned in and murmured,
13:49You know I don't see Jake that way.
13:52If you keep teasing like this, he's going to get the wrong idea.
13:56Zoe just laughed.
13:58Honestly though, Jake's cute.
14:00Loyal too.
14:01Why don't you like him?
14:02I froze for a second.
14:04Out of nowhere, Nathan's face flashed in my head.
14:07I shook it off.
14:08Hard.
14:09You can't force feelings.
14:11If it's not there, it's not there.
14:14Zoe squeezed my arm.
14:16Fine, fine.
14:17I'll stop.
14:20Fencing club.
14:21Nathan was in full gear, sparring with his best friend.
14:26Every strike aimed to kill.
14:29His friend stumbled backward again and again,
14:31practically begging for mercy.
14:34Nathan didn't let up.
14:42Again.
14:43His voice was ice.
14:46Across the room, two men watched the one-sided massacre.
14:51They shook their heads in unison.
14:54What's up with Nathan today?
14:55He's off.
14:56Last time he went this hard was when that girl dumped him.
14:59They exchanged a look.
15:01One of them smirked.
15:04Interesting.
15:04So it is about a girl again?
15:06Didn't he spend six months trying to find her and came up empty?
15:10He was absolutely wrecked over her.
15:12You think he's moved on to someone new?
15:15The other man shook his head slowly.
15:17A knowing grin spread across his face.
15:19Or maybe the person messing him up both times is the same girl.
15:23Nathan's phone buzzed several times.
15:26He pulled off his mask, breathing hard.
15:28Walked to the bench.
15:30The message was from a friend who owned a bar.
15:33He stared at the photo on the screen for a long time.
15:36A girl.
15:37His jaw tightened.
15:40Put her table on my tib.
15:42I'm on my way.
15:45Dinner lasted nearly two hours.
15:47Afterward everyone wanted a second round.
15:48I got dragged along.
15:50Jake's group booked a big VIP booth at a bar.
15:52Someone suggested a drinking game.
15:54A few rounds in, it landed on me.
15:56I hesitated.
15:57Pick truth.
15:58Jake was the one asking.
15:59He'd seemed disinterested all night.
16:01But now he took his time thinking.
16:02When was the last time someone made your heart skip?
16:05I paused.
16:05That was a long time ago, wasn't it?
16:08If I had to pinpoint it.
16:09About six months ago, I said it quietly.
16:12One night, Nathan and I were on our usual call.
16:14He picked up a few seconds late and I got upset.
16:16Threw a fit over nothing.
16:17He just kept soothing me.
16:19Patient as always.
16:20Then I heard voices in the background.
16:22Whistling.
16:22Laughing.
16:23Bro, you're doing this again?
16:25Begging some online girlfriend to forgive you?
16:27She's got you whipped, huh?
16:29Nathan snapped.
16:30Back off.
16:31Yeah, I'm whipped.
16:32She's my girlfriend and I'll do whatever the hell she wants.
16:35Mind your own business.
16:37My heart flipped.
16:38I didn't know if it was because he defended me or because he called me his girlfriend.
16:42When I came back to the present, I caught the flicker of disappointment in Jake's eyes.
16:47He opened his mouth.
16:49Closed it.
16:50Didn't ask anything else.
16:53More drinks.
16:55The energy in the booth got louder.
16:57Jake picked dare.
16:58Someone dared him to pick me up and do ten squats.
17:00I felt awkward.
17:01Zoe jumped in immediately.
17:03Nope.
17:03Not happening.
17:04Stop messing around.
17:05But the group wouldn't let it go.
17:06Come on.
17:07A dare's a dare.
17:08If she can't do the dare, she can at least drink, right?
17:11Are you serious?
17:12Emma's allergic to alcohol.
17:13You guys know that.
17:14Come on.
17:15Pick something else.
17:16Zoe rolled her eyes.
17:18The air went still.
17:19Things got weird for a second.
17:21I thought everyone was just annoyed.
17:22Then a low, cold voice came from behind me.
17:25Before I could react, Zoe was on her feet, stunned.
17:28I froze.
17:29I'll drink for her.
17:30Nathan?
17:31What are you doing here?
17:36Nathan showing up out of nowhere was the last thing I expected.
17:39I stared at him.
17:40Everyone held their breath.
17:41Before I could process anything, he'd already sat down next to me.
17:45Casual, like he belonged there.
17:47He reached for a glass.
17:48He started pouring.
17:49So how many drinks was the penalty?
17:52He ate.
17:53Some girl in the group answered, face bright red.
17:56Nathan didn't even glance at her.
17:58His throat bobbed as he tilted his head back and downed glass after glass.
18:02All ate.
18:03One after another.
18:05Without stopping.
18:09Then he grabbed my hand.
18:11Stood up.
18:12And started walking toward the exit.
18:14Sorry.
18:15I need to borrow her for a minute.
18:16Carry on.
18:19By the time I was sitting in Nathan's car, I still felt like I was dreaming.
18:22I scrambled for an excuse.
18:24My friends are still back there.
18:25He let out a cold laugh, like my choice of words had pissed him off.
18:29Emma Sinclair.
18:30His voice went up a notch.
18:31Icy.
18:32Testing.
18:32I used to have a girlfriend.
18:34She was allergic to alcohol too.
18:36You think that's a coincidence?
18:38My mind went blank.
18:40I couldn't even look him in the eye.
18:42One last try.
18:44Actually, a lot of people are allergic to alcohol.
18:46At my school alone, before I could finish, Nathan closed the distance.
18:51He leaned in and prinned me between his body and the seat.
18:55His breath tangled with mine.
18:58My cheeks burned.
19:00He studied him for a long time in that position.
19:03Then, through gritted teeth, he smiled.
19:05Cold.
19:06Nora.
19:0722.
19:08Just graduated college.
19:09He said it word by word, watching my face the entire time.
19:13Every word landed like a brick.
19:15My face drained of color.
19:19Even after you dumped me, I believed every single thing you told me.
19:23No wonder I couldn't find you, no matter how hard I looked.
19:31Turns out my so-called girlfriend was still in high school.
19:34Every single thing she told me was a lie.
19:37Was that fun for you?
19:38He said it all in one breath.
19:40His chest heaving.
19:42Shoulders rising and falling.
19:43His face was terrifyingly dark.
19:45I closed my eyes.
19:47So there was no running from this after all.
19:49Nothing left to argue.
19:51I clenched my fists.
19:52How did you figure out I was Nora?
19:54He scoffed, almost laughing from anger.
19:57How do you think?
19:58We were together for months.
20:00I never saw your face.
20:01But your voice?
20:03You think I wouldn't recognize it?
20:05I suspected it the day you showed up at my house.
20:09Even when nothing else matched, I trusted my gut.
20:12Before I knew it, his fingers were under my chin, forcing me to look at him.
20:16His eyes were filled with something I couldn't name.
20:19Frustration.
20:20Helplessness.
20:21Disappointment.
20:22And maybe...
20:23Hurt.
20:24Emma, you really underestimated how much I loved you.
20:30I didn't know what to say.
20:32A thousand things ran through my head.
20:34But all I said was,
20:35I'm sorry.
20:37I wasn't thinking back then.
20:39I just needed someone to be there for me.
20:41And you showed up.
20:42I swear I wasn't trying to trick you.
20:44I just didn't want to give that much personal information to someone online.
20:47If I hurt you, I'm sorry.
20:49I opened my eyes halfway.
20:50For a split second, I thought I saw something dark rolling behind his gaze.
20:54Then it was gone.
20:55He laughed bitterly.
20:57You think I want your apology?
20:59I confused.
21:01I'm only asking you one thing.
21:03After you left me, did you ever regret it?
21:06His breath was hot and fast against my face.
21:08I didn't understand why he was asking this.
21:11He saw me hesitate.
21:12Something close to fear crossed his face.
21:14His voice dropped.
21:15Strained.
21:16You don't have to answer right now.
21:17Take your time.
21:18Even if you felt just a tiny bit of regret, I can lie to myself and...
21:21I heard the tremble in his voice.
21:24Guilt hit me like a wave.
21:25I'd already lied to him once.
21:27Was I really going to keep doing it?
21:29I couldn't.
21:30I took a breath and cut him off.
21:32Nathan, I...
21:33Stop.
21:36He turned toward the window.
21:39If it's something I don't want to hear, please, don't say it.
21:42My nose sting.
21:43I could feel it.
21:45All of his panic.
21:46All of his fear.
21:50The words froze in the air between us.
21:52After a long pause, my eyes went red.
21:55I said it anyway.
21:56I was just playing around back then.
21:58I thought you felt the same way.
21:59So no.
22:01After I ended things, I didn't regret it.
22:03Because I didn't think about you that often.
22:06Silence, Nathan laughed at himself.
22:08He looked completely alone.
22:09He paused for what felt like half a minute.
22:12It felt like a century.
22:13When he spoke again, his voice was rough.
22:16And now?
22:17What about now?
22:18Now.
22:19Do you want to start over with me?
22:20He looked at me.
22:22Every word deliberate.
22:23His dark eyes were full of something reckless.
22:26Almost obsessive.
22:28When you dumped me, you said you were bored.
22:30I'm not boring anymore.
22:31Whatever you didn't like about me, I'll change.
22:34All of it.
22:35Emma, just come back to me.
22:37I won't hold any of it against you.
22:39I cut him off before he could finish.
22:41Nathan, are you insane?
22:42You know that I-
22:43I know.
22:43His eyes were steady.
22:45Certain.
22:46I'm making a bet.
22:48That one day, you'll actually fall for me.
22:53My head went blank.
22:54Nothing else existed.
22:56My heart was about to break out of my chest.
22:59That night, Nathan arranged for someone to drive me and Zoe home.
23:02Before we left, I saw him talking to Jake on the sidewalk.
23:05My head was pounding.
23:07My brain couldn't hold anymore.
23:09I gave up trying to figure everything out.
23:11On the ride back, Zoe was buzzing, interrogating me non-stop.
23:16Why did Nathan pull me outside?
23:18What did he say?
23:19What happened?
23:20I sighed.
23:21It's a long story.
23:22Then give me the short version.
23:23You're seriously going to hold out on me?
23:25At this point, there was no reason to hide it.
23:27Remember that girl your brother you dated online?
23:29Zoe paused.
23:30Then nodded slowly.
23:32That was me.
23:33Her jaw dropped.
23:36No.
23:37She needed a full minute to absorb it.
23:41So you're the one who had my brother completely whipped?
23:44She saw the guilt on my face.
23:46Incredible!
23:47That's my girl!
23:48I want to go rub this in his face so bad right now.
23:51Let's see him try to bully me after this.
23:53Zoe was grinning like a villain.
23:55I couldn't smile at all.
23:58Back at school, I didn't reach out to Nathan.
24:01I never gave him a straight answer that night.
24:03He didn't push.
24:05Like he was giving me all the time in the world to think it over.
24:08Friday night, our student org had a dinner.
24:11Jake sat next to me, friendly as always.
24:14I felt uneasy.
24:15I wanted to step outside for some air.
24:18But the second I stood up, my vision blurred.
24:21I couldn't see straight.
24:22A wave of heat exploded inside me.
24:25It spread fast, burning through my entire body.
24:30I knew something was wrong immediately.
24:32I'd only had one glass of soda.
24:35Had someone spiked my drink?
24:37I shook my head, trying to stay alert.
24:39Through the haze, Jake grabbed my arm.
24:42Hey, Emma, you okay?
24:44Want to go sit outside?
24:45I nodded.
24:47As he helped me walk, his hand landed on my waist.
24:51The scent of a man I didn't want near me closed in around me.
24:55Every part of me recoiled.
24:57I tried to pull away.
24:59I'm fine.
25:00You don't have to...
25:02How can I not?
25:03You look terrible.
25:04Jake held me tighter.
25:06His voice probing.
25:09There's a hotel nearby.
25:11I could get a room so you can rest.
25:13It sounded innocent enough.
25:15But every alarm in my body went off.
25:18I wanted to leave.
25:20But the heat kept surging.
25:21My legs buckled.
25:22When Jake pulled me against his chest, I knew I was in trouble.
25:26I couldn't even push him away.
25:27Right when I thought it was over, I heard Nathan's voice.
25:30Urgent.
25:31Sharp.
25:31Calling my name.
25:35I tried to open my eyes, but everything was a blur.
25:37All I felt was a familiar scent wrapping around me.
25:40And just like that, the panic in my chest went quiet.
25:42Backseat of his car.
25:43I was straddling Nathan, tangled up in him.
25:46My skin was burning.
25:47Every nerve on fire.
25:48The only relief was being close to him.
25:51Pressed against him.
25:52Breathing him in.
25:53No, that wasn't enough.
25:55Every cell in my body was screaming for more.
25:58I kissed him first.
25:59Hard.
26:00Desperate.
26:02Nathan's breathing shattered.
26:05But through the ragged breaths, he was buttoning my shirt back up.
26:09Every button I'd undone.
26:14Emma, we can't.
26:15I couldn't hear him.
26:16Didn't want to.
26:18By the time we got back to his place, I was still all over him.
26:21He turned his head away from my kiss and dialed the phone.
26:24Yes.
26:25Now, get a doctor to my apartment.
26:27Now.
26:28He hung up, pulled me into the bathroom, and put me in the tub.
26:32Cold water.
26:33I thought he'd finally give in.
26:35Instead, he grabbed his tie and wrapped it around my wrists.
26:38Loop after loop.
26:39Be good.
26:40The doctor's almost here.
26:41The cold water and the fire inside me were tearing me apart.
26:45My lips trembled.
26:47I felt so wronged.
26:49So desperate.
26:50He didn't want me?
26:53Something reckless took over.
26:55I grabbed the back of his neck and bit down on his lip.
26:57His whole body shuddered.
26:59When he spoke, his voice was wrecked.
27:00Emma, just hold on a little longer.
27:01Please, I don't know what's in that drug.
27:03I'm not going to risk your body.
27:04I can't.
27:04The frustration boiled over.
27:05Everything went black.
27:06That was probably the longest night of Nathan's life.
27:08After what felt like hours, he watched me breathing finally even out on his bed.
27:12He let out a long exhale.
27:14When the doctor arrived, Nathan looked like a wreck.
27:16He didn't care.
27:17He grabbed a towel and wrapped me up tight.
27:18Made sure not a single inch of skin was showing before he let the doctor into the room.
27:22After the treatment, I was much calmer.
27:24Keep asleep.
27:25She's lucky.
27:26The dosage in her system was low.
27:27Once she wakes up, she should be fine.
27:29Nathan finally relaxed.
27:30After the doctor left, he went back to the bedroom.
27:32He sat there watching me sleep.
27:34His heart still pounding.
27:35He'd only come tonight because he missed me too much.
27:39He saw my location on my Instagram story.
27:42Showed up on impulse.
27:44He never expected to walk into that.
27:46The thought of what Jake had tried to do made his blood boil.
27:49Before bringing me home, he'd beaten Jake bloody.
27:52One-sided, no mercy.
27:54Fist after fist, he meant every single one.
27:58It was my fault.
27:59Jake wiped the blood from his lip.
28:01A friend gave me the stuff.
28:02He told me that after tonight, Emma would be mine for good.
28:05I wasn't thinking straight.
28:07I put it in her drink.
28:08But I swear I never meant to hurt her.
28:10I just...
28:10Another punch.
28:12Nathan pulled me into his arms and looked down at Jake.
28:16Cold.
28:17You touched her.
28:19You deal with the consequences.
28:21Expect to hear from my lawyer.
28:23Back in the apartment, Nathan stood by the window.
28:26He still couldn't calm down.
28:27He didn't want to imagine what would have happened if he'd arrived a minute later.
28:31He couldn't let me be alone anymore.
28:32No matter what it took, he was keeping me by his side.
28:37He remembered the night at the bar.
28:39After he'd walked out with me, Jake had stopped him on the sidewalk.
28:42Eyes hard, young, cocky, blindly confident.
28:45Mr. Whitmore, you look way older than us.
28:47Honestly, you and Emma aren't even from the same world, so I'd suggest you back off.
28:51You two don't belong together.
28:52Nathan had looked at him for a long time, then laughed, quiet, dismissive.
28:56Are you trying to compete with me?
28:58What if I am?
28:59Jake squared up, full of hostility.
29:01Nathan didn't lynch, calm, steady, a grown man's composure.
29:04You couldn't even drink for her without hesitating.
29:06How exactly are you going to protect her?
29:07Yeah, I'm older than her.
29:09I don't see the problem.
29:09Money, power, everything in between.
29:11Whatever she wants, I can give it to her.
29:13Jake flinched.
29:14Nathan's lips curved.
29:15She's mine.
29:16Now standing in the dark, he looked down at the girl in his bed.
29:19His gaze was impossibly soft.
29:22I slept like I'd been dead.
29:24When I opened my eyes, I was in an unfamiliar bed.
29:27For a second, I panicked.
29:29Then I saw Nathan, slumped over the edge of the bed, asleep.
29:32Everything settled.
29:33The second I moved, he was awake.
29:35You're up.
29:36Does anything hurt?
29:37I shook my head.
29:38He helped me sit up against the headboard.
29:40Last night, my voice came out rough.
29:42He handed me a glass of water.
29:43The cold water soothed my throat.
29:45I felt human again.
29:46Then he spoke gently.
29:48Nothing happened between us last night.
29:49I want you to know that.
29:51The doctor already checked you out.
29:52But if anything feels off, I'll take you to the hospital right away.
29:55I stared at him.
29:57Something about the worry in his eyes made my nose sting.
30:00I threw myself into his arms and cried.
30:03He froze for a second.
30:04Then he held me, tight, like he was trying to fold me into his bones.
30:10It's okay.
30:11I'm here.
30:15I cried for a long time.
30:16Got tears and snot all over his black shirt.
30:18A complete mess.
30:20When I finally pulled back, I sniffed.
30:22He wiped my tears with his knuckle.
30:24One by one.
30:26Slow.
30:26Careful.
30:27I'll make this right.
30:29Whoever touched you, I won't let it slide.
30:31When he mentioned Jake, his face darkened.
30:34The gentleness vanished.
30:36Something dangerous took its place.
30:38I thought he looked impossibly sexy like that.
30:41And last night, I'd been all over him, begging.
30:45He must have been losing his mind.
30:46But even then, he didn't touch me.
30:48My chest went warm.
30:50I kept stealing glances at him.
30:52What?
30:53He laughed softly.
30:55Morning light on his jaw.
30:57His eyes full of something fierce and tender at the same time.
31:00The kind of man you couldn't help but fall for.
31:02Something inside me cracked.
31:04A wall I didn't know I'd built.
31:06I smiled.
31:07Nathan, I think I'm starting to like you.
31:13Nathan went still.
31:15Like he wasn't sure he'd heard me right.
31:17Say that again.
31:18His voice was low.
31:19Careful.
31:20I felt my cheeks burn.
31:21I said, I think I'm starting to like you.
31:23You think.
31:24Or you know.
31:25Don't push it.
31:26Something in his eyes cracked open.
31:28And for the first time, I saw Nathan Whitmore really smile.
31:31Not a smirk.
31:32Not a cold laugh.
31:33A real, helpless smile.
31:35Like a man who'd finally remembered how to breathe.
31:38He pulled me in.
31:39Pressed his forehead against mine.
31:41Do you have an idea how long I've waited to hear that?
31:43I could feel his heartbeat.
31:45Fast.
31:46Unstady.
31:47The most powerful man I'd ever met.
31:49Trembling because of me.
31:51Then he kissed me.
31:52Slow.
31:53Warm.
31:54Like he was savoring something he'd been afraid he'd never get.
31:57But, when he pulled back, his thumb traced my jaw.
32:01You're mine now.
32:02No takebacks.
32:04You're so dramatic.
32:06I spent seven months looking for a girl who didn't exist.
32:09I've earned dramatic.
32:11That evening, he refused to let me leave.
32:15I overheard his call with his lawyer.
32:17Police report.
32:19Restraining order.
32:20His voice was flat the entire time.
32:22But his hand never left mine.
32:24When he hung up, I looked at him.
32:27Isn't that a bit much?
32:29His eyes darkened.
32:31He drubbed you, Emma.
32:32That shut me up.
32:33I leaned against his shoulder.
32:35Okay.
32:36I trust you.
32:37His arm came around me.
32:39Tight.
32:42Being Nathan Whitworth's girlfriend was an experience.
32:45Good morning texts at 6 a.m.
32:48Lunch delivered to campus.
32:50His driver outside my last class like clockwork.
32:57Nathan, you sent me 17 messages before noon.
33:00That's because you only replied to three.
33:03The first time he picked me up from campus, every girl in the parking lot stopped and stared.
33:11He leaned against his car in a black coat.
33:14When he saw me, that icy mask melted in half a second.
33:18He kissed my forehead.
33:20Right there.
33:21In front of everyone.
33:23Nathan, people are watching.
33:25Let them.
33:29In private, he was worse.
33:33If I studied, he sat next to me just to be in the same room.
33:40If I tried to leave after dinner,
33:42he'd grab my wrist with the most pitiful look I'd ever seen on a grown man.
33:47Ten more minutes.
33:49You said that 30 minutes ago.
33:50Ten more.
33:52One night at his apartment.
33:53Out of nowhere, he said it.
33:55I love you.
33:56No build-up.
33:57No grand gesture.
33:59Just three words into the quiet.
34:00His eyes were steady.
34:02Calm.
34:03You don't have to say it back.
34:04I just wanted you to know.
34:07I buried my face in his chest.
34:09You're really annoying, you know that?
34:11Is that a yes?
34:14It's a shut up and hold me.
34:17He laughed.
34:19His arms wrapped around me tighter.
34:21I didn't say it back that night,
34:23but we both knew it was only a me a matter of time.
34:27Six months later,
34:29Nathan and I were still together.
34:31He was clingy beyond belief.
34:33Any chance he got, he was glued to me.
34:36Worse than when we were online.
34:38And ten times filthier.
34:41He used his face and body like weapons.
34:45Shamelessly.
34:46Late at night, the room filled with heavy breathing.
34:49Nathan had me pressed against the floor-to-ceiling window.
34:51I whispered.
34:52Too much.
34:53He bit my lower lip and whispered against my mouth.
34:57Tell me, baby.
34:58What am I doing to you right now?
35:00His voice was low and raw and devastating.
35:04My face went red.
35:05I buried it in his neck and refused to answer.
35:09He laughed.
35:10Low.
35:11Dark.
35:12Then went harder.
35:13Faster.
35:14This isn't your first time with me.
35:16Why are you still so shy?
35:19Come on.
35:20Say it.
35:21Am I yours?
35:22The heat rushed to my face.
35:26Tears pooled at the corners of my eyes.
35:28He kept pushing.
35:29Teasting.
35:30Holding back until I gave him what he wanted.
35:32When the wave finally crashed, I broke.
35:35Yes.
35:36You're mine.
35:37You're all mine.
35:38Good girl.
35:40His breath came in heavy waves against my ear.
35:44He kissed me.
35:45Deep.
35:46Consuming.
35:48Somewhere in the haze, a phone buzzed on the nightstand.
35:52Zoe's messages kept rolling in.
35:54Love in the haze, a phone buzzed on the nightstand.
35:54Love in the haze, a phone buzzed on the nightstand.
35:55Love in the haze, a phone buzzed on the nightstand.
35:56Love in the haze, a phone buzzed on the nightstand.
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