The Captain I Married by Chance novel Chapter 398

Nathan raised an eyebrow. "Define 'fine'."

Nora shot him a withering glare.

"Are you doing this on purpose?"

Nathan looked the picture of innocence. "I'm not doing anything. I'm asking for clarification. It's like signing a contract—both parties need a clear understanding of their rights and obligations."

"I'm more than happy to follow your rules, but you have to tell me what the rules actually are."

"When we're alone, does 'fine' mean kissing, or just hugging? We need hard boundaries here."

Nora's ears were burning red.

Why did she ever think Nathan was some cold, stoic, untouchable detective?

This shameless negotiator standing in front of her was anything but stoic.

"Hugging only."

She forced the words out, her face flushed. "Nothing else."

Nathan's brow furrowed in deep dissatisfaction. "That is incredibly unfair to me."

Nora glared at him. "What more do you want?"

She knew he was pushing her buttons on purpose.

But she also didn't have much of a defense.

He had done so much for her. Even though she wasn't a fan of public displays of affection, he was willing to compromise. If she kept icing him out, it would genuinely hurt his feelings.

If they were going to make this relationship work, it couldn't always be him bending to her will.

As long as he wasn't completely unreasonable, she could give a little ground.

"Hugging and kissing are standard protocol, right?"

Nathan added a touch of grievance to his tone. "Nora, we're going to be legally married soon."

Nora couldn't meet his eyes.

She couldn't exactly argue with his logic, so she just gave a stiff nod of agreement.

"Whatever you say."

A bright, triumphant smile broke across Nathan's face.

"You're the best, Nora."

A sudden rush of emotion made her throat tight.

Nathan took the photo and tilted it slightly so their shoulders brushed and they could both see the image clearly.

Aside from the magazine cutouts spelling out [The Apex Awards will be the day you die], there was an addition.

In the bottom right corner, written in black fountain pen ink, was a new message: [You are the first. Be ready.]

Nora turned the words over in her head.

Anyone with half a brain could understand the implication.

But something about it felt incredibly off.

"Where exactly was Michael when he received this?"

The detective paused.

"He didn't say. When Quinn called, she was throwing a massive fit. She basically accused us of sitting on our hands and demanded we stop being lazy and catch the guy immediately."

Nora frowned.

Quinn might be a competent talent manager, but her attitude was absolutely insufferable.

"Tell Quinn to come down to the precinct."