The Forbidden Throb (Emma and Daniel) novel Chapter 124

Chapter 124

Heat packs. The kind you stick to your clothes.

Before I could protest further, he’d opened one of the packets with efficient movements, shaking it to activate the warming reaction. His hands moved to my waist, and I froze.

“May His voice was low, professional, but there was something underneath it I couldn’t name.

tely.

The adhesive backing off and pressed the heat pack to my lower back, his palm smoothing it down through the fabric of my dress. gh layers of clothing, I felt the warmth of his hand.

there like a mannequin, letting him work, feeling increasingly ridiculous and cared for in equal measure.

re.” He stepped back, surveying his work with the same critical eye he probably used in surgery. “That should help.”

The heat was already seeping through my dress, spreading across my skin like a warm embrace. It was… wonderful, actually. I felt my shoulders relax, muscles I hadn’t realized were tense starting to ease.

“Your luggage is like Mary Poppins’ bag,” I said without thinking. “Everything just appears when you need it.”

Something flickered across his face-not quite amusement, something softer. “I have someone at home who requires… frequent oversight.”

The way he said it, so casual yet weighted.

Our eyes met for a brief, charged moment.

The first-class exit route was mercifully quick.

No jostling through economy crowds, no waiting in jetway traffic. Just smooth, efficient movement from plane to terminal.

The arrivals hall was decorated for Christmas-a towering tree covered in gold ribbons and crystal stars dominated the center, surrounded by a miniature train set that chugged along tiny tracks.

Children pressed their faces against the glass barriers, pointing and squealing.

“Photo op!” Sarah announced, already pulling out her phone. “We need documentation of this moment

I joined the group gathering

There were eight of us

me), plus two cardi

General doctors), our media group (Professor Laurent, Sarah, and

Emma, you’re too far to the side. Come to the center.”

behind me.

3:57 am

Chapter 124

PPP. ррр

“Closer, Sarah insisted. “We need to all fit in frame.”

I felt Daniel’s hand land on my shoulder-light, steadying. Just helping with positioning.

That’s all it was.

But his palm was warm through my coat, and his thumb rested just above my collarbone, and suddenly I couldn’t breathe properly

“Perfect! Hold still-

The camera flashed.

$24

“Ms. Laurent! Bonjour!”

A man in his thirties approached, hand extended. Dark hair, expensive suit, carrying a tablet. He greeted Professor Laurent with the easy familiarity of a previous acquaintance.

“This must be the team,” he continued in lightly accented English, his smile bright. “Welcome to Paris, everyone. I’m Marc Rousseau, conference

coordinator.”

Handshakes all around. When he reached Daniel, his expression brightened with genuine warmth.

“Daniel!” Marc switched to rapid French, pulling him into a brief embrace. “Mon ami, it’s been what? Two years?”

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