The Forbidden Throb (Emma and Daniel) novel Chapter 125

Chapter 125

Emma’s POV:

Marc directed us toward three sleek bl ack Mercedes vans, their engines purring softly in the cold Parisian air.

ht, everyone! Marc clapped his hands together, his breath forming small clouds in the December chill.

team in van one, media group in van two, and-” His eyes sparkled with barely contained excitement. ‘Emma, you’re with Daniel an

three. We have some things to discuss about the conference schedule.

Professor Laurent’s knowing look as she climbed into the second van with Sarah. Great. More fuel for speculation.

nterior of our van was warm and luxurious, all soft leather and polished wood accents.

slid into the back seat, and Daniel followed, settling beside me with his usual precise efficiency. Marc took the passenger seat up front, immediately twisting around to face us.

His grin stretched wider. “I still can’t believe it-my professors haven’t even met you yet, and I’m the first lucky bastard to see the mysterious

E.J. in person!”

His questions kept coming, rapid-fire and enthusiastic, barely leaving room for breath.

It wasn’t until he’d buckled his seatbelt that Daniel’s pointed look from the rearview mirror finally penetrated.

Marc made an exaggerated gesture of zipping his lips shut, but the gleam in his eyes suggested he wasn’t quite finished.

He raised both hands in surrender. “I promise, I promise this is the absolute last question. Daniel, please, you have to let me ask just once

Daniel sighed through his nose, his reflection in the mirror showing resigned patience.

Marc cleared his throat and twisted his entire upper body toward me from the front seat, his sea-blue eyes suddenly intense. Emma-have you read his papers? Dr. Prescott’s research?”

My lips curved into a small smile. “Yes, I have.”

Something flickered across Marc’s face. “And… that’s it? No particular thoughts?”

I blinked, feeling heat creep into my cheeks. He’s brilliant in the field. I admire his work greatly

It should have been the perfect answer.

But Marc’s expression shifted through a series of reactions surprise melting into something searching, then settling into a complicated uit of confusion that swirled in those blue eyes like clouds across water.

Marc’s hand lifted from the steering wheel, his mouth opening

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1:57 am

Chapter 125

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Then Daniel’s hand appeared from behind, tapping Marc’s headrest with deliberate firmness. “That’s enough.

I didn’t bring my wife here for a family vacation, Daniel continued, his tone leaving no room for argument. She needs to rest.

Marc’s hands spread in surrender, and he turned back around with visible reluctance.

The van merged onto a bridge over the Seine.

I turned back to the window, letting the gentle motion of the van and the rhythm of French conversation wash over me. The heat pack Daniel had pressed to my lower back radiated warmth through my coat. My eyelids grew heavy.

The world came back in fragments.

First, warmth.

Second, the scent of Daniel’s cologne.

Third,

Third, the gentle rise and fall of breathing beneath my cheek.

My eyes flew open.

I was lying across Daniel’s lap, my head pillowed on his thigh. His suit jacket was draped over my shoulders like a blanket.

His voice was low, meant only for me. “We’re almost there.”

I pushed myself upright carefully, conscious of the way my hair had come loose from its clip.

The van door opened, letting in a gust of cold Parisian air. Marc appeared, grinning. “Welcome to Le Meurice Boutique Hotel.

Inside, the lobby continued the theme of quiet luxury. Marble floors, Art Deco lighting fixtures, a massive floral arrangement.

The desk clerk greeted us with practiced elegance, his English flawless. “Welcome, doctors and guests. We have your reservations prepared.”

He began distributing key cards with efficient precision. Professor Laurent received hers first, followed by Sarah, then the other medical team members. I waited patiently, watching the small stack of card folders dwindle.

Mare got his key. The two cardiology residents got theirs.

The clerk looked up with an apologetic smile. That completes our check in. I hope you all have a pleasant stay.”

I blinked. ‘I’m sorry I think there might be a mistake?”

Actually, Daniel’s voice cut in smoothly, there’s no error.”

You are assigned to my suite,” he continued. The hospital’s administrative office made the arrangement.

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Chapter 125

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The elevator ride to the sixth floor was excruciating.

Sarah kept shooting me curious glances that I pretended not to notice. Professor Laurent was absorbed in her phone, but I suspected she wasn’t actually reading anything, just giving us the illusion of privacy.

Then the doors finally opened, everyone dispersed to their respective rooms, and knowing smiles that made my cheeks burn

ed inside, already calculating how I was going to survive the next week sharing close quarters with him.

ite was beautiful but intimate, and I could already feel my self-control being tested just standing in the foyer.

y professional, I told myself firmly. You can handle this.

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But I was wrong.

So spectacularly, completely wrong.

Because I’d been worried about the wrong thing entirely.

The conference schedule wasn’t just demanding-it was absolutely relentless.

I stumbled back to the suite at eleven PM every night, so exhausted I could barely form coherent thoughts, let alone register who my roommate

was.

Soon, the final day arrived.

Get through today, I told myself as I dried my hair. And then free days in Paris.

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