The Forbidden Throb (Emma and Daniel) novel Chapter 129

Chapter 129

Emma’s POV:

I blinked rapidly, trying to clear my head.

The golden lights of the Christmas market blurred in my vision, the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine suddenly overwhelming.

“I’m fine.” I managed, forcing myself to meet his eyes. “Just… a little cold. Maybe I should get that mulled wine after all?”

Daniel’s eyebrow arched slightly. “Mulled wine?” he repeated, his tone carefully neutral.

The memory of his warning on the airplane flashed through my mind-his serious expression, the firm set of his jaw as he’d told me not to

drink around strangers.

My resolve crumbled instantly.

“Actually,” I said quickly, “maybe hot chocolate would be better?”

Daniel’s lips curved into something that wasn’t quite a smile. Without warning, he pulled me into his arms, sheltering me from the wind with

his body.

His hand came to rest at the small of my back, holding me steady against him.

“Emma.” His voice was low. “What I said on the plane-about not drinking around strangers-I wasn’t trying to control you. I was worried about you being in a vulnerable situation if something happened.”

“I know I’m your husband,” Daniel continued quietly, “but that doesn’t give me the right to demand your obedience. What I can do is offer advice based on my concern for your safety. That’s all it was-a suggestion, not an order.”

My heart hammered against my ribs as he pulled back just enough to look down at me.

“And Emma-Mrs. Prescott-” The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. “This works both ways. You have every right to voice your expectations of

me,

too.”

His voice dropped even lower, almost a whisper. “Whatever you ask for, I’ll listen. I promise.”

A wave of warmth spread through my chest, radiating outward until even my frozen fingertips seemed to tingle with heat. I couldn’t meet his

eyes anymore.

“Two mulled wines, then,” I managed, my voice coming out breathier than I intended.

The vendor filled two ceramic mugs with the steaming burgundy liquid, the sweet scent of cinnamon and orange peel rising with the steam.

Daniel paid and handed me one of the mugs.

“Careful,” he murmured. “It’s hot.”

9

9:39 am

Chapter 129

ppp.

I raised the mug to my lips, blowing gently on the surface before taking a tentative sip. The wine was sweet and spiced, warming me from the inside out. A soft sound of contentment escaped me before I could stop it.

We found a spot beneath a wooden overhang, away from the main flow of foot traffic.

The structure was decorated with pine garlands and twinkling lights, creating a cozy alcove that sheltered us from the increasingly heavy

snowfall. Daniel positioned himself slightly in front of me, his broad shoulders blocking the worst of the wind.

I took another sip of wine, then looked at him. “So I can drink as much as I want tonight?”

Daniel’s expression softened. “Em, I’m right beside you. Until you can’t walk straight, if that’s what you’d like.”

The teasing note in his voice made my face flush.

“I don’t think I want to get that drunk,” I managed, taking a larger sip to hide my embarrassment.

“No?” Daniel’s eyes glinted with amusement. “Pity. I was looking forward to carrying you back to the hotel.”

I nearly choked on my wine. “Daniel!”

He laughed a genuine, warm sound that I’d rarely heard from him.

The laugh transformed his entire face, making him look younger, more carefree.

Not far from our alcove, a small crowd had gathered around a puppet theater. Colorful marionettes danced across a miniature stage, their movements accompanied by cheerful French folk music. Children laughed and clapped, their voices carrying across the market.

Daniel’s arm came around my shoulders as we watched, and I found myself leaning into his warmth without thinking about it. The wine hummed pleasantly through my veins, making everything feel soft and golden and impossibly romantic.

When the show ended and the crowd dispersed, I realized my mug was empty.

“More wine?” Daniel asked, noticing my disappointed expression.

“I probably shouldn’t-”

“But you want to.” It wasn’t a question. He’d already started guiding me toward another stall, his hand warm at the small of my back. “Then

let’s get more.”

This vendor’s display was different-the mugs were shaped like little Santa boots, bright red with white trim. The wine smelled similar but with an extra hint of vanilla.

“These are adorable,” I breathed, picking one up to examine it more closely.

The vendor, a cheerful middle-aged woman, smiled broadly. “Six euros includes the wine and the mug,” She paused. “You can return it for a euro back, or keep it as a souvenir.

“Really?” I looked at the Santa boot mug with new appreciation. “Can we get two?”

9.39 amp pp

ppp.

Chapter 129

“These would look perfect on the kitchen counter,” I said without thinking. “Like… like matching set.

Something flickered in Daniel’s expression-pleasure, maybe, or satisfaction. “Two it is.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify