The Forbidden Throb (Emma and Daniel) novel Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Emma’s POV:

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As I approached Daniel’s table, he stood up with that effortless grace that seemed second nature to him.

His smile was warm but reserved-the perfect balance of friendly without verstepping.

Emma, please sit, he gestured to the chair across from him. “I took the liberty of ordering for you. I hope you don’t mind.”

I noticed a steaming cup of coffee waiting at my place.

The rich aroma of what appeared to be a vanilla latte with an extra shot-xactly what I would have ordered myself-rose from the cup.

“That’s incredibly thoughtful of you,” I said, sliding into the seat.

I carefully extracted his neatly folded coat from my bag.

I brought your jacket back,” I said, handing it to him. “Thank you again for lending it to me that night. I’m so sorry it took me this long to

return it. I’ve been completely buried in thesis research these past few days.”

“It was no trouble,” he replied, accepting it with a nod.

“I also brought these, I added, placing the small container of mini muffins on the table. “Just a small thank

safely.”

His expression softened as he opened the container. “You baked these?”

“Lemon blueberry,” I confirmed. “Nothing fancy, but they’re my grandmother’s recipe.”

“That’s very kind,” he said, closing the container carefully. “Thank you, Emma.”

Daniel took a sip of his coffee before setting it down precisely.

“How did you feel the next morning? No severe headaches, I hope?!

I felt my cheeks warm slightly at the reminder of my inebriated state,

“Much better than I deserved, actually. The ginger tea and electrolyte tablets you left were lifesavers.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” he nodded.

you

for helping me get

home

Daniel studied me for a moment, his gaze analytical but not cold. “If you don’t mind my asking, what drove you to drink alone in a hotel bar? It

seemed out of character, based on what I know about you.”

The concern in his voice seemed genuine rather than condescending.

I hesitated, my fingers tensing around the mug.

Did I really want to discuss this with Nicholas’s brother?

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Chapter 13

But then again, Daniel had already witnessed the aftermath firsthand when we’d discovered Megan in Nicholas’s hotel room.

There wasn’t much point in hiding the truth.

It was. I was upset, I admitted, meeting his eyes briefly before looking away.

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Earlier that evening, I was at Megan’s birthday party. I overheard Nicholas talking about me to his friends-not particularly flattering things- and then I saw him kissing her.”

1 traced the rim of my coffee cup with my finger.

“It was stupid to drink alone like that. I just needed to clear my head, and hadn’t planned on getting drunk.”

I see, Daniel said quietly. His expression remained neutral, but I noticed subtle tightening around his jaw. “I’m sorry you experienced that.”

After a moment of silence, he added, “Perhaps I should speak with Nicholas about his behavior.”

“Oh, that won’t be necessary,” I said quickly, suddenly uncomfortable. “Were… we’re not together anymore.”

I paused, then added for clarity: “I have ended things.

Something flickered across Daniel’s face-surprise? Relief? It was gone so quickly I couldn’t be certain.

The silence between us stretched just long enough to make my heart rate accelerate.

Oh God, I’ve made this awkward. Of course, he’d be defensive of his brother.

My stomach tightened with regret. What was I thinking, blurting it out like that?

I’m sorry if that’s uncomfortable to hear,” I rushed to add. “I just thought you should know, since… well, in case you were being kind to me

because I was Nicholas’s girlfriend.”

“Emma, Daniel finally said, his voice gentle but firm. “You don’t need to feel guilty about ending a relationship that wasn’t right for you.”

He leaned forward slightly. “And to be clear, my concern for your wellbeing that night had nothing to do with your relationship with my

brother.

The statement registered as just another example of his impeccable manners,

Relief washed over me. “Thank you for understanding,” I said softly.

Before we could continue the conversation, it was interrupted by the cheerful chiming of my phone.

I glanced down to see a text from Sophia:

Hey Emma! I’ve arrived outside the coffee shop! Ready for our shopping adventure?

“It’s Sophia,” I explained, showing Daniel the screen. “We had plans to go shopping today,”

“Perfect timing, Daniel smiled, standing up. “I’m headed back toward Beacon fill. I can drop you both wherever you’d like.”

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Chapter 13

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Five minutes later, after Daniel insisted on paying for our coffees despite my protests, we exited the café to find Sophia waiting by Daniel’s car,

her expression brightening when she spotted us.

Emma! Big brother! She embraced us both with characteristic enthusiasm “This is perfect! Now we can all ride together!”

Daniel led us to his sleek black BMW. He opened the doors for both of us efore sliding into the driver’s seat.

The interior smelled of leather and that faint citrus-mint scent I was beginning to associate with him.

As we pulled away from the curb, Sophia chattered happily about the designers featured at the sample sale, while I nodded and tried to focus.

When we reached Back Bay, Daniel pulled up smoothly to the curb. “Here we are, ladies.”

Thanks, Daniel!” Sophia chirped, already unbuckling her seatbelt.

As I stepped out of the car at the entrance to the upscale shopping center I felt an intense gaze upon me. I turned instinctively toward its

source and found myself locking eyes with Nicholas.

He stood across the street, completely still among the flow of pedestrians, staring directly at me.

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