The Forbidden Throb (Emma and Daniel) novel Chapter 173

The Forbidden Throb

Chapter 173

Nicholas’s POV:

3

Luke’s equestrian center sprawled across the countryside like something out of a Ralph Lauren advertisement all weathered wind, pristi white fencing, and horses that probably cost more than most people’s cars.

The Prescott family had invested heavily in the place, which meant we got VIP treatment.

I stabbed at my Dover sole without much enthusiasm, only half-listening as Sophia chattered about her latest Phillips Academy achievements.

The private dining room overlooked the main arena, floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of riders putting their mounts through their paces.

“This sea bass is incredible,” Sophia said, taking a delicate bite. “Luke really knows how to run this place.

“Mmm.” I took a sip of the Sancerre Luke had recommended, scanning the grounds with practiced disinterest. A few other families dotted the terrace-the usual crowd of old money and aspiring socialites who frequented places like this.

Then Sophia’s fork clattered against her plate.

“Oh my God.”

I looked up, annoyed at the interruption. “What?”

Her green eyes had gone wide, fixed on something beyond the window. “I think I just saw someone we know.”

“Sophia, half of Boston’s elite probably comes through here-

“No, I mean…” She leaned forward, voice dropping to an urgent whisper. “Nicholas, I think I just saw Emma.”

My hand froze mid-reach for my wine glass. “Impossible. Emma doesn’t ride. And she certainly doesn’t frequent places like this.”

“I’m serious!” Sophia’s whisper was insistent, her green eyes bright.

Then she kicked me under the table-hard.

but she was practically vibrating with excitement, leaning so far forward she was about to fall out of her

back to twirling my linguine with deliberate nonchalance. “You’re being dramatic.”

big brother,” Sophia hissed.

tway to my mouth.

me by my first name since she learned to talk. The only time she’d ever shown me any real respect-called me

1/2

و

33

9:21 am pppp

Chapter 173

anything remotely brotherly-was during those few months when I’d been with Emma.

down my fork, studying Sophia’s face. She was dead serious.

oesn’t have money or connections,” I said slowly, but with less certainty than before. “Today’s crowd is all Lakes close friends and ch Even if she wanted to social climb her way into some new guy’s wallet, she couldn’t get in here without an invitation.

y! Sophia’s eyes gleamed with vindication. “So who invited her?”

caned back in my chair, affecting boredom even as my pulse quickened. “We’re here to support Luke, not star in some melodrama. What if you’re wrong? I’ll look like an idiot.”

“Fine, don’t go.” Sophia speared a piece of cake with unnecessary force. “I just saw Emma laughing, looking really happy. She’s probably here with her new… boyfriend. You going over there would just be awkward anyway. Embarrassing, even.”

The way she said ‘boyfriend”-with that knowing, pitying tone-made something twist in my gut.

My mind flashed to the mysterious limited-edition luxury car and the BU Confessions post I’d seen weeks ago-the one suggesting Emma had found herself a “sugar daddy,” I’d dismissed it then, told myself it was just campus gossip, jealous speculation. But what if…

“I’ll go check,” I heard myself say, setting down my glass with deliberate care. “Can’t have you obsessing over this all night.”

Sophia’s smile was knowing, almost pitying. “Sure, Nicholas. Whatever you say.”

“However, Nicholas.” Her voice dropped, losing its teasing edge. “If it really is Emma… and if she’s here with someone… don’t start anything, okay?”

I raised an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I mean it.” She fixed me with a look far too mature for a high school student. “Don’t make a scene. Don’t be an ass. Because if you do, Daniel’s going to have to clean up your mess again, and honestly? I’m tired of watching that happen.”

Comments

Write Comments

SHARE

9:21 am P PPP.

The Forbidden Throb

Chapter 174