The Forbidden Throb

a's

nce at all times, Emma. Posture

like a fashion consultant prep

ively smoothing down the pale blue silk

ent with the Prescott family-thei

icholas Prescott and me, our families

few nice gifts she'd received since marrying Robert Williams,

Emma. The Prescotts have honored the agre

tly reference our family's financia

midable Richard Johnson-and David Prescott had

ofound friendship between our families would continue for generations, they'd made a s

under poor management and mounting debt, everyone expected the P

re my future' despite our family's setbacks. Even my friend

le-class girl whisked into high s

polite smiles at events, I felt increasingly like an

er said, glancing nervously at her watch. "

orbell rang. I grabbed my clutch an

aught my arm, pulling me close. Her voice

le, charm David Sr., and try to engage more with Nicholas's family tonight. Last time you barely

the knot in my s

Always the

again, sending a

g against the hardwood as I smoothed my dress with

ilored suit, his handsome features arranged in

xchanged brief pleasantries with my mother, his gaze barely meeting

he front steps of our modest townhou

seats cool against my bare legs, an

nally said, eyes never

tretched between us, broken only

ere already crossing the

ring wheel, eyes fixed on the road ahead. "I know my family can

o face him

?" His tone was casual, but I caught the edge beneath it. "I'm not ready to have the marriage conversation y

refully, the words feelin

y's expectations wasn't a position I'd asked for, but he

ed at me briefly before retur

bout family legacy and continuing the Prescott line..." He trailed off with a slight shake

he city lights pass by, fighti

ulders visibly relaxing.

we arrived at the Pr

uniforms ushering guests inside. Nicholas handed his keys to the valet, then placed

ached hi

family patriarch, regard

heek with practiced precision. "Your graduation is appr

nt plan, Nicholas's phone buzzed in

ntained the conversation, but his

lk with various Prescott relatives, Nicholas

a few classmates," he murmured, already scanning the

ively, my smile

the door. I watched his retreating back as he navigated through the crow

s destined to be stranded here alone, I migh

llided with a solid wall of

tumbled backward, only to be stea

ame a warm, gentle