Chapter 18

Emily’s POV

“Nathan…” I whispered, my voice trembling with raw pain.

The anger in his golden eyes faded as soon as he saw my face, replaced by panic. He dropped to his knees next to me and gently held my burning face in his hands.

“Look at me, Emily!” His voice was a low, desperate rumble.

I tried. I really tried. But another wave of intense heat crashed through my body, and a helpless, broken whimper escaped my throat.

Nathan muttered a curse. He picked me up in his strong arms. I pressed my face into his neck and breathed him in. Cedar and pine needles. His entire body went rigid.

"We're leaving." The command cut through the VIP section. Nathan didn't bother looking at anyone as he carried me toward the exit. "Move."

Nobody argued. Not even Marcus.

Nathan carried me through the crowded club, and people quickly moved out of his way. The bass stopped shaking the walls, and the whole room seemed to freeze, but I hardly noticed.