Chapter 39
Nathaniel led Andrea up a snowy trail, the crunch of their boots the only sound in the quiet night.
“Where are we going?” Andrea asked, her breath visible in the chilly air.
Nathaniel glanced over his shoulder, a faint smile on his lips. “You’ll see.”
Andrea shivered slightly, pulling her coat tighter around her. The slope they were climbing was steep, and the path narrowed as they ascended. “This better be worth it,” she muttered, half-teasing.
Nathaniel chuckled softly, reaching back to offer his hand. “Trust me.”
Reluctantly, Andrea took it. His hand was warm despite the cold, his grip firm as he guided her up the final stretch.
When they reached the top, Andrea’s breath caught.
The view was breathtaking. Below them, the resort glowed softly, its golden lights twinkling like a miniature city nestled in the snow. The mountains stretched out endlessly, their peaks dusted with moonlight.
“Wow,” Andrea whispered, unable to look away.
Nathaniel stepped closer, his hand still holding hers. “I thought you’d like it.”
“It’s… incredible,” Andrea said, her voice barely audible.
They stood in silence for a moment, the beauty of the scene wrapping around them like a blanket.
Nathaniel broke the silence first, his voice low. “You’ve been quiet tonight.”
Andrea glanced at him, then back at the view. “Just thinking.”
“About?” he pressed gently.
Andrea hesitated, then sighed. “The Royal Draw. Everything at Blackthorn. I don’t know where I fit into it all.”
Nathaniel frowned slightly, turning to face her fully. “You’re the Queen of Hearts, Andrea. You’ve already proven yourself.”
“Have I?” she asked, meeting his gaze. “Because sometimes it feels like I’m just pretending. Like I’m not… enough.”
Nathaniel’s expression softened, and he stepped closer, his hand brushing her arm. “You are enough. More than enough.”
Andrea shook her head, her voice trembling. “You don’t understand. The Sinclair name gives you power, protection. But me? I’m just—”
“You’re not ‘just’ anything,” Nathaniel interrupted firmly. “You’ve earned your place. You’re stronger than you think, Andrea. And I’ll make sure no one forgets it.”
Andrea looked up at him, her heart pounding. “Why do you care so much?”
Nathaniel’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, he didn’t answer. Then he exhaled softly, his voice lowering. “Because you matter to me. More than I ever expected you to.”
Her chest tightened at his words, the raw intensity in his tone leaving her breathless. “Nathaniel…”
“You have no idea what you’ve done to me,” he murmured, his eyes locking onto hers. “I’ve spent my whole life being in control, Andrea. But you… you make me feel things I can’t control.”
Andrea swallowed hard, her thoughts swirling. “I don’t want to be a burden,” she said quietly.
“You’re not a burden,” Nathaniel said, his voice almost a whisper. “You’re mine. And I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you.”
The possessiveness in his words sent a shiver down Andrea’s spine, but there was a tenderness in his gaze that made her heart ache.
The air between them grew heavy, charged with unspoken emotions. Nathaniel reached up, his fingers brushing a strand of hair from Andrea’s face.
“You’re incredible, Andrea,” he said softly. “Even when you don’t see it.”
Andrea’s breath hitched as his hand lingered, his touch warm against her cold skin. “Nathaniel, I…”
He didn’t wait for her to finish. Instead, he leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that stole her breath.
It was slow at first, tender, but it quickly deepened, the intensity of his emotions pouring into the moment. Nathaniel’s hand slid to the small of her back, pulling her closer as his other hand cupped her cheek.
Andrea’s heart raced as she responded, her fingers gripping the front of his coat. The world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the warmth of his embrace and the fire ignited between them.
When they finally broke apart, Andrea was breathless, her cheeks flushed. Nathaniel rested his forehead against hers, his voice a low murmur. “You drive me insane.”
