When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 102

Felix never told Jonah what happened to Nelly at the gala, but Jonah had caught a few fragments as he passed by the entrance.

“Did something happen?” he asked quietly once they stepped outside.

Nelly nodded, sounding frustrated. “I guess I was too optimistic before. Being Ms. Watson is rough. Sometimes you just have to swallow your pride.”

She knew Felix’s way was safer. Patience, revenge in its own time, all that. But it was hard to accept after being treated so horribly. She couldn’t help but feel angry.

“Was it at the gala last night?” Jonah pressed, frowning.

Nelly didn’t want to keep secrets from him, so she gave a quick rundown of what happened, skipping over the part with Brody completely.

“It wasn’t a huge deal. Whatever they used, it didn’t last long.”

Jonah stayed silent, but his eyes turned cold. Nelly could see a muscle tense in his neck as he swallowed.

Worried he’d get upset, Nelly tried to reassure him. “Seriously, I’m feeling better now. And I already told Felix—we’ll make them pay for this, big time…”

She didn’t get to finish. Jonah suddenly grabbed her hand and pulled her close. Their bodies were nearly touching, and Nelly almost stumbled into his chest.

His silk pajama shirt hung open, and in the moonlight, his skin looked almost glowing. The lines of his muscles stood out, sharp and real.

Nelly’s breath caught. Her face burned, and her ears felt impossibly hot.

“Jonah…”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked, his voice low.

“Huh?”

His frown deepened, and there was a stern edge to his gaze. “If anything like this ever happens again, you tell me right away.”

Nelly mumbled, face even redder as she remembered what had happened with Brody. “It’s not the kind of thing you can just ask for help with…”

Jonah seemed to realize he was crossing a line. He let go of her hand after a moment, but his concern didn’t fade.

“You’re really okay now?” he asked.

“I’m fine,” Nelly insisted, shaking her head. “Totally.”

Jonah reached out, pressing his palm to her forehead. “You’re burning up.”

“I just talked a lot, that’s all. Got a little worked up.” Nelly tried to laugh it off. Honestly, with Jonah this close, who wouldn’t feel overheated?

But Jonah kept watching her, his worry written all over his face.

She had to change the subject. “By the way, last time you got really drunk. Are you feeling better now?”

Jonah nodded, but he didn’t say anything.

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