Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 167

While Hudson was trapped in his horrified stupor, Nora's eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes.

Her gaze was hazy with sleep, drifting lazily over his face before finally focusing.

Their eyes locked.

Nora blinked.

Hudson blinked.

Nora's face instantly went scarlet.

The red flush crept from her ears, down her neck, and straight to her collarbones.

She yanked the blanket up, completely burying her face. Only the crimson tips of her ears were visible.

"Don't... don't look at me!"

Her muffled voice squeaked from under the covers.

Hudson stared at her reddened ears, his eyes inevitably dropping back to the battered skin on her feet. "Nora, last night..." he began, his voice hoarse.

"Shut up!"

Nora shrieked from beneath the blanket, mortified. "Don't you dare say another word!"

Hudson clamped his mouth shut.

After a long moment, she slowly lowered the blanket, revealing her deeply flushed face.

Hudson looked at her, feeling more pathetic and guilty than he ever had in his entire life, yet at the same time, a dark spark of arousal flared in his chest.

"That wasn't me, Nora. I would never do that to you."

Nora glared at him, practically laughing in disbelief. He was seriously trying to deny it?!

After all the filthy, unhinged things he had made her do last night...

It was just...

Recalling the memories, she felt her face burn like a tomato.

Realizing how stupid his excuse sounded, Hudson took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. I... I thought I was dreaming."

Nora glared at him again, her lips in an angry pout.

Even if he thought he was dreaming, he still shouldn't have used her feet to...

To do that!

"Does it hurt?"

"What do you think?" Nora shot him a dirty look.

Hudson didn't reply. His thumb soothingly stroked an unbruised patch on her ankle. "I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

Nora stared at him, suddenly finding the situation somewhat absurd.

The ruthless Mr. Lancaster, a man who ruled San Francisco with an iron fist, was currently sitting with his head bowed like a kid in detention, apologizing profusely.

"You think there's going to be a 'next time'?"

"No."

He paused, his Adam's apple bobbing. "I meant I never want to hurt you again. As for the rest of it..."

"I definitely do."

Nora's face went up in flames again.

She yanked her foot out of his grip and pulled the blanket back over her legs. "Shut up."

The corner of Hudson's mouth twitched upward, though he quickly smothered the smile.