Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 298

Silas swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded frantically. "I understand completely. Don't worry, Uncle Lawrence."

Lawrence smiled, gave his shoulder a final, reassuring pat, and turned to leave.

Right as he reached the door, he paused and glanced back over his shoulder.

"Oh, and those girls you have locked up in your little estate? Let the ones go who can be bought, and bury the rest. Leave no loose ends."

A cold, sickening sweat broke out across Silas's back. He nodded emphatically. "Yes, absolutely. I'll take care of it immediately."

Satisfied, Lawrence withdrew his gaze and strode out of the basement.

...

Later that night.

Cloudwater Estate.

Nora sat nestled in a dining chair, nursing a steaming mug of hot chocolate.

Her phone was propped against a vase on the table, displaying Hudson's rugged face on a video call.

"Arthur told me you've been sticking to a strict routine between home and work. Why haven't you gone out to have some fun?"

Nora shook her head. "I don't want to risk stirring up any unnecessary trouble for you..."

Hudson's lips curved upward. "Are you really being that good?"

She lifted her chin playfully. "I memorized all the rules you gave me before you left."

Hudson let out a low, husky chuckle, feeling his chest swell with an overwhelming wave of affection.

"Then did you miss me?"

Her ears grew hot. She lowered her gaze, took a small sip of her cocoa, and let out a shy, mumbled "Mhm."

"What does 'mhm' mean? Did you miss me or not?"

Nora refused to look at the screen, pretending she hadn't heard a word he said.

The smirk on Hudson's face grew wider. He tracked the furious blush spreading across the tips of her ears, his Adam's apple bobbing sharply.

His voice dropped into a dark, intoxicating rasp, laced with an undeniable tenderness. "Honey, I miss you. I miss you so much I can't even sleep."

But then a sudden flash of concern crossed her face. She chewed on her bottom lip. "But won't flying back and forth exhaust you? Is your body going to handle that?"

"It doesn't matter."

As long as I can hold you, nothing else matters.

"Then... when are you coming home?"

"Friday afternoon at three."

Nora did the mental math—that meant she had to wait two more agonizing days...

But at least the countdown had an end date.

Unable to hide her bubbling excitement, she smiled, downed the rest of her hot chocolate, and triumphantly held the empty mug up to the lens. "All gone."

Seeing her adorable, proud expression, Hudson couldn't wipe the grin off his face.

"Good girl."