Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 348

Catching a rough edge in Hudson's voice, Arthur frowned, checking the rearview mirror. "Boss, are you alright?"

"Just drive."

Arthur clamped his mouth shut, shifting his focus firmly back to the road.

The car fell into heavy silence, the only sound coming from the hum of the engine and the occasional rush of passing traffic.

Hudson rested his head back, his eyes closed tightly. Nora watched him with mounting anxiety, wondering what was suddenly wrong with him.

Just as panic started creeping in, she realized his body heat was radiating off him in waves, so intense she could feel it from inches away.

He remained completely still, but his breathing was growing harsher, more labored.

Instinctively, Nora reached out to check his forehead.

The moment her fingertips brushed his skin, Hudson's eyes snapped open. His dark gaze was entirely bloodshot, swirling with a wild, feral intensity.

Nora's hand froze mid-air.

He stared at her for a terrifying second before closing his eyes and forcing the raw aggression down. He caught her hand, tangling his fingers with hers.

"I'm fine," he rasped, his voice barely a whisper.

Nora gripped his hand back, pressing her palm flat against his.

His fingers were like ice, but his palm was burning hot.

...

Cloudwater Estate.

The moment the car parked, Nora saw Olive and Archer striding out to meet them.

Olive had a bruised cheek and a small bandage near her lip, but she looked thoroughly energized, flashing a massive grin when she saw Nora.

"Boss! Nora! You're finally back!" Olive cheered. "I gotta tell you, those Holloway twins talk a big game, but they fold like cheap lawn chairs! Archer and I took them out in under five minutes!"

She bounced on her heels, gesturing wildly as she recapped the fight blow by blow.

"Dr. Harrison?" Nora blinked in shock. "What are you doing here?"

It was only then that she fully processed his presence on the estate.

"Liam got here this morning," Olive piped up cheerfully.

"Olive!" Liam snapped. Terrified that this idiot was about to blow his cover and ruin Hudson's plan, he shot her a panicked glare.

Olive just stared at him blankly. "Liam, what's wrong with your eye? Do you have a twitch?"

...

Liam took a deep, steadying breath and forced a painfully fake smile, desperately grabbing for an excuse. "Oh, you know... Bane has been highly volatile lately. Mr. Lancaster asked me to come take a look at the dog."

Nora stared at him.

They were using a globally renowned medical specialist as a glorified veterinarian?