Page 18 of His To Unravel (His & Hers Duet #1)

THIRTEEN

nathaniel

The soft purr of the engine fades as I ease my Aston Martin into the parking space.

The rhythmic pulse of campus life surrounds me—students chattering as they cross the quad, the faint rustle of autumn leaves swept by a chilled breeze—but all of it blurs into the periphery as I glance down at my phone.

A flicker of satisfaction unfurls within me as I open the tracking app. Her location appears instantly, a pinpoint of precision glowing on the map. The tracker is nestled within the delicate diamond pendant, a silent guardian veiled as a gift.

The thought of it brings a sense of control that borders on euphoria—a reassurance that wherever Olivia is, I will know.

Protection , not possession .

A justification as practiced as it is genuine.

She doesn’t understand the world the way I do, the risks that lurk just outside the familiar. This is not about trust. It’s about safeguarding what is mine .

Stepping out of the car, the crisp air bites my skin, sharpening the edges of my awareness.

My shoes tap softly against the pavement in an even rhythm, each step synced with the pulse in my chest. The app glows on my phone, the dot unmoving. Exactly where she should be. I slip the device back into my pocket, letting a dark smile curve my lips.

As I navigate the familiar path toward the heart of campus, my mind drifts to her face—to the expressions that are vivid in my memory. The furrow of concentration as she flips through notes or the absentminded touch to the necklace that now binds her more tightly to me.

With each step, I replay the past few weeks, how meticulously I’ve positioned each move, orchestrating her dependence while keeping my intentions cloaked beneath affection and care.

The way she leans into me now, seeks me out—it’s more than desire. It’s proof that control, executed correctly, can be indistinguishable from devotion.

Today is another step forward. I’m close to the certainty I crave.

Whatever the cost, I will hold this ground.

A hint of dew still clings to the grass as I walk across campus, the sun casting long, golden rays over the cobblestone pathways. My destination lies ahead, but as I pass Olivia’s dorm, a familiar figure catches my attention.

Landon.

He stands near the entrance, hands shoved into his pockets, shifting his weight uncomfortably. The sight of him loitering there, waiting for her, ignites a simmering heat in my chest—a controlled burn I know how to wield.

He notices me approaching and straightens, his expression faltering between recognition and uncertainty. I allow a slow, deliberate smile to stretch across my lips as I approach.

“Morning,” I say, my tone even.

“Nathaniel,” he replies, the name clumsy in his mouth. He swallows, glancing back at the dorm entrance before meeting my gaze again. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Likewise. ”

I let the silence stretch between us. Let him squirm.

“I was just—uh—checking in on Olivia.” The admission hangs in the air, daring me to react.

I tilt my head slightly. “Is that what you call it?” The words are clipped, a knife dulled just enough to pass as civil. “You have an interesting habit of showing up where you aren’t needed.”

His jaw tightens and a spark of defiance flickers in his eyes. “We’ve been friends for a long time. I’m not going to disappear just because you came into the picture.”

Ah, there it is . The thinly veiled declaration, the challenge.

“ Friends ,” I echo, allowing the word to roll on my tongue as though tasting it for the first time. My gaze meets his, steady and cold, the undercurrent of meaning unmistakable.

“It’s an admirable sentiment, really,” I continue, voice lowering to a conspiratorial murmur. “Thinking that time earns you something. That you’re owed something.”

He squares his shoulders, tension buzzing in the space between us. “I care about her.”

I let out a quiet, amused breath and take a step closer, my voice dropping to something colder. “A word of advice, Landon . Having designs on something that is not meant for you often leads to regret. Or worse.”

The muscle in his jaw ticks, but he remains silent, eyes darting away for a moment before returning to meet mine with a mixture of frustration and doubt.

“I’m not afraid of you,” he says, though the strain in his voice suggests otherwise.

“Good,” I murmur, a smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth. “ Fear is so limiting. I’d rather we both be clear on where we stand.”

I glance once toward the dorm entrance then back at Landon. “You’ll be waiting a while.”

That’s all I give him. Without another word, I turn and walk away, leaving Landon in the morning’s growing light, shadowed by the unspoken warning that will surely echo long after I am gone.

Unlike this fool, I know exactly where she is because I’ve made it my business to know. This… boy , with his harmless, hopeful glances and misplaced affections, is no match for me.

It’s almost funny, really, how boys like him think persistence is proximity. As if being near her is the same thing as being wanted.

I will make certain he remains on the periphery—a forgettable footnote in Olivia’s story.

The campus café buzzes with morning energy—the low hum of conversations, clinking mugs, and bursts of laughter.

I move with purpose, my eyes already tracking the familiar glint of copper hair in a corner booth. Olivia’s surrounded by her friends, Carolyn gesturing animatedly while Sophie’s unmistakable laugh draws attention from nearby tables.

But my focus never wavers.

Olivia’s face lights up when she spots me, surprise blooming into a blush that colors her cheeks. The reaction sparks a sharp satisfaction within me.

“Nate,” Olivia greets as I approach, delight evident in her voice. I offer her a smile before I lean in and press a gentle kiss to her cheek.

“Morning, everyone,” I say, letting my gaze sweep over Carolyn and Sophie before landing on Tyler. Carolyn’s eyes brighten, and she exchanges a look with Sophie—a wordless conversation that radiates approval. No Landon in sight. Small mercies.

“Nathaniel,” Carolyn chirps. “Fancy seeing you here.”

“It’s always a pleasure running into you all,” I reply as I slide in next to Olivia.

“We were just talking about this weekend,” Sophie says, eyes darting between me and Olivia. “Liv, you seriously need to take a break. Your calendar is packed!”

“I’ll make sure she gets one soon.” I don’t bother to mask the protectiveness in my voice. Sophie’s expression shifts, curiosity blending with something more admiring.

It’s moments like this that cement my place in their world. Every friendly exchange is a brick in the foundation of trust I’m meticulously building.

I glance at Olivia, letting the words settle between us. Her eyes soften, and the corners of her mouth lift in a smile she can’t contain.

“So thoughtful,” Sophie says. “He’s making you look bad, Tyler.”

“Olivia brings out the best in me.” My gaze locks with hers as I reach beneath the table and lace her fingers with mine. A silent reminder that even here, surrounded by those she’s known for far longer, she’s mine .

To keep the moment buoyant, I grin at Tyler and add, “Let me know if you ever want to exchange dating tips.”

Olivia’s friends’ laughter feels like the chorus to a song I’m orchestrating, each note playing perfectly into my narrative.

She glances up at me, her eyes wide with a blend of wonder and something deeper—an acknowledgment that I’m no longer on the outside of her life looking in.

Mission accomplished.

“What do you think about hitting Space Cowboy Friday night?” Sophie suggests, bringing the conversation back to the weekend. “Just us girls. Feels like we’ve earned it.”

I lean back, watching Olivia as she animatedly responds. The voices around us blur as my focus sharpens with each laugh and smile she shares. Every second deepens my resolve to maintain this hold—to be the unmovable constant she will turn to, always.

Eventually, everyone disperses and I’m finally alone with Olivia. I suggest a change of scenery–something about a quieter spot to focus better on our project–but the truth is, I just want more time with her. Her curious smile is all the answer I need.

The air in Halford’s Architectural Archives holds a hushed reverence, a blend of aged leather, parchment, and whispers of forgotten secrets embedded in the towering mahogany bookshelves. The sunlight filters through frosted glass, casting a soft, diffused glow across the room.

I lead Olivia inside, glancing back as she takes in her surroundings. The surprise in her eyes pleases me—this is a space few even know exists.

The polished mahogany table stands like an anchor in the center, its surface gleaming under the antique bronze reading lamps.

I choose the chair closest to the window, ensuring I have the perfect view of her as she settles across from me.

Her hair catches the light, a halo of copper that my fingers itch to touch.

“You’ve been holding out on me,” Olivia says, spinning slowly to take it all in. “How did you even find this place?”

I allow a small, enigmatic smile. “Some corners of Halford have secrets worth uncovering. I wanted to bring you somewhere we’d be…

undisturbed.” I pause, letting my gaze settle on her.

“This is where I come when I need everything to quiet down…no expectations, no pressure. I thought you might appreciate that too.”

She blinks, caught off guard, then looks down, a faint blush rising to her cheeks as she arranges her notes. The light brush of her fingers over the worn leather cover of her notebook doesn’t escape my notice.

“I—thank you,” she says after a beat, her voice softer now. “That…means more than you know.”

I reach for one of the books I’ve brought and slide it across the table. As our hands meet, I let the contact linger, the warmth of her skin sparking a familiar, low hum of satisfaction.

“Anything for you,” I reply, meaning it in every way.