Chapter 284

Nathan inhaled sharply, then shrugged. "Nothing. Just tea."

"Wrong!"

Vivian's instincts were razor-sharp. Her nose wrinkled. "That's smoke. And it's getting stronger."

"Smoke?"

Nathan sniffed again. This time, he caught the acrid scent, but brushed it off. "Relax. Probably your neighbor burning burgers."

"I'm checking."

She couldn't ignore the unease coiling in her gut. In seconds, she was out of the tea room.

Then—a gasp.

Flames licked up the first floor, devouring the staircase. Thick smoke choked the air.

"Holy hell—since when?!" Nathan barked.

The fire roared louder, walls groaning under the heat. The wooden stairs were already collapsing.

"Move. Now." Panic edged his voice. He dropped to one knee. "Get on. I'll get us down."

Vivian froze.

She hadn't expected this. In crisis, most men ran. Yet here he was—offering his back first.

A debt she wouldn't forget.

"Look at the stairs," she said evenly. "We'd be ash before we hit the third step."

"Then what? Sit here and roast? Damn it, Viv—this isn't a drill!"

Sweat slicked his temples. Every second, the fire crept closer.

She yanked him into the tea room, slamming the door. The space was large, windows wide. Their only exit.

No hysterics. Just action.

She ripped fabric, soaked it, pressed one to her face. Tossed him the other. "Windows. Now."

Nathan lunged to the ledge. The drop wasn't fatal—with care, he could make it.

"Smart." He crouched again. "But we're out of time. Get on."

"Not happening." Her jaw set. "You go. Bring help."

Carrying her would slow him. Risk them both.

"Bullshit! I don't leave pregnant women to die!" His voice cracked. "I climb cliffs for fun. Trust me."

The door blackened. Embers spat through cracks.

Vivian's hands cradled her stomach. Two heartbeats. No gambles.

She climbed onto his back, arms locking around his neck. "Don't drop us."

Nathan exhaled hard. "We're getting out. All three of us."