As Nolan got out of the car and headed up the stair of his new apartment he couldn't get the annoying nagging feeling out of his stomach. Sure it had been a pleasant whirlwind of a weekend. He had uncovered many memoirs and memories of his father with the help of the ever faithful Padma. His father had always cared despite his cold and aloof exterior- the records he'd kept of Nolan's success had been proof enough of that. Yes he certainly needed to thank Padma again. Shy, driven, committed… and rather beautiful Padma. He'd taken her off to France afterwards as a treat too, just as she had wished for. France was lovely. Dirty, as always he had to admit, but it hadn't lost its charm that only a little French city could hold. Yet despite the long romantic walks at night, despite the impressive bottles of wine they'd went through (she'd had quite the pallet) … he couldn't help but feel guilty.

As he turned on the shower and ran his fingers through his hair, he tried to defend his actions of the past 72 hours. He was attracted to her, no doubt… and he hadn't exactly been using her… it was just that throughout the entire time, he couldn't stop thinking and wishing that the woman who was by his side was someone else. Someone, he mused, that would never look at him that way. He couldn't help it. He'd known her long before she was aware of his existence, and he knew her far better than any other fool of the Northhamptons- including her clueless romantic interests, Daniel and Jack. He'd watched her grow into a stunning beauty- not only in form but In character. Plus her ever increasingly clever revengy tactics was dangerously hot. Especially when his services were needed. Although, he thought wryly,… he was more than willing to provide much much more than what she currently asked of him.

Oh my dearest Emily Thorne, you know not what you've done to me Nolan thought desperately as he lathered his favourite peppermint and basil shampoo. What can a man do?