Chapter 133

"He noticed me after all..."

Before Evelyn could fabricate an excuse, Nathaniel closed the distance between them with predatory grace. His voice carried a dangerous edge. "Didn't I explicitly warn you about accepting drinks from strangers? Or did my words mean nothing to you?"

The height difference forced Evelyn to crane her neck uncomfortably. "I remember perfectly well—"

Nathaniel captured her chin with surprising gentleness, his thumb and forefinger tilting her face upward. His gaze burned with quiet intensity. "Then explain this disobedience."

Evelyn squirmed under his scrutiny. "It's not what it looks like—"

His expression remained impassive, but storm clouds gathered in his eyes. "Enlighten me. How should a husband react when his wife shares drinks with another man?"

Trapped, Evelyn exhaled sharply. "Christopher has something I need!"

Nathaniel's grip shifted almost imperceptibly. "What could possibly justify this?"

Though reluctant to reveal her vulnerabilities, Evelyn saw no alternative. "There are three paintings in his private collection. He refused to sell them... unless I drank with him."

Nathaniel released her abruptly. "Name the pieces. There's no need for such theatrics."

Evelyn's lashes fluttered downward. "Our arrangement is temporary. I won't burden you with my personal affairs."

A muscle twitched in Nathaniel's jaw. "Consider it part of our contract. Anything you desire is yours—except my heart."

Evelyn met his gaze with startling clarity. "Every transaction creates obligation. Favors breed entanglement. I prefer clean exits when our time ends."

His frown deepened. "You're remarkably eager for our separation."

While other women schemed to claim him, she treated their union like a prison sentence.

Evelyn's lips curved into a dangerous smile. Rising on tiptoes, she draped her arms around his neck with deliberate provocation. "Would you prefer dependence? Or does self-sufficiency threaten you more?"

Nathaniel didn't retreat. His hooded gaze tracked her every movement with predatory focus.

The disguise should have repelled him—the garish yellowed complexion, artificial freckles, and ridiculous braids. Yet her eyes remained luminous, her lashes casting moonlit shadows. The very lips taunting him looked unbearably tempting.

A visible swallow traveled down his throat.

When her attempt to disgust him failed spectacularly, Evelyn faltered. "Nathaniel...?"

The smoldering hunger in his eyes sent panic skittering down her spine. She tried to retreat, but Nathaniel's hands locked around her waist, crushing her against his chest.

Their breaths tangled as he studied her flustered expression. Some invisible thread pulled them closer, the air between them crackling with tension.