Chapter 138

Nathaniel's chair screeched across the pavement as he kicked it into position. His icy glare locked onto Evelyn.

She continued eating, unfazed by his mood. Mid-chew, an idea sparked in her mind.

Holding out her skewer toward Nathaniel's lips, she wiggled her eyebrows playfully. "Taste it."

The unexpected offer caught him off guard. Against his better judgment, he parted his lips slightly-

Evelyn yanked the skewer back and shoved the entire bite into her own mouth.

"Oops," she mumbled through full cheeks, eyes dancing with mischief. "Thought you weren't hungry?"

Nathaniel's expression darkened instantly. "You're playing games with me?"

With an exaggerated sigh, Evelyn plucked a fresh fry from the basket. "Fine, no more teasing. Sharing food is... intimate. And unsanitary. Here, try this one instead."

Nathaniel eyed her suspiciously before accepting the offering.

Just as he raised it to his mouth, Lucas came barreling over. "Sir! You can't eat that street vendor garbage!"

Evelyn shot him a withering look. "It won't kill him."

Lucas's eye twitched. While Evelyn could stomach questionable street food, Nathaniel had never consumed anything outside five-star establishments. The potential digestive consequences terrified him.

"Sir-"

Nathaniel silenced him with a sharp gesture.

Taking a careful bite, Nathaniel chewed with aristocratic precision.

Evelyn leaned in, nose almost touching his. "Well? Amazing, right?"

"Acceptable," Nathaniel conceded.

"Told you!" Evelyn beamed, delighted at corrupting his refined palate. "But you eat like a Victorian maiden at her first ball. Street food demands enthusiasm!" She demonstrated by taking an exaggerated bite.

Nathaniel's jaw tightened at the 'maiden' comment.

Yet watching Evelyn devour her food with such unbridled joy sparked something unexpected. Her authenticity stood in stark contrast to the calculated femininity he usually encountered.

"Evelyn! Your extra skewers!" The vendor woman approached, her eyes widening at Nathaniel. "My, my! This one's even more striking than the last. You collect handsome men like trading cards!"

Evelyn grinned. "He cleans up nicely."

The vendor retrieved a soda from her cooler. "For you, handsome. First-time customer special. Bring this pretty girl back often!"

Nathaniel opened his mouth to decline the unfamiliar beverage.

"We'll be back every week!" Evelyn answered for him, accepting the drink with both hands.

The vendor winked before returning to her cart.

Nathaniel stared at the condensation-beaded can. "I didn't-"

"Relax," Evelyn interrupted, popping the tab with a fizzy hiss. "Live a little." She pushed the drink toward him, foam bubbling over the rim. "Welcome to the real world, Nathaniel Grayson."