Chapter 161

Nathaniel's expression darkened as he calculated the remaining time—two months and seven days until he'd lose all rights to control her. The thought of Evelyn being with other men, touching them, kissing them—it made his blood boil.

"Absolutely not," he growled under his breath.

Evelyn struggled against the door, trapped between the solid wood and Nathaniel's imposing frame. His silence stretched unbearably long. "If you've got something to say," she snapped, "say it and let me go! Otherwise I'm—mmph!"

His mouth crashed down on hers without warning, tongue forcing past her lips in a possessive invasion.

Her mind short-circuited. Wide-eyed, she stared at his sculpted features mere inches away—those dark lashes, the faint scar above his eyebrow—all while his mouth worked hers with ruthless expertise.

Reality returned with a jolt. She shoved against his chest, but he only deepened the kiss, one hand gripping her waist while the other cradled her head. His skill was infuriating—slow, deliberate strokes that made her knees weaken despite herself. Her fingers twisted in his lapels as she gave a hesitant response.

When they finally broke apart, both were breathing heavily. Nathaniel smirked at her dazed expression, ruffling her hair like she was some misbehaving kitten. "No calling other men," he ordered, voice rough.

Evelyn wiped her mouth furiously, cheeks burning. "You didn't need to assault me to make your point!"

His thumb brushed her swollen lips. "That rule stands even after three months."

Her pulse stuttered. "Why?"

"Because—"

A sharp voice cut through the stairwell. "You can't go in there, Miss Cassandra!"

Cassandra's shrill retort followed. "Is Nathaniel in there? Lunch is getting cold! What could possibly be more important than—"

"Miss Cassandra, please—"

"I demand to see him!"

Evelyn's stomach dropped. She needed to escape—now. But Nathaniel's grip tightened around her wrist. "Running won't help," he murmured.

"You promised to keep this from my sister!" she hissed.

The door burst open before he could respond.