Chapter 173

"Thank goodness!" Lucas exhaled sharply in relief. If anything happened to Evelyn, Nathaniel would undoubtedly lose his temper.

After today's events, Lucas could clearly see Nathaniel's feelings for Evelyn had far exceeded what one should feel for a contractual wife.

Nathaniel cared deeply about Evelyn—perhaps too deeply.

"Sir, the storm's intensifying. The helicopter can't fly in this weather. I've arranged for the nearest car to pick you up—it's here now. You and Miss Evelyn should get in."

That explained everything to Evelyn. 'No wonder they arrived so quickly. They came by helicopter.'

Nathaniel gave his orders sharply. "Stay until the police arrive. Ensure every kidnapper is captured. Not a single one escapes."

"Yes, sir!" Lucas nodded firmly. "Understood!"

Without another word, Nathaniel scooped Evelyn into his arms and strode toward the waiting car, with Lucas shielding them from the rain with an umbrella.

Flustered, Evelyn squirmed in his hold. "Mr. Grayson, I'm perfectly fine. I can walk—"

Nathaniel tightened his grip, his voice dropping dangerously low. "Stop moving. One more wiggle and I'll toss you into that ditch."

Evelyn froze instantly, pressing her lips together in annoyance. 'This man can't stay decent for more than three seconds!'

He deposited her gently into the passenger seat, leaning close to fasten her seatbelt. Their faces nearly touched in the confined space.

Uncomfortable with the proximity, Evelyn reached for the belt herself. Her hand brushed against Nathaniel's chest as she pulled it across—accidentally yanking him downward.

Nathaniel lost his balance, his chin bumping against her collarbone. As he turned his head, his lips accidentally grazed the delicate skin of her neck.

His pupils dilated instantly. A dry heat crawled up his throat as he swallowed hard, quickly straightening himself.

The unexpected contact sent electric jolts through Evelyn's body. She turned away abruptly, blinking rapidly to hide her embarrassment.

Nathaniel stood by the door, gazing down at her with smoldering intensity. The little minx looked... dangerously alluring.

Slamming her door shut, he loosened his tie irritably before circling to the driver's seat.

The car moved through the wilderness as rain hammered against the windshield, wipers working overtime.

The silence between them grew thick with tension.

Finally, Evelyn cleared her throat. "Didn't you say you didn't care what happened to me? That the kidnappers could do whatever they wanted? What changed your mind?"

Nathaniel kept his eyes on the road. "You heard everything?"

She propped her chin on her hand, staring out the window. "Every word," she muttered. "And I still think you're a jerk."

"If I'd shown concern," Nathaniel explained calmly, "they would've kept their guard up. Might've even tortured you to provoke me."

"Besides, I needed to handle this discreetly. If word gets out that kidnapping you works, you'll never have peace—even after our arrangement ends."

'Hmm... He has a point.' Evelyn conceded silently. 'With Nathaniel's status, people will always look for weaknesses to exploit.'

She turned to him with a sarcastic smirk. "So you admit you're nothing but trouble for me."

Her playful expression—raised eyebrows, full lips parting to reveal white teeth—sent an unexpected heat through Nathaniel's veins.

His grip tightened on the steering wheel. A familiar, primal hunger stirred within him, spreading like wildfire through his body.

Without warning, he slammed the brakes. Evelyn lurched forward, saved only by her seatbelt.

She shot him an incredulous look. "What the hell, Nathaniel?"

"Get out," he commanded coldly.

Evelyn blinked in disbelief. "Are you insane? It's pouring! What did I do now?"