Chapter 177

Nathaniel emerged from the bathroom, his damp hair tousled, the white robe clinging to his frame. Though his posture appeared relaxed, his stormy expression betrayed the calm facade—dark intensity swirling in his gaze like a predator cornering its prey.

Evelyn startled, nearly dropping her phone. "When did you—Mr. Grayson?"

The cold shower had only temporarily dulled the fire in Nathaniel's veins. Spotting Evelyn by the window, her hushed conversation piqued his suspicion. His eyes dropped to the glowing screen still displaying an active call. With a sharp jab of his thumb, he ended it.

His voice dripped with barely restrained fury. "Searching for my ex-girlfriend now, Evelyn?"

She met his glare without flinching. "You need help. I was just—"

"Just arranging another woman for me?" The words cracked like a whip.

Evelyn nodded. "Yes. Though I couldn't locate Amelia. Perhaps you should contact her directly—"

Nathaniel's laugh held no humor. His fingers twitched at his sides. "How generous of you, Mrs. Grayson. Eager to share your husband, are we?"

She'd practically gift-wrapped him for another woman this morning. Had he stayed longer at that hotel... His jaw clenched at the thought.

Evelyn exhaled sharply. "This is an emergency solution. I'm trying to help."

"Help?" Nathaniel stepped closer, the scent of her shampoo making his pulse spike. "Then help me yourself."

She recoiled, back hitting the wall. "I'm hardly your preferred—"

His hand shot out, tilting her chin up. "When a man's dying of thirst, Evelyn, he doesn't care if the water's served in crystal or plastic."

Alarm bells rang in Evelyn's mind. She edged sideways. "If standards aren't an issue, I could check the lobby for... professional services."

The audacity. The absolute gall.

Desire and rage twisted together in Nathaniel's gut, burning hotter than before. She truly didn't care. The realization stung more than the drugs coursing through him.

As Evelyn tried to dart past, his arm snaked around her waist. One practiced motion pinned both wrists behind her back, forcing her onto tiptoes. Their faces hovered inches apart.

"Release me!" She twisted futilely.

Nathaniel caged her against the wall, knee wedged between hers. His breath scorched her cheek. "Why settle for strangers when my wife's right here?"

Evelyn turned her face away, but his grip on her chin wrenched it back. "So desperate to pawn me off?" His thumb traced her lower lip. "Afraid of what might happen if you stay?"

Every ragged breath fanned the flames. Control unraveled by the second.

Evelyn gulped air. "Mr. Grayson, remember—I'm not your type!"

The protest died as his mouth crashed onto hers.