Chapter 272

Nathaniel's arm snaked around Evelyn's waist, pulling her flush against him. The thin fabric of their clothes did little to mask the heat between them.

Their breaths mingled, lips hovering dangerously close. The sudden intimacy sent Evelyn's pulse racing with equal parts irritation and unwanted attraction.

'What game is he playing? Amelia just walked out!' Had she not seen Amelia in that revealing nightgown, knowing they'd spent the night together, she might have mistaken this for genuine affection.

But the truth burned in her mind - he'd been with Amelia all night. Yet here he was, still having the audacity to tease her.

'Typical man!' Evelyn jerked her head away, nearly straining her neck in the process. She planted both hands on Nathaniel's chest and shoved hard.

Taking two deliberate steps back, she crossed her arms. "Message received, Mr. Grayson. Next time I'll send you my itinerary in triplicate. No need for this... performance."

Nathaniel straightened, his heated gaze cooling instantly at her words.

'This infuriating woman can't take a hint!'

"And what exactly is my message?" His voice carried equal parts frustration and lingering desire.

"Everything." Evelyn met his stare without flinching. She refused to spell it out.

He'd made his position clear - she could have anything except his heart. No point reading into his actions. After careful consideration, she'd realized his concern stemmed from pure self-interest.

When their three-month arrangement ended, Nathaniel would simply be divorced if she survived. But if his temporary wife died? That made him a widower - complicating his precious reunion with Amelia.

Wealthy families like the Rivers would never accept their golden girl becoming a replacement bride. The Grayson-Rivera feud had enough drama without adding that taboo.

Nathaniel was simply avoiding future headaches. No need to voice what they both understood.

After a beat, Evelyn adopted a businesslike tone. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't bring Miss Rivers here overnight again."

Nathaniel's eyebrows shot up. "And why is that?"

'Could she actually be jealous?'

Evelyn shrugged. "You own half the city's real estate. If not, hotels exist. Sleep with her anywhere but here. Having your mistress under our roof makes maintaining this charade unnecessarily difficult."

She gestured sharply. "The staff aren't blind. Should I play the offended wife or pretend not to care? Either way, when the elders hear rumors, they'll discover our marriage is fake. And you'll be the one dealing with that fallout."