Chapter 273

Nathaniel's voice was icy as he repeated, "You wouldn't care if I slept with her anywhere outside this house?"

Evelyn shrugged. "Exactly."

In that moment, Nathaniel's expression darkened like storm clouds gathering. A chilling laugh escaped his throat, sending shivers down her spine.

Having said her piece, Evelyn moved toward the guest room. She patted Nathaniel's shoulder like an old friend, adopting a mock-concerned tone. "You must be exhausted from last night's... activities. Get some rest—don't push yourself too hard just because you've got a pretty new plaything."

Nathaniel's eyes narrowed dangerously. "What exactly do you think happened last night?"

Evelyn smirked. "What I'm saying, darling, is that even someone as... vigorous as you should practice moderation. Too much indulgence ages you prematurely." With that, she sauntered past him toward the guest room.

Before she could take three steps, Nathaniel grabbed the back of her collar. In one swift motion, he lifted her like a sack of potatoes and carried her into the bathroom, slamming and locking the door behind them.

Evelyn found herself unceremoniously dumped into the bathtub. Before she could react, freezing water cascaded over her from the showerhead. She sputtered, coughing as the unexpected deluge soaked her completely. "Have you lost your mind?" she gasped, gripping the tub's edge.

Nathaniel loomed over her, his gaze glacial. "Your mind seems clouded with nonsense. Thought you could use some cold water to clear it."

"My mind is perfectly clear—unlike yours!" Evelyn shot back, struggling to stand in the slippery tub.

Her cheap slippers provided no traction. As she attempted to climb out, her feet slid out from under her. She braced for impact with the hard tiles—only to be caught mid-fall by Nathaniel.

The position was absurdly intimate. Before she could disentangle herself, Nathaniel's large hands gripped her waist. He spun them around and deposited her onto the bathroom counter.

Still dripping wet, Evelyn instinctively wrapped her arms around Nathaniel's neck for balance, then immediately released him when seated. She tried to slide off, but he caged her in, arms braced on either side of the sink, his body pressing between her parted legs.

Her soaked clothes clung to every curve, leaving nothing to imagination. "Let me go!" she demanded, face burning.

Nathaniel leaned in until his lips brushed her ear. "Since you're so convinced of my... appetites, perhaps I should demonstrate what real indulgence looks like."

Evelyn's breath hitched. "I—I was joking! Can't you take a joke?"

He pinned her wrists above her head, tilting her chin up with his other hand. His voice dropped to a dangerous purr. "You're right. I don't do jokes. I'm deadly serious."

His intense gaze and the raw heat radiating from him sent Evelyn's pulse racing. She squeezed her eyes shut, unable to meet that smoldering stare.

"Ow—that hurts!" she protested as his grip tightened.