Chapter 324

"I figured I should learn the subway routes after our first ride together."

Nathaniel bent down to collect the transit cards from the ticket machine. His fingers closed around Evelyn's wrist as he guided her toward the turnstiles, swiping their cards with practiced ease before leading them to the platform.

Evelyn was too distracted questioning his sudden interest in public transportation to notice he hadn't released her hand. "Why bother learning this when you've got chauffeurs? Seems pointless to me."

Nathaniel's lips curved in that infuriating half-smile she knew too well. "Weren't you the one lecturing me about experiencing normal life?"

Evelyn's mouth snapped shut. She remembered that conversation at the Silver Peaks Ranch all too clearly - her desperate attempt to prove to Gabrielle that she wasn't some gold-digger.

"That was just talk. You actually started riding the subway because of me?"

"Are you suggesting I'm not normal?" Nathaniel's eyebrow arched.

Evelyn snorted. "Normal? You're the definition of a corporate shark."

"Have I ever taken advantage of you?" Amusement laced his voice.

"Three months of my life, for starters!" Evelyn jabbed a finger at his chest. "Not to mention all the chaos since the day we met."

Nathaniel suddenly stilled, his expression turning serious.

"I'm sorry."

The unexpected apology threw her off balance.

"Whatever. We're both to blame - I kissed you first. Just promise this arrangement ends in three months."

"Agreed."

"And no extensions," Evelyn added sharply. "When time's up, we're done."

Nathaniel's gaze turned intense. "You sound terrified I won't let you go."

"Damn right!" Evelyn nodded vigorously. "I want my freedom back. No more being at your mercy."

The air between them shifted as Nathaniel's eyes darkened. "Evelyn Whitmore, consider yourself free. Effective immediately."

Her heart leapt. "Seriously?"

"Dead serious."

"Thank God!" Evelyn yanked her hand free. "See you never, Nathaniel."

She'd barely taken two steps when an iron grip hauled her back.

"Did I say you could leave?" His voice had turned glacial.

Evelyn gaped. "You literally just-"

"I'm releasing you from our arrangement," Nathaniel clarified. "But I'd like you to consider becoming my actual wife."

The platform seemed to tilt beneath her feet. Had she heard correctly? Was this... a proposal?

"Evelyn?" Nathaniel tapped her nose, snapping her from her daze.

"You asked why I learned the subway?" His fingers slid down to intertwine with hers, his grip almost desperate. "I couldn't risk you ditching me somewhere I couldn't follow."

Evelyn felt her resolve crumbling as Nathaniel's thumb traced circles on her wrist. This wasn't part of their act - no audience, no cameras. Her gaze darted around the station, searching for Grayson family spies.

Nathaniel sighed, recognizing her suspicion. "No one's watching, Evelyn. This is just me."

The approaching train's rumble mirrored the chaos in her chest. Three months suddenly felt terrifyingly short.