Chapter 325
Nathaniel adjusted Evelyn's face gently, guiding her toward the platform to catch the approaching train.
As they walked, his voice turned serious. "Evelyn Whitmore, let's begin again."
She tilted her head, skepticism flashing in her eyes. "How exactly?"
"Proper dates this time. Will you give this old man another chance?"
Evelyn's brow furrowed. "Sir, I don't believe we're—"
He didn't let her finish. "Hear me out first. Let me properly court you this time. No more forcing my lifestyle on you. I'll adapt to yours."
The train's arrival drowned out her response. The screeching brakes silenced any further conversation as Nathaniel pulled her aboard.
Rush hour packed the subway car. Towering over the crowd, Nathaniel stood out effortlessly. Women's gazes kept drifting toward him while Evelyn found herself pressed against his chest.
She squirmed, trying to create space. But the surrounding male passengers made Nathaniel tighten his grip. "Stay put," he murmured, resting his chin atop her head.
His deep voice vibrated through her. "There's nothing between Amelia and me. She saved my life once—that's all. I owe her, but that's the extent of it."
So he had heard her earlier remark. "Yet you practically promised yourself to her," Evelyn countered.
Nathaniel's grip tightened slightly. "She was ten years old then. What kind of promise could that be?"
"Nothing stops you now that she's grown," Evelyn shot back, though the bitterness in her voice betrayed her true feelings.
Amusement colored his tone. "Would you prefer I pledge myself to you instead? My heart, my body—they're yours if you'll have them."
The train lurched, pressing them closer. Evelyn could feel his heartbeat against her back, steady and strong.
"Your generosity is overwhelming," she muttered, but didn't pull away.
Nathaniel chuckled, the sound rumbling through her. "Only for you, Evelyn. Only ever for you."
Around them, the subway car continued its journey, oblivious to the quiet revolution happening between two souls pressed together in the crowd.