Chapter 410

Nathaniel ran his fingers through Evelyn's hair, treating her like a pampered kitten.

"I'm just stating facts. You know Amelia saved my life, so I'm obligated to give her a proper explanation. I wouldn't bother for anyone else. Earlier, I wanted to stay with you but Amelia suddenly got sick and kept calling for me, so I-"

Evelyn cut him off with an eye roll. "Save it. I know where this is going."

One dark eyebrow arched. "Do you? Enlighten me then."

She straightened in his lap, chin lifted. "I get your dilemma. Amelia's your savior who sacrificed something priceless for you. You feel indebted. So whenever she's in trouble, you can't just walk away. Am I wrong?"

Nathaniel didn't deny it. "Exactly. Just give me time to repay this debt. After that, I promise you'll never have to deal with this again."

Some weight lifted from Evelyn's chest after speaking her mind. "It's fine. As long as you trust me, I won't stay angry. Repaying a life debt is understandable. I get it and I trust you."

His brows knitted together as he glared. "Little minx, you know I wouldn't mind if you took your anger out on me."

She smirked. "I won't. I'm not that petty."

Darkness clouded his eyes. "But I am. So what should we do about that?"

"Petty about what? I didn't do anything to you," Evelyn countered, confused.

His expression darkened. "Wasn't Jonathan in here with you earlier?"

Evelyn nodded calmly. "Since he's your friend, I asked him to bring me clothes. He just dropped me off to rest and left after handing me a towel."

Nathaniel searched her eyes intently.

"No need to explain. I know nothing happened. But let me be clear - I don't like you getting cozy with other men. Next time, I can't promise I'll keep my temper."

"That's rich," Evelyn shot back. "You don't seem to mind me watching you with other women. Evelyn Whitmore, sometimes I wonder if you'd be just as content without me."

She blinked innocently. "Nathaniel... Are you saying you feel insecure in this relationship? That I'd leave you in a heartbeat?"

He glared. "Yes! Exactly that. Every damn day I worry you'll run off with someone else." His grip tightened painfully around her waist.

Evelyn winced. "Nathaniel... You're not off the hook yet. Have some self-respect and stop manhandling me."

Unfazed, he tickled her ribs. "You're my wife. I'll handle you however I please."

She squirmed, trying to ignore the tingling sensation. "Fake wife! We don't even have a marriage certificate."

His eyes lit up at the reminder. "Shall we fix that tomorrow?"

Evelyn's cheeks burned. "Don't twist my words! I wasn't suggesting that."

He leaned in until his breath warmed her skin. "I want to. Do you? It would mean everything to me."

Her pulse raced as their faces nearly touched. She shoved him away. "Stop joking about serious things."

"I'm dead serious."

"Not tomorrow. Maybe someday. First I need to evaluate if you're even husband material."

Nathaniel knew convincing her wouldn't be easy. He chuckled ruefully. "Take your time. Sooner or later, you'll be mine."

The predatory glint in his eyes made her shiver. Without realizing, her dress strap had slipped down her arm.