Chapter 107
Evelyn hadn't expected Nathaniel to circle back to this question, and the weight of it pressed down on her, making it harder to breathe, let alone respond.
Nathaniel watched her struggle with thinly veiled amusement. "Cat got your tongue?" he taunted, his voice laced with that infuriating calm.
"Not exactly," Evelyn shot back, meeting his gaze head-on. "Would you prefer the truth or a pretty lie?"
His expression darkened slightly. "Perhaps silence would serve you better," he replied coolly before turning away.
As Evelyn took a step forward, a sudden movement caught her eyeโa large dog stood beside her, tail wagging eagerly as it stared up at her.
She froze, her breath hitching. Instinctively, she took a step back. "Stay," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Though she bore no ill will toward the animal, an old, buried fear surged within her as the dog inched closer.
"Here, boy."
Just as Evelyn contemplated bolting, Nathanielโwho had vanished into the shadows moments agoโreappeared like some dark knight.
Beneath the golden glow of the streetlamp, he extended his hand toward her.
At the sight of Nathaniel, the dog immediately sat, its tail thumping gently against the pavement.
"The dog is sitting. Walk to me, Evelyn."
"IโI can't!" she stammered, her legs refusing to cooperate.
"You have ten seconds," Nathaniel commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Evelyn gritted her teeth. Why couldnโt he just come to her?
But she knew Nathaniel well enoughโwhen he said ten seconds, he meant it.
Gathering every ounce of courage she had, Evelyn sprinted toward him, her heart pounding wildly.
Nathanielโs gaze softened as she hurled herself into his arms. A faint smirk tugged at his lipsโsome wounds needed time, not force, to heal.
Suddenly, she was pressed against him, her fingers clutching his shirt.
Nathaniel remained still, his once-outstretched hand now resting lightly against her back before tightening just slightly.
"Is it gone?" Evelyn asked, her voice muffled against his chest.
"Itโs gone," he confirmed.
Evelyn finally dared to glance back, relief flooding her when she saw the dog had disappeared. "I was terrified," she admitted.
As they passed the spot where the dog had been, a shiver ran down her spine. What if it lunged at her from the shadows?
From above, Nathanielโs voice cut through her panic. "How much longer do you plan to cling to me?"
Evelyn stiffened, then quickly stepped back. "Sorry. Reflex," she muttered, cheeks burning.
Nathaniel arched a brow. "Consider that your one free pass."
Evelyn scowled. "Iโm carrying your child, Nathaniel. Would you really abandon me if a dog chased me? Should I tell Eleanor about your lack of chivalry?"
"Youโre more intimidating than that dog. You couldโve scared it off yourselfโespecially since youโre not actually pregnant."
"Who says Iโm notโ" She caught herself. "My point is, if weโre putting on a show, letโs make it convincing."
She bit her tongue, realizing sheโd almost slipped.
Acting required finesse, and she couldnโt afford missteps.
Walking behind him, she noticed his shadow stretching beneath the streetlamp. With a mischievous grin, she deliberately stepped on it.
Nathaniel didnโt miss it. "Really, Evelyn? Petty revenge?"
"I have no idea what youโre talking about," she lied, feigning innocence.
"Donโt play dumb."
"Youโve been watching me that closely? How flattering," she drawled.
Nathaniel glanced away. "Youโre getting reckless."
"If I werenโt reckless, would I have ever ended up in your bed?"
The words slipped out before she could stop them.
Evelynโs face flamed. "IโI should check what Victoria made for dinner," she blurted, speeding ahead of him.
Nathaniel exhaled, an unreadable flicker in his eyes.
Evelyn rushed into the living room, then straight to the kitchen, desperate to escape the awkwardness.
After lingering there longer than necessary, she returned to find Nathaniel gone.
A pang of regret hit her. That slip-up had been mortifying.