Chapter 112

The realization struck Nathan like lightning - Evelyn must have known Edmund long before their supposed first meeting six years ago.

Lost in thought, his gaze suddenly caught a breathtaking vision entering the room.

The delicate crane embroidery on her evening gown shimmered under the lights, each stitch perfectly placed. The fitted bodice accentuated her slender waist, the flowing fabric hugging her curves in a way that commanded attention.

Evelyn moved like a living masterpiece, every step radiating grace that made it impossible to look away. She was elegance personified, a vision that stole the breath from his lungs.

Nathan's eyes darkened with primal hunger.

This enchanting siren. I want to strip away that polished exterior and devour every inch of her.

Sensing the predatory shift in his energy, Evelyn instinctively turned toward the exit.

Her hand barely touched the doorknob when his arm snaked around her waist, pinning her against the solid wood. His hot breath fanned across her neck. "Zoe, you're breathtaking..."

His lips traced the delicate column of her throat. "Nathan Goldmann, stop—" Evelyn could feel the barely restrained desire radiating from him, scorching her skin without even touching her.

Why is this man always so insatiable?

Nathan turned her face toward him, claiming her lips in a searing kiss.

Resistance was futile against his strength. When he held her like this, his body became an immovable force.

His hands roamed possessively.

"My wrist—it hurts."

The pained whisper snapped Nathan back to reality.

Damn it! Her injury—I completely forgot.

"I'm sorry." The apology came instantly, laced with genuine remorse.

Never in his life had he apologized to a woman like this.

Evelyn smirked inwardly. Would he have stopped if I hadn't played the injury card? All that talk about not forcing me—what hypocrisy!

"Do that again and I'll really be angry," she warned, turning her face away.

She was still learning Nathan's temperament. One thing was clear—reason worked better than resistance with this man.

Force would only provoke him further. But she'd discovered his surprising vulnerability to her softer side.

Nathan turned her to face him. The way she scolded him sent heat pooling low in his gut.

At least she's not freezing me out anymore. Progress.

"Then when will you be ready?" The question came out strained, like a child begging for sweets. He wasn't sure how much longer he could restrain himself.

Evelyn fixed him with an unimpressed stare. "Do all men think with their libido instead of their brain?"

"Can't speak for all men." Nathan tilted her chin up. "But you're the only one who makes me lose control."

In other words, only she had this effect on him.

Evelyn had no retort.

Nathan traced her lower lip with his thumb, voice dropping an octave. "You should know... I've been... restraining myself for six years."

His control had an expiration date.

Evelyn arched a brow. "Didn't Vivian throw herself at you repeatedly?"

She'd bet her fortune that woman had tried every trick in the book. No way he'd remained celibate all these years.

Nathan's expression darkened. "I never wanted her."

"Oh really?" Evelyn pushed against his chest. "Then feel free to take care of yourself. I'm leaving."

"You'd really abandon me?" The mighty wolf had transformed into a pleading puppy. "Zoe..."

The pathetic whine almost made her laugh. Nathan Goldmann, reduced to begging. Evelyn had no words for this unexpected vulnerability.