Chapter 172

Nathan sat up slowly, his piercing gaze locking onto hers as he demanded, "Feed me."

In the past, Evelyn would have slammed the tray down and snapped, "Do it yourself!"

But this time was different.

She sat beside the bed without protest, lifting the spoon to his lips. His intense stare made her cheeks burn, so she muttered, "Don't get the wrong idea. I'm only doing this for Liam."

Nathan swallowed obediently, his lips curling into a smug smirk as he studied her.

For the first time, he thought being injured wasn’t so bad.

Once he finished, Evelyn set the tray aside. Nathan lounged against the pillows, watching her linger. "Staying to keep me company?"

She scoffed. "Do I look like I want to be here?" If he hadn’t gotten hurt saving Liam, she’d have been long gone.

Nathan’s smirk deepened. He tugged the blanket aside, patting the empty space next to him. "I’ll reluctantly lend you half the bed tonight."

Evelyn gaped at him.

He feigned innocence. "I’m injured. Helpless. You could do anything to me, and I couldn’t stop you."

She clenched her fists.

Why didn’t that damn snake finish him off?

Refusing to humor him, she stayed planted in her seat. Nathan didn’t push it, rolling onto his side to sleep.

Evelyn leaned against the wall, staring out the window. It looked like she’d be spending the night here. The chill made her shiver, so she curled up on the nearby sofa instead.

Exhaustion from the previous sleepless night dragged her under quickly.

Nathan cracked an eye open, turning to study her.

She looked small, vulnerable.

He sighed.

Was he really this bad at winning her over? Or was she just stubborn?

Maybe he needed to try harder.

Seeing her shiver again, he pushed himself up, crossed the room, and lifted her effortlessly.

She didn’t stir as he tucked her into the bed beside him, wrapping the blanket snugly around her.

Nathan settled beside her, only to freeze when she instinctively curled into his chest, her warmth seeping into him.

His jaw tightened.

This woman was going to be the death of him.

—

The next morning, Evelyn woke to the sound of hushed whispers.

She blinked open her eyes—only to find Mr. Goldmann Sr., Oliver, and the triplets staring at her with wide, curious eyes.

Her heart stopped.

She was in Nathan’s bed.

And his arm was draped possessively over her.

Mr. Goldmann Sr. chuckled. "Sleep in, dear. We’ll take the kids out."

"Bye, Mommy!" the triplets chimed before scampering off.

Oliver followed, barely suppressing a grin.

Evelyn’s face burned.

Then—

"NATHAN GOLDMANN, YOU BASTARD!"

—

Lunch was a grand affair the day Nathan was discharged.

Oliver and his sister, Chloe, joined the celebration.

Mr. Goldmann Sr. smiled warmly at Evelyn. "Thank you for taking care of Nathan, Zoe."

She stiffened before forcing a polite smile. "It was nothing, sir."

Chloe, mouth full, grinned. "Evelyn, shouldn’t you call him 'Dad' by now?"

Oliver pinched her. "Can’t even food shut you up?"

Evelyn’s ears turned red.

Mr. Goldmann Sr. waved it off. "It’ll happen when it happens."

Chloe burst out laughing. "Wow, the great Nathan Goldmann can’t even win over his own wife? Pathetic."

Nathan shot her a glare.

If Mr. Goldmann Sr. hadn’t treated Chloe like family, she’d have been thrown out right then.