Chapter 200

"I never considered reclaiming my identity as a de Armas heir," Evelyn murmured, her fingers tracing the edge of her champagne flute. "But no one gets to steal it from me - especially not Vivian. That would disgrace my mother's memory."

Strong arms encircled her waist from behind, pulling her against a solid chest. Nathan's warm breath tickled her ear. "Those stilettos must have wings, darling. You're outpacing me in six-inch heels."

His grip tightened as she wobbled slightly. "Must you always tempt gravity?"

When Evelyn remained silent, Nathan suddenly swept her off her feet in one fluid motion. She gasped, squirming in his hold. "Nathan Goldmann! Put me down this instant!"

He carried her to the limousine without relinquishing his hold. Cradling her face, he forced her to meet his smoldering gaze. "What was that endearment you called me at the gala? Say it again."

"What endearment?" Evelyn blinked innocently.

His eyes darkened dangerously. Recognition dawned and she pushed at his chest. "It was just... a silly nickname."

"Mocking me, Zoe?" His voice dropped an octave.

"Don't be ridiculous! Nathan Goldmann, release me right n—"

His lips crashed against hers, swallowing her protest. Evelyn's breath hitched as his fingers tangled in her hair, holding her captive. Her lashes fluttered wildly while Nathan's breathing grew ragged, his gaze burning with barely restrained desire.

Back at the Goldmann estate...

Nathan pinned Evelyn beneath him on the silk sheets, his mouth claiming hers with relentless hunger. His muscular frame dwarfed her slender form, leaving her breathless beneath his onslaught. A haze of pleasure clouded Evelyn's vision as she arched against him.

"Wait—" She gasped when Nathan shrugged off his dress shirt, revealing sculpted abs that made her mouth go dry. Her cheeks flushed crimson.

"Zoe," he growled against her throat, "I'm done waiting."

Just as passion threatened to consume them, Evelyn stiffened. "Nathan, stop! I can't—not tonight."

His jaw clenched. "If this is another one of your—"

"It's my cycle," she blurted, watching comprehension dawn on his face. "Aunt Flow is visiting, you impossible man!"

The admission doused Nathan's ardor like ice water. He exhaled sharply before brushing a tender kiss to her forehead. "I'll prepare chamomile tea."

Evelyn blinked in astonishment at his unexpected domesticity. "You know about... menstrual cramps?"

Nathan cleared his throat, uncharacteristically flustered. "Research indicated chamomile provides relief."

A delighted laugh bubbled up. "Not all women suffer, Mr. Goldmann. But I'll never refuse tea brewed by the legendary tycoon himself."

The genuine smile lighting Evelyn's face made Nathan's chest tighten. This was the unguarded expression he'd fought so hard to earn. "Consider it done," he murmured, heading for the kitchen.

Minutes later, Evelyn's panicked voice echoed through the mansion. Nathan abandoned the whistling kettle, taking the stairs three at a time. "What's wrong?"

Peeking from the ensuite, Evelyn bit her lip. "I've... run out of feminine products. Could you ask Oliver to—"

"I'll go," Nathan interrupted, already reaching for his car keys. The billionaire CEO headed out on a mission no boardroom negotiation could have prepared him for.