Chapter 221

The evening air was thick with unspoken tension as Evelyn Vanderbilt adjusted the silver tassel earrings that swayed with every step she took. The royal blue off-shoulder dress clung to her frame, the gauzy skirt whispering against her ankles like a secret.

Nathan Goldmann watched her approach, his gaze darkening with every second.

"You look stunning," he murmured, his voice low and rough.

Evelyn’s cheeks warmed, but she kept her composure. "You didn’t have to reserve the entire restaurant."

His lips curved. "I didn’t want distractions."

The steakhouse was dimly lit, the flickering candles casting shadows across his sharp features. For once, the ruthless CEO looked almost… human.

Evelyn picked up her wine glass, but Nathan’s fingers wrapped around her wrist, stopping her.

"Don’t," he warned, amusement glinting in his eyes. "We have plans later."

She nearly choked.

The memory of yesterday’s reckless promise burned in her mind. She had been too confident, too careless. Now, she was trapped in a game she couldn’t back out of.

Nathan leaned in, his breath brushing her ear. "You’re not getting out of this, Evelyn."

Her pulse spiked.

The rest of the meal passed in a haze. Every glance, every accidental touch sent sparks through her. She was hyper-aware of him—his scent, the way his fingers curled around his fork, the way his eyes never truly left her.

Then, midnight struck.

Fireworks exploded outside the window, painting the sky in bursts of gold and crimson. Evelyn turned, mesmerized.

Nathan stood behind her, his body pressing close. "Do you like it?"

She barely had time to nod before his lips brushed her cheek.

Her breath hitched.

The wine, the lights, the way his hands settled on her waist—it was too much.

Nathan’s grip tightened. His voice was rough with restraint. "You have no idea what you do to me."

Evelyn swallowed.

She was in trouble.

Deep, delicious trouble.