Chapter 281

Rachel's fingers trembled slightly as she grasped Evelyn's arm. "Zoe, why does Mr. Goldmann want to see you? Does he suspect you of cheating too?" Chloe gave an awkward chuckle, patting Rachel's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't be ridiculous. Of course not."

The walk to Harrison's office felt longer than usual. Chloe pushed open the heavy oak door to reveal Nathan lounging on the leather couch, his tailored suit stretching across broad shoulders. Harrison and Rosalind stood stiffly nearby, their expressions unreadable.

"Leave us." Nathan's command cut through the tension like a knife.

Rosalind's eyes flashed with something dark as she brushed past Evelyn, the door clicking shut behind her with finality.

"Why are you standing all the way over there?" Nathan's voice dropped an octave as he patted the empty space beside him. The glint in his hazel eyes promised trouble.

Evelyn crossed her arms. "This is a military training facility, Nathan. Someone might see—"

"Come here." The dangerous edge in his tone made her pulse jump. "Unless you'd prefer I carry you?"

Rolling her eyes, Evelyn took three measured steps forward—only to gasp as Nathan's arm shot out, yanking her onto his lap. His familiar cedar scent enveloped her as he nuzzled the sensitive spot below her ear.

"Still mad at me?" His breath ghosted over her collarbone. "About the jade ring... I asked Rosalind because I didn't know what you'd like."

Evelyn stiffened. "You consulted her about my gift?"

A rare flush crept up Nathan's neck. "I thought women had similar tastes." The admission sounded almost painful. "I've never... shopped for a woman before."

The confession melted some of Evelyn's irritation. This powerful CEO who commanded boardrooms was utterly clueless about jewelry. The realization sparked unexpected warmth in her chest.

Nathan's lips curved against her throat. "Were you jealous, Zoe?"

"Don't flatter yourself." Evelyn turned her face away, but the heat in her cheeks betrayed her. "She's the one parading around with stolen gifts."

The rich rumble of Nathan's laughter vibrated through her. "True. She never stood a chance." His hands slid beneath her uniform jacket. "You've lost weight."

Evelyn swatted at him. "You incorrigible—"

He caught her wrist effortlessly, his thumb tracing circles on her pulse point. The wicked promise in his gaze turned her bones to liquid. "Behave."

In that moment, with his perfectly combed hair and rumpled tie, Nathan Goldmann embodied every bit the wolf in Armani.