Chapter 306

The sun cast golden rays over Blue Bay, an exclusive neighborhood nestled in the silk stocking district.

Evelyn gazed through the car window at the fiery red maples lining the road, their vibrant leaves breathing life into the elegant streetscape.

Bassburgh’s elite enclave was a paradise of mountains and sea, where luxury villas overlooked the shimmering coastline. The air was crisp, the surroundings serene, and the infrastructure impeccable—making it the preferred retreat for tycoons and celebrities alike.

She turned to Nathan, brows furrowed. "What are we doing here?"

He didn’t answer, his grip tightening on the steering wheel as he pulled up to a sprawling 3,700-square-foot villa.

The estate was a masterpiece—lush gardens bursting with blooms, a crystalline pond reflecting the sky, and a charming wooden pavilion perched beside a winding stone path.

The villa itself stood two stories tall, its warm golden façade exuding understated grandeur.

Evelyn stepped out of the car, stunned. "You didn’t—"

A smirk tugged at Nathan’s lips. "Our newlywed home. Quiet, private… perfect for just the two of us."

Her breath hitched. "Just us?"

He wrapped his arms around her from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder. "Zoe, we’re getting married. We need time to ourselves. My father will handle the kids—he adores them. This is about us."

About us? A shiver ran down her spine. Something about his tone unsettled her.

Before she could react, he swept her off her feet and carried her inside.

The villa’s floor-to-ceiling windows framed a breathtaking view of the endless ocean, waves crashing against the shore. The interior was fully furnished, every detail meticulously chosen.

Nathan set her down on the plush sofa, his gaze darkening as he leaned in.

Evelyn pressed a hand to his chest. "Your face—you should tend to that bruise first."

He chuckled, low and dangerous. "Fine."

She fetched the first-aid kit—another sign he had planned this long ago. The dark purple bruise on his cheekbone was stark evidence of Theodore’s brutal punch.

As she dabbed at the wound, the sea breeze fluttered through the open windows, lifting the sheer curtains. The scent of her shampoo teased his senses, and his gaze dropped to her slightly parted lips.

His throat tightened.

A finger traced her jawline before he captured her mouth in a searing kiss, pushing her back against the cushions.

"Mmm—Nathan, your injury—"

"I missed you," he murmured against her skin, his grip firm.

Heat flooded her cheeks.

Damn him. Always taking advantage.

She tried to wriggle free. "I have work later—"

But he held her tighter, teeth grazing the buttons of her blouse. "You’re staying right here while I recover."

By the time she woke, dusk had fallen. One lesson was clear—never provoke a man who’d been deprived too long.

Wrapped in a sheet, she padded to the closet—only to find it stocked entirely with his tailored suits and dress shirts.

That bastard planned this.

Downstairs, Nathan was cooking. The aroma of food made her stomach growl as she descended in oversized slippers, her body still humming from the afternoon’s intensity.