Chapter 307

Nathan turned his head, his breath catching in his throat when he saw her.

Evelyn stood there wearing nothing but his oversized white dress shirt, the hem barely skimming her thighs. Her dark waves tumbled freely down her back, while the sleeves swallowed her delicate hands whole. She'd left the top buttons undone, offering him a tantalizing glimpse of what lay beneath.

He'd always known his wife was a temptress, but seeing her draped in his clothing ignited a fire in him that threatened to consume all reason.

"Is dinner ready, Nathan?" Evelyn's voice was honeyed as she padded barefoot toward the table, the sleeves flapping comically with each movement. "I'm starving."

Nathan clicked his tongue and turned down the stove's flame. In three strides, he had her pinned against the counter, his hands framing her waist. "Hungry again, sweetheart?" he murmured, raising an eyebrow.

The glass trembled in Evelyn's grip.

Only when her stomach growled loudly did Nathan chuckle, releasing her to ruffle her hair. "Just teasing you, love. Dinner's served."

He carried their meal to the table - a rich tomato bisque and perfectly al dente spaghetti carbonara. Evelyn studied her husband across the table. Even with the healing cut along his jawline, he looked every inch the aristocratic CEO. Cooking in their villa's kitchen hadn't diminished his commanding presence; if anything, the domesticity made him more devastatingly attractive.

Evelyn was convinced Nathan was heaven's favorite creation - sculpted to perfection in every conceivable way.

"You deliberately didn't pack any clothes for me, didn't you?" Evelyn accused around a mouthful of pasta, pouting adorably.

Nathan's lips curved into that wicked smile she knew too well. "I did warn you this was a convalescence retreat, Mrs. Goldmann. Your sole responsibility is keeping this patient... entertained."

"It's been two weeks since I last checked on the studio," Evelyn fretted, worrying her bottom lip. "I hope Uncle Gregory isn't overwhelmed."

Nathan dabbed his mouth with a napkin. "Soul Jewelry is in capable hands. I've made arrangements."

Evelyn's fork stilled mid-air. "Does that mean... you're not returning to the Goldmann estate?"

"I've wanted my own space for years," Nathan admitted, his gaze darkening. "Privacy is rather essential for certain... marital activities, don't you think?"

That dangerous glint in his eyes sent shivers down Evelyn's spine.

What followed were three days Evelyn would remember in vivid detail - and three nights that left her barely able to stand. Nathan carried her to the ensuite bathroom each morning, their modesty long since abandoned. By the third day, she didn't even blush when he toweled her dry before carrying her back to bed.

Seated on the mattress's edge with Evelyn cradled in his lap, Nathan carefully dried her hair with a towel. His fingers carded through the silken strands, inhaling the floral scent of her shampoo. She'd clearly invested in premium haircare - not a single split end marred the chestnut cascade.

Noticing her drowsy blinking, Nathan slowed his ministrations. This newfound vulnerability from his usually guarded wife was intoxicating. She'd lowered every defense, embracing both their intimacy and her own femininity. If he could freeze time, this would be the moment he'd preserve forever.

The shrill ringtone shattered the tranquility. Evelyn startled as Nathan reached for his buzzing phone.

Seeing his father's caller ID, Nathan answered tersely, "Yes?"

"Have you absconded with my daughter-in-law?" Theodore Goldmann's voice boomed through the speaker.

Nathan massaged his temples. "We've relocated. Temporarily."

The older man harrumphed. "Put Zoe on."

Evelyn's eyes widened when Nathan handed her the phone. "Mr. Goldmann?"

"Zoe, I've been briefed on everything." Theodore's tone softened considerably. "Please find it in your heart to forgive Nathan's grandfather. His prejudice against the de Armas runs deeper than I realized - a relic from conflicts long past."

He sighed heavily before continuing, "Though your mother was a de Arma, you are your own person. The Goldmanns' feud with that family shouldn't define your marriage. Regardless of what the old man says, you'll always have my support. You're the only daughter-in-law I'll ever acknowledge."