Chapter 32

The crowd of men couldn't take their eyes off Evelyn's hourglass figure.

It was human nature - men always noticed a woman's body first before her face. And who could resist such perfect curves paired with that angelic face?

But the moment that thought crossed his mind, the man shivered violently. An icy gaze had locked onto him - coming directly from where Nathan Goldmann stood!

As the music faded, thunderous applause erupted through the ballroom.

Evelyn hurried through the crowd searching for Sophia when suddenly - strong fingers wrapped around her wrist. She spun around to find herself face-to-face with Nathan.

"You-"

Before she could speak, his tailored jacket descended over her shoulders like a sudden storm.

Evelyn pulled it off with a frown. "What's this supposed to mean?"

"Wear it." Nathan's voice held that familiar commanding edge.

She arched an eyebrow. "This is how the dress is designed. Why would I-"

In one fluid motion, Nathan backed her against the velvet curtains, caging her between his arms. His breath ghosted over her lips as he growled, "Who exactly are you trying to tempt dressed like this?"

Did this woman have any idea how many predators were circling her tonight?

Evelyn pressed a finger against his rock-hard shoulder. "Mr. Goldmann, half the women here are wearing backless gowns. Why don't you go police their wardrobes instead of harassing me?"

Since when did men get voting rights on women's fashion choices? This was practically modest compared to some dresses tonight!

"Stop arguing. Keep it on." His jaw clenched audibly.

"I don't-"

Nathan leaned in until their lips nearly brushed. "Shall I dress you myself then?"

Evelyn's breath hitched, her lashes fluttering wildly. The man radiated heat like a furnace, turning their hidden alcove into a sauna.

Watching her bite that plump lower lip, Nathan's throat worked violently.

Her palms grew damp. This infuriating man was standing far too close. Was he actually going to-

Snatching the jacket, she hastily wrapped it around herself and shoved him away. "I'll wear the damn thing. No need to invade my personal space."

She glared up at him. "Wouldn't want people getting the wrong idea." With that, she spun on her heel and disappeared into the crowd.

Nathan's lips thinned into a dangerous line, his dark eyes smoldering.

He'd been seconds away from claiming that insolent mouth.

This woman was pure poison - intoxicating and lethal.

Evelyn stormed through the ballroom, Nathan's oversized jacket swallowing her frame.

Sophia materialized beside her with a wolfish grin. "Well well, isn't that Mr. Goldmann's jacket?"

'Zoe wearing Nathan's clothes? Oh this is getting juicy!'

Evelyn flicked her friend's forehead. "Wipe that smirk off your face!"

"Darling, you're the undisputed queen of tonight! Torn between Bassburgh's two most powerful bachelors? This is straight out of a romance novel!" Sophia sighed dramatically.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Get your head out of the clouds."

"I wonder what my future godchildren will look like-"

Sophia suddenly froze, her expression shifting to shock. "Zoe... I just realized something terrifying. Caleb and Liam... they look exactly like Nathan Goldmann!"

Her voice dropped to a horrified whisper. "Could he be... the man from that night six years ago?"

Evelyn's blood ran cold. She'd noticed the resemblance immediately when she first saw Nathan. The same sharp jawline, those piercing eyes.

But the real gut punch? His cologne. That exact same intoxicating scent from that unforgettable night.