Chapter 416

The dim living room was suddenly illuminated as a familiar voice broke the silence. "It's me, Zoe."

Evelyn spun around, her heart skipping a beat when she recognized Nathan standing in the doorway.

"Why are you here?" The tension in her shoulders eased slightly at the sight of him.

Nathan closed the distance between them in three long strides. "I needed to see you."

His arms encircled her waist, pulling her close. The fresh scent of her shampoo from her recent shower filled his senses, calming the storm that had been raging inside him all evening. "Did you meet Dominic Kent today?"

Evelyn froze in his embrace. "Dominic Kent?"

Nathan remained silent, his grip tightening imperceptibly.

She turned in his arms to face him, searching his stormy gray eyes. "Nathan, do you know Mr. Kent?"

His answer came in the form of a searing kiss that stole her breath. Pushing her backward onto the couch, he claimed her lips with possessive intensity - until sharp pain made him jerk back.

Evelyn had bitten him. Again.

Nathan touched his bleeding lip, eyes darkening dangerously. "Did you just bite me, little cat?"

"I was asking you a question, and all you can think about is-" Her protest was cut short as he pinned her beneath him, his mouth crashing down on hers once more. The metallic tang of blood mixed with the taste of him as her struggles weakened. Oxygen deprivation turned her cheeks scarlet, leaving her gasping when he finally released her.

"Hah... Nathan!" Her chest heaved as she glared up at him with glassy eyes.

The sight of her furious pout only amused him. "Stay away from Dominic," he ordered, brushing a thumb across her swollen lips.

Evelyn scoffed. "First Julian Abascal, now Dominic Kent? You really can't stand other men near me, can you?"

Nathan's expression turned grave. "He's not like Julian. Dominic is dangerous."

"Do you know him?" she pressed.

"Not personally. He's from the Kent family - old nobility with leftist ties." Nathan cradled the back of her head, pulling her close. "Zoe, there are things I can't explain yet. Just trust me - the further you stay from him, the better." His gaze drifted to the window, mind racing. 'Dominic has clearly targeted Zoe. His people are probably watching us right now.'

Evelyn pushed against his chest. "Is this why you can't reveal our relationship publicly?"

Nathan blinked, then chuckled darkly. "My wife is as sharp as ever."

She huffed. "Do you want my forgiveness?"

His eyebrow arched in question.

In one swift motion, Evelyn flipped their positions, straddling him. Her fingers toyed with his immaculate dress shirt, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I'll forgive you... if you let me have my way with you tonight."

Each button popped open with deliberate slowness, revealing the sculpted muscles beneath. His abdomen tensed as her nails traced his skin.

"Zoe-" His voice was a warning growl.

She leaned down until their lips almost touched. "If you want my forgiveness, show me some sincerity."

The hunger in his eyes shifted to something more predatory as her hands wandered lower.

'When did my obedient kitten learn to play with fire?' Nathan thought, jaw clenching.

Suddenly, his hands clamped around her wrists. "Are you sure you want to play this game, darling?"

Evelyn blinked up at him with faux innocence, though her smirk was pure sin. "Oh? Is the great Nathan Goldmann uncomfortable not being in control?" Her lips brushed his ear as she whispered, "Did you ever imagine you'd be at a woman's mercy?"