Chapter 526

Evelyn and Nathan stood fifteen feet apart, the last ones remaining.

Their eyes locked. Both raised their weapons simultaneously.

Two gunshots cracked through the air.

Only the sound remained.

The wind howled between them.

Neither bullet found its mark.

Evelyn ducked behind a tree trunk, gasping for breath.

Nathan rolled into the tall grass with practiced ease.

He moved faster than she could recover. Before Evelyn could steady her breathing, Nathan seized the advantage.

His gun appeared at her back just as hers pressed against his abdomen.

Nathan's eyes burned with undisguised admiration.

He was a professional, but she was better.

Neither would yield.

Evelyn studied him. Was this really the same man?

She lowered her weapon slightly.

Nathan's lips curved into a smirk. Seizing her momentary distraction, he twisted his wrist.

With one fluid motion, he pinned her gun hand against the tree trunk. His long legs trapped hers, rendering her immobile.

Evelyn's eyes widened. Had he just pulled a cheap trick?

Though strong, she couldn't match Nathan's raw physical power.

The realization hit her instantly.

His face hovered dangerously close. The wild intensity in his dark eyes made her freeze.

Yet his expression held only triumph and amusement.

He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "Evelyn," he murmured, voice thick with satisfaction, "Third round. My win."

She wanted to curse him. The bastard had cheated!

Then she remembered - she'd won their first two matches using similar tactics.

They were even.

"Damn it." Evelyn met his gaze and faltered.

No trace of the polished businessman remained. His eyes burned with primal exhilaration.

Suddenly, he moved closer.

He meant to kiss her.

Evelyn tried to knee him, but his legs held hers captive.

She turned her face away. His cool lips brushed her cheek instead.

"Get off me," she hissed.

Nathan stepped back with a roguish grin, completely unbothered.

Free again, Evelyn shot him a venomous glare and turned to leave.

"That conniving bastard Nathan Blackwood! He's sunk to new lows!"

Nathan gathered her discarded items, following with infuriating smugness. "I won, Evelyn. You owe me one request."

She whirled around. "What?"

"Marry me again?" His eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Dream on."

"Then a kiss?"

Evelyn clenched her teeth. One more ridiculous demand and she'd lose control.

Nathan grew serious. "At least give me a chance."

She remained silent, her expression unreadable.

"I've been chasing you, Evelyn. Still am."

Every moment since their divorce, he'd pursued her relentlessly.

Evelyn crossed her arms. "Nathan Blackwood, what you feel isn't love. It's wounded pride because I stopped loving you first. You can't stand that I walked away without your permission. This isn't affection - it's bitterness!"

Nathan's dark eyes searched hers. The silence stretched between them.

All strength seemed to leave his body.

His regrets, his devotion, his humility - to her, they meant nothing?

"Evelyn," he said quietly, "I know the difference between wounded pride and real love."

The smile he gave her was heartbreaking.

Suddenly, Nathan felt hollow. As if someone had taken the mountain of love in his chest and brushed it away like dust.