Chapter 234

Nathan's features were carved from ice, his piercing gaze locked onto Evelyn's face. "This way you can witness firsthand," he said through clenched teeth. "The spectacle you anticipated won't be happening."

His voice carried a dangerous edge, more chilling than angry. With deliberate coldness, he withdrew his arm from her space.

A predatory gleam flickered in Nathan's darkened eyes as he began undoing the buttons of his stained jacket. The garment landed carelessly on a nearby chair with a soft thud.

His movements turned feral as he ripped off his tie with one sharp motion. The silk accessory joined his discarded coat in a heap.

The open collar revealed the tantalizing dip of his throat, his disheveled appearance radiating dangerous charm. An untamed wildness clung to him like a second skin.

The air between them grew thick enough to choke on. Evelyn barely managed to avert her eyes, forcing her traitorous pulse to steady. When she spoke, her voice was carefully measured.

"Mr. Blackwood, you flatter yourself. I couldn't care less about whatever drama unfolds between you and Genevieve."

Evelyn truly didn't give a damn about Nathan's tangled relationships. His behavior was bordering on absurd.

"Couldn't care less?" His voice dropped to a rough whisper that sent shivers down her spine. She must have imagined the vulnerability there. "Of course not." With that dismissal, Evelyn pivoted on her heel to leave.

His hand shot out, fingers wrapping around her wrist like a manacle. These recent encounters were becoming intolerable. What game was Nathan playing now? Evelyn's expression darkened as she prepared to demand answers.

Without warning, Nathan pinned her against the wall once more.

His palms cradled her face with surprising gentleness before his lips crashed against hers in a searing kiss. The contact sparked electric currents through her body.

Nathan lost himself in her sweetness, his kiss turning desperate and possessive. Evelyn remained frozen, her senses overwhelmed.

The familiar scent of his cologne mixed with whiskey triggered memories she'd tried to bury. Memories of when she'd been foolish enough to find that combination intoxicating.

When his tongue sought entrance, reality came crashing back. Evelyn bit down hard on his lower lip.

The moment he recoiled, her palm connected with his cheek in a stinging slap. The sharp crack echoed through the room.

Nathan's expression darkened as he stared at her, unblinking.

Evelyn shoved him away, fury radiating from every pore. "Open your eyes, Mr. Blackwood."

"I'm not some cheap fling you can buy with expensive trinkets. If you're looking for entertainment, I'm sure your harem of admirers would be delighted." Nathan's face hardened at her words, his voice turning gravelly.

"But you're the only one I want." The image of Sebastian Hart's planned proposal flashed through his mind, igniting fresh fury. When had this woman become so essential to his existence?

Her presence had taken root in his chest, growing vines around his heart until removing her would mean tearing himself apart.

Evelyn's pupils contracted violently. It felt like someone had ripped open an old wound, leaving her raw and bleeding.

The pain was unbearable. "Nathan Blackwood, we're divorced. I finally gave you what you wanted - I vanished from your life. We have no connection now, and we never will again."

"I feel nothing for you anymore, so do us both a favor and stay the hell away from me." Who did he think he was? Storming back into her life now, reopening scars she'd worked so hard to heal.

Did he enjoy seeing her in pain? Was this some twisted game to him? That single kiss had shaken her to the core.

It had been devastatingly perfect, and that's what made it so despicable. Evelyn turned away without hesitation, unable to bear his presence a moment longer.

She couldn't let him see how much he still affected her. With practiced ease, she wrenched open the door and fled. The slam behind her sounded final.

Nathan stood motionless.

The red imprint on his cheek burned, a trickle of blood staining the corner of his mouth. He barely registered either sensation. His chest ached with a dull, persistent throb.

"Happy birthday, Evelyn," he whispered to the empty room. In that moment, he knew with absolute certainty - he'd just lost the most precious thing he'd ever had.