Chapter 410

Nathan's expression darkened instantly.

His knuckles turned white as he struggled to contain his rising temper.

Evelyn couldn't take the noise anymore and swung the door open, only to find two men sprawled across her doorway. She blinked in disbelief.

"Teddy?"

Marcus's jaw was clenched so tight it looked painful. "Miss Sinclair, you should go back inside and rest."

Evelyn let out a quiet laugh and shook her head.

"I can't sleep with all this racket."

It was so loud that Lucas had texted asking if she was hosting a midnight concert.

The walls were practically vibrating!

Marcus finally snapped and kicked Teddy's leg.

Teddy jolted awake, eyes wide with alarm before immediately putting on his most earnest expression.

"Ms. Sinclair! You're still awake? Don't worry—I won't let any harm come to you. As long as Marcus stays out here, so will I!"

Evelyn pinched the bridge of her nose.

She gave Marcus a pleading look.

"Just go sleep in the guest room. I'll be fine."

Marcus opened his mouth to argue but knew better than to disobey.

Here he was—a former special forces operative—being outmaneuvered by this human golden retriever.

Grumbling under his breath, Marcus gathered his bedding and stalked off. Teddy scrambled after him, suddenly wide awake.

"Wait up! Let's share a room! I promise I won't snore or sleepwalk this time!"

Evelyn exhaled in relief as the hallway finally fell silent.

Then the study door creaked open.

Nathan wheeled out, looking exhausted. His usually sharp features were softened by fatigue.

"You're back," he murmured, voice rough.

Evelyn crossed her arms. "Problem?"

"Aren't you supposed to be taking care of me? Shouldn't you ask how I'm feeling today?"

His tone was quieter than usual, lacking its usual edge. Almost... vulnerable.

Something twisted in Evelyn's chest despite herself. She kept her expression neutral.

"Mr. Blackwood, how are you feeling today?"

Nathan's lips quirked. "Better now that you're here."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. She'd long since grown immune to Nathan's smooth talk.

The moment he recovered, she was leaving and never looking back.

"I'm going to bed. Goodnight."

"Wait." Nathan caught her wrist. "I need help bathing."

Evelyn froze. "Excuse me?"

Had she heard that correctly? He wanted her to—

Nathan sighed, the picture of helplessness. "The doctor said my right leg can't get wet. It's... difficult to manage alone. Unless you want my injury to worsen and keep you here indefinitely?"

Damn him for sounding so reasonable. The innocent look on his face made Evelyn feel like she was overreacting.

"Fine. I'll change and meet you there. You can undress yourself—your hands work perfectly fine, don't they?"

Nathan's eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning.

"I'll be waiting."

That deep, velvety voice sent an unwelcome shiver down her spine.

As Evelyn retreated to her room, she remembered Teddy's earlier advice to Nathan: "Mr. Blackwood, a man's greatest assets are his wealth and sex appeal. Since Ms. Sinclair has plenty of money..."

Apparently, Nathan had taken those words to heart.

Shaking her head, Evelyn fired off a quick text to Marcus before heading to what promised to be the most awkward bath time of her life.