Chapter 411

Nathan Blackwood maneuvered his wheelchair toward the marble-clad bathroom.

Since his leg injury, he'd taken to wearing loose-fitting pajama bottoms for easier mobility. His fingers hovered over the waistband before deciding against removing them entirely.

Better not push his luck too far.

If Evelyn Sinclair got spooked by his forwardness, she might bolt from Highland Estates altogether.

Nathan examined his bare torso in the full-length mirror with approval. His sculpted chest tapered into defined abdominal muscles that flexed subtly with each breath. The usual icy demeanor softened into something more approachable.

Theodore "Teddy" Winslow's advice echoed in his mind.

"Mr. Blackwood, with a physique like yours, no woman could resist. During the bath, let Ms. Sinclair admire the view without distraction. If she gets flustered, that's your cue to proceed."

Nathan remained skeptical but willing to experiment.

The bedroom door creaked open moments later.

He schooled his features into practiced nonchalance, running fingers through his dark hair to create artful disarray.

Footsteps paused outside the bathroom.

Three sharp raps on the door.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Nathan's pulse quickened despite himself.

"Evelyn? I'm in here. Come straight in."

He inhaled deeply, forcing his expression into calm indifference while keeping his eyes shut. Don't screw this up.

Teddy's words returned. Just relax and let her enjoy the show.

Water splashed against porcelain as someone adjusted the faucet.

Gentle hands draped a towel over his injured leg to protect it from moisture. The care in each movement suggested Evelyn's presence.

Nathan kept his eyes closed but his breathing grew uneven.

A warm, damp cloth glided across his shoulder blades.

Every muscle in his body tensed involuntarily.

The towel traced the contours of his arms with featherlight precision.

Nathan clenched his jaw, the only sounds being running water and his own thundering heartbeat.

The charged silence stretched between them, broken only by synchronized breathing and water droplets.

Something felt... off.

Why wasn't she speaking? Where were the expected nervous giggles or awkward small talk?

Teddy had assured him: "Ms. Sinclair will babble nervously when confronted with your naked torso. Just give monosyllabic responses to keep her off-balance."

But this silence... Was she overwhelmed? Aroused? Or-

The towel disappeared abruptly, leaving his skin pebbled with goosebumps.

A gruff male voice spoke behind him, holding up two shower gel options. "Ocean Breeze or Sandalwood?"

Nathan's spine went rigid. His eyes flew open to meet Marcus's stoic reflection in the mirror. The bodyguard stood with sleeves rolled up, revealing corded forearms.

Every fantasy of seduction evaporated. Nathan's injured leg trapped him in this nightmare.

"Why. Are. You. Here." Nathan ground out between clenched teeth.

All that tension. That anticipation. For his wife's bodyguard?!

"Where's Evelyn?"