Chapter 220

The air was thick with tension as Evelyn waited for Nathan's response. She would respect his decision if he refused the dare. But as she stepped forward, standing inches away from him, Nathan remained silent.

He wasn't going to say no.

A thrill shot through Evelyn. Without hesitation, she closed the distance between them, settling onto his lap and looping her arms around his neck. Nathan's gaze locked onto hers, dark and unreadable, yet the rapid pulse at his throat betrayed him.

Evelyn leaned in, her lips just a breath away from his—

"Stop!" Serena's sharp voice sliced through the moment.

Evelyn's brows knit together as she turned to glare at the interruption.

"I'll drink for Nathan. He doesn't have to do this," Serena declared, her voice trembling with forced bravery.

Lila let out a derisive laugh. "Rules are rules. No substitutions."

Serena bit her lip, her eyes darting to Nathan in silent pleading. "But—but I—"

Evelyn cut her off with an icy smile. "Nathan drank for me earlier because he's my husband. That's his right. But you?" Her gaze raked over Serena with disdain. "What exactly are you to him?"

The question hung in the air like a blade. Serena paled, her fingers twisting together as she looked to Nathan for support. He merely glanced at her, his expression indifferent, before turning back to Evelyn.

A smirk curled Evelyn's lips. She reached up, cupping Nathan's face, and pulled him toward her. Their lips met—soft at first, then firmer.

Nathan stiffened momentarily, his eyes widening in surprise before they darkened with something deeper. Evelyn's heart hammered, but she refused to falter, keeping the kiss deliberate, controlled.

"Hold on!" Natalie's voice broke through. "That doesn't count!"

Evelyn pulled back just enough to shoot her a glare.

Natalie crossed her arms. "One arm around his neck, Evelyn. And it's supposed to be a full minute—with tongue."

Evelyn exhaled sharply but obeyed, tightening her grip around Nathan. This time, when she kissed him, she didn't hold back. Her tongue teased at the seam of his lips, and just as she hesitated—

Nathan responded.

His hand slid to the back of her neck, pulling her closer as his mouth moved against hers with slow, deliberate intent. The kiss deepened, his tongue tangling with hers in a way that sent sparks down her spine.

Evelyn froze, her breath catching. His touch was unexpectedly possessive, his movements calculated to unravel her. The room seemed to fade away, the only sound the rapid beat of her own pulse.

Lost in the moment, she nipped lightly at his lower lip, earning a low hum from him.

Across the room, Serena's fists clenched, her nails biting into her palms. Jealousy burned through her like wildfire. She wanted to rip Evelyn away, to scream, to do something—but she had no right.

Dylan, meanwhile, scowled. His carefully planned game had spiraled out of control, and he didn't like it one bit.