Chapter 23

"Gentlemanly behavior? That’s not exactly my forte," Nathan sneered as he closed the distance between them.

Before Evelyn could react, he seized her wrist, yanked her off the bed, and tossed her effortlessly over his shoulder.

"Nathan! You absolute bastard! Put me down—now!" she shrieked, pounding her fists against his back as he strode across the room.

With zero finesse, he dumped her onto the couch, barely sparing her a glance before sprawling across the bed like a conquering king.

Evelyn’s blood boiled.

Clenching her teeth, she launched herself off the couch, stormed back to the bed, and—without hesitation—kicked him square in the ribs.

The impact sent Nathan tumbling off the mattress, landing hard on the floor.

For a heartbeat, he just stared, disbelief etched across his face.

Him? Thrown off his own bed?

Slowly, he rose to his feet, his voice a dangerous growl. "Evelyn Hartley."

Propping herself up on one elbow, she met his glare with a smirk. "Problem, Mr. Black? Don’t tell me you’re planning to retaliate. That would be so ungentlemanly of you."

Nathan exhaled sharply, jaw tight. "Fine." The word dripped with warning before he turned on his heel and stalked toward the walk-in closet.

A thorough search later, he emerged empty-handed—no spare blankets.

Grudgingly, he returned to the couch, his towering frame crammed into the five-foot space, legs dangling awkwardly over the armrest.

Meanwhile, Evelyn stretched luxuriously across the bed, flipping onto her side just as her phone buzzed.

Ethan’s name flashed on the screen.

Frowning, she answered. "Ethan?"

"Evelyn, Olivia’s been asking about you all day. She wants to know when you’re visiting."

"I’ll stop by tomorrow," she said, lowering her voice. "And tell her not to worry about the divorce. It’ll be finalized by then."

From the couch, Nathan’s brows lifted.