Chapter 356

Clutching the towel around her body, Evelyn stepped hesitantly toward the pool area. The afternoon sun reflected off the crystal-clear water, creating dazzling patterns on the surrounding tiles. Nathan was already swimming with powerful strokes, his muscular form cutting through the water effortlessly.

As he surfaced, water cascaded down his bronzed shoulders and sculpted chest. Sunlight caught the droplets clinging to his skin, making him look like some Greek god emerging from the sea. Evelyn's breath hitched as she unconsciously tightened her grip on the towel.

Nathan spotted her frozen form and smirked. "Planning to stand there all day?" His deep voice carried across the water, sending shivers down her spine.

Evelyn didn't move, her feet seemingly rooted to the spot. Nathan arched an eyebrow, his expression turning predatory. "Should I come get you?"

"No!" she blurted out, panic flashing in her eyes. "I'm coming."

Taking a deep breath, Evelyn let the towel drop. The moment the fabric slipped from her shoulders, she felt Nathan's gaze like a physical touch. The emerald green bikini hugged her curves perfectly, accentuating her slender waist and long legs.

Nathan's eyes darkened as they traveled over her body. Evelyn suddenly regretted accepting the swimsuit the maid had provided - it revealed far more than she'd anticipated.

Clearing her throat, she inched toward the pool's edge. The cool water lapped at her toes as she descended the steps. Nathan swam closer, extending his hand. After a moment's hesitation, she placed her palm in his.

The instant their skin touched, electricity shot up Evelyn's arm. Nathan pulled her deeper into the water, but as the bottom dropped away beneath her feet, terror gripped her.

"Nathan, wait!" she gasped, her voice rising in pitch.

Turning to face her, Nathan's expression was unreadable. "First rule of swimming, Evelyn..." Before she could react, he released her hand.

Evelyn's scream was cut off as water closed over her head. She flailed wildly, her movements uncoordinated and panicked. Water burned her nose and throat as she desperately tried to surface.

Strong arms suddenly wrapped around her waist, hauling her upward. Evelyn clung to Nathan like a lifeline, coughing and gasping for air. Their bodies pressed together intimately as he supported her weight.

"You... you..." she sputtered between coughs, her face flushed with anger and exertion. With all her strength, she smacked his shoulder. "You absolute jerk!"

Nathan's lips curved into a wicked grin. "That's lesson one, sweetheart. Everyone swallows water when they're learning." His arms tightened around her as she continued to tremble against him. "Ready for round two?"