Chapter 357

Evelyn glared at him, her words trapped in her throat. Fury ignited within her at his infuriating smirk. "You absolute bastard! Is this your twisted idea of teaching someone to swim? I'm leaving—and Leonard will hear about this!" she spat through clenched teeth.

"Cool it!" Nathan snapped.

Evelyn swung again, aiming for Nathan's shoulder. "Who the hell do you think you are? Let me go, you arrogant prick!"

Nathan's expression darkened, his gaze turning dangerous. "Keep pushing me, Evelyn, and I might just drop you. Feel like testing that theory?"

Her eyes widened, defiance flashing. "You wouldn't dare."

"Try me." His voice dropped, low and rough, as he feigned loosening his grip.

Panic seized her. Without thinking, she hooked her legs around his waist, yanking them flush together. The sudden contact sent a jolt through them both.

Nathan stiffened, caught off guard. His voice turned strained. "Evelyn. Let go."

"No," she shot back, clinging tighter, challenging him.

"Let. Go." His tone was sharp but husky.

When she only tightened her hold, his jaw tensed. He tried to pry her legs free, but she locked them like a vise.

"Not happening," she hissed.

Then—her breath hitched. Something firm pressed against her thigh.

"Nathan…" Her voice wavered. "Something's—"

Realization struck. Her face burned. That was—

Her wide eyes snapped to his face, now a mix of tension and exasperation. The air between them thickened.

Nathan cleared his throat, rough. "Get. Down."

He looked away, jaw clenched.

Evelyn hastily unwound herself—but the second she did, she sank. Panic flared, but Nathan's arm banded around her waist, hauling her back against him.

Water rippled around them as their bodies collided again. Her hands braced on his shoulders, their gazes locking.

Silence. Charged. Unspoken.

Nathan's eyes darkened, stormy with restraint. He couldn't tear his gaze from her flushed lips.

His throat worked. Resolve crumbling, he leaned in—

Evelyn's breath caught. His warmth brushed her skin as he closed the distance. Heart racing, she surrendered, eyelids fluttering shut.