Chapter 129

The shower's steam wrapped around them like a thick fog.

Nathaniel loomed over Vivian, pressing her against the tiled wall. "Is this what you wanted?" His voice dropped to a husky whisper. "Can you see me clearly now?"

Her head spun as heat flooded her cheeks. She twisted in his grip, frustration boiling over. "Release me, Blackwood! We both know you prefer men - stop pretending!"

"Prefer men?" Nathaniel's eyes narrowed in genuine confusion. 'Where the hell did she get that idea?'

"Are you denying it?" Vivian seized the opportunity. "Is Mr. Y from QuantumTech really your lover? How long has this been going on? Was Cassandra just your beard?"

He stared at her, torn between anger and laughter at her absurd accusations.

Nathaniel leaned closer, his lips brushing her earlobe. "Do I seem like a man who prefers men to you?"

Vivian's mind blanked as his bare torso filled her vision. The towel barely covered him, forcing her to avert her gaze before she got whiplash from looking away.

"I don't care who you sleep with! Just put some clothes on!" She squirmed uncomfortably. "This is beyond inappropriate!"

"So you're admitting you have no idea about my preferences?"

"Obviously not! I-" Her retort died as Nathaniel captured her lips in a searing kiss.

Electric heat shot through Vivian's body. Though inexperienced, she found herself melting against him, dangerously close to surrender.

"Still think I prefer men?" Nathaniel growled when they broke apart, his darkened eyes holding hers captive.

Vivian's pulse hammered in her throat. This wasn't how she'd imagined this confrontation going.

"Need more convincing?" He tilted her chin up with one finger. "I can demonstrate another way if you're still unclear."

Her dazed expression made him smirk. Before she could process his meaning, Nathaniel swept her into his arms and carried her toward the bedroom.

Only when her back hit the mattress did Vivian grasp the escalating situation. "Nathaniel, wait-"

He silenced her with a finger to her lips, desire thickening his voice. "Don't play coy. You're a grown woman - you know exactly how I can prove myself to you."