Chapter 107

Evelyn hadn't expected Nathaniel to circle back to this question, and the weight of it pressed down on her, making it harder to breathe, let alone respond.

Nathaniel watched her struggle with thinly veiled amusement. "Cat got your tongue?" he taunted, his voice laced with that infuriating calm.

"Not exactly," Evelyn shot back, meeting his gaze head-on. "Would you prefer the truth or a pretty lie?"

His expression darkened slightly. "Perhaps silence would serve you better," he replied coolly before turning away.

As Evelyn took a step forward, a sudden movement caught her eye—a large dog stood beside her, tail wagging eagerly as it stared up at her.

She froze, her breath hitching. Instinctively, she took a step back. "Stay," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Though she bore no ill will toward the animal, an old, buried fear surged within her as the dog inched closer.

"Here, boy."

Just as Evelyn contemplated bolting, Nathaniel—who had vanished into the shadows moments ago—reappeared like some dark knight.

Beneath the golden glow of the streetlamp, he extended his hand toward her.

At the sight of Nathaniel, the dog immediately sat, its tail thumping gently against the pavement.

"The dog is sitting. Walk to me, Evelyn."

"I—I can't!" she stammered, her legs refusing to cooperate.

"You have ten seconds," Nathaniel commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Evelyn gritted her teeth. Why couldn’t he just come to her?

But she knew Nathaniel well enough—when he said ten seconds, he meant it.

Gathering every ounce of courage she had, Evelyn sprinted toward him, her heart pounding wildly.

Nathaniel’s gaze softened as she hurled herself into his arms. A faint smirk tugged at his lips—some wounds needed time, not force, to heal.

Suddenly, she was pressed against him, her fingers clutching his shirt.

Nathaniel remained still, his once-outstretched hand now resting lightly against her back before tightening just slightly.

"Is it gone?" Evelyn asked, her voice muffled against his chest.

"It’s gone," he confirmed.

Evelyn finally dared to glance back, relief flooding her when she saw the dog had disappeared. "I was terrified," she admitted.

As they passed the spot where the dog had been, a shiver ran down her spine. What if it lunged at her from the shadows?

From above, Nathaniel’s voice cut through her panic. "How much longer do you plan to cling to me?"

Evelyn stiffened, then quickly stepped back. "Sorry. Reflex," she muttered, cheeks burning.

Nathaniel arched a brow. "Consider that your one free pass."

Evelyn scowled. "I’m carrying your child, Nathaniel. Would you really abandon me if a dog chased me? Should I tell Eleanor about your lack of chivalry?"

"You’re more intimidating than that dog. You could’ve scared it off yourself—especially since you’re not actually pregnant."

"Who says I’m not—" She caught herself. "My point is, if we’re putting on a show, let’s make it convincing."

She bit her tongue, realizing she’d almost slipped.

Acting required finesse, and she couldn’t afford missteps.

Walking behind him, she noticed his shadow stretching beneath the streetlamp. With a mischievous grin, she deliberately stepped on it.

Nathaniel didn’t miss it. "Really, Evelyn? Petty revenge?"

"I have no idea what you’re talking about," she lied, feigning innocence.

"Don’t play dumb."

"You’ve been watching me that closely? How flattering," she drawled.

Nathaniel glanced away. "You’re getting reckless."

"If I weren’t reckless, would I have ever ended up in your bed?"

The words slipped out before she could stop them.

Evelyn’s face flamed. "I—I should check what Victoria made for dinner," she blurted, speeding ahead of him.

Nathaniel exhaled, an unreadable flicker in his eyes.

Evelyn rushed into the living room, then straight to the kitchen, desperate to escape the awkwardness.

After lingering there longer than necessary, she returned to find Nathaniel gone.

A pang of regret hit her. That slip-up had been mortifying.