Chapter 129

Nathan bit down on his lower lip, tasting the metallic tang of blood. The sharp pain cleared his alcohol-fogged mind momentarily.

He had never initiated a kiss with any woman before.

The only two instances had been when Victoria made the first move. Even then, he'd only permitted her to brush the corner of his mouth.

Never had he imagined craving Evelyn's lips with such intensity that he'd lose all self-control.

Nathan couldn't comprehend his own actions.

"I must still be drunk," he muttered hoarsely.

He slumped back weakly, massaging his temples. "No more drinking like this. It leads to... mistakes."

"Bullshit!" Julian Montgomery's voice cracked like a whip. "You're just a drunken predator! How dare you assault Evelyn like this, you bastard!"

Julian paced like a caged animal, fists clenched. If Nathan weren't already injured, he would've thrown punches.

The alcohol had stripped away Nathan's usual ironclad control.

Yet he couldn't deny the electric sweetness of his ex-wife's lips had been intoxicating beyond measure.

"Leave," Nathan commanded darkly, his Adam's apple bobbing. "I need rest."

"You heartless bastard!" Julian spat. "Evelyn has stitches from her injuries! How could you force yourself on her like that?"

Nathan's chest constricted at the accusation.

Evelyn had fled to the restroom, fixing her disheveled appearance with trembling hands. The cold water did nothing to soothe her burning cheeks as she staggered from the hospital.

Her emerald eyes shimmered with unshed tears, emotions warring within.

We're divorced, she thought bitterly. What gives him the right? The audacity! The sheer disrespect!

"Evelyn!"

Sebastian Kingsley materialized from the shadows, engulfing her in a protective embrace.

"Evelyn, forgive me for being late." Sebastian's voice cracked with emotion, his hold gentle around her injured shoulder.

"I'm alright," she whispered.

Sebastian carefully avoided her wound. "Let's return to Kingsley Medical Center. We'll have the specialists re-examine you."

"It's nothing serious."

Evelyn forcibly schooled her features, the storm in her eyes hardening to ice.

"Where's Maxwell?" Her voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Fetch him. Now."

The air around Evelyn crackled with barely restrained fury.

Sebastian maintained a safe distance, sipping tea with forced nonchalance.

Dominic and Theodore stood flanking Evelyn, both towering men seeming small beneath her glacial wrath.

"Ahem, Ms. Carter..." Theodore ventured cautiously. "Maxwell is your blood brother. Perhaps we should all calm—"

"Special agent?" Evelyn's laugh was razor-sharp. "He behaves more like a trained assassin!"