Chapter 407

Nathan's eyes widened as he took in the breathtaking sight before him.

The words themselves were simple enough.

But paired with Julian's intense stare and that gravelly tone, Nathan could practically taste the raw emotion hanging thick in the air.

No—not emotion.

Unrequited longing. That's all this was.

Nathan cursed under his breath for being caught without his phone. What he wouldn't give to capture Julian's lovesick expression right now—just to shove it in his face later.

"Besides, your memory's terrible."

Julian's chiseled features tightened, stormy eyes flashing with barely restrained fury. "I warned you to stay away from Evelyn. Yet here you are, crossing every boundary. Three slaps weren't enough—she should've broken your nose!"

"Our boundaries?" Evelyn's stomach twisted. Being lumped together with Julian like this made her skin crawl.

"Mr. Blackwood, mind your phrasing. You're your own person—don't drag me into this." Her voice could've frozen hell as she spun toward the bedroom. "Or I'll need ear bleach."

Julian's lips pressed into a thin line.

"Pfft! Failed romance act!" Nathan crowed, delight bubbling up at Julian's visible frustration.

His triumph lasted exactly one second before Julian's fist connected with his sculpted abdomen. White-hot pain exploded through him—he swore his soul briefly left his body.

Evelyn hurried down the hallway, pulse racing.

The usually unshakable woman ran through a dozen worst-case scenarios in her mind. If even one of them proved true when she opened that door, not even Julian could stop her from ending Nathan Montgomery.

"Eleanor!"

She burst into the room—and froze.

Silence.

None of her imagined horrors materialized.

Instead, soft lamplight bathed Eleanor's peaceful face as she slept, the faint scent of vanilla lingering in the air. A well-loved teddy bear was clutched tightly in her arms.

Evelyn approached on silent feet, sinking to her knees beside the bed. Her fingers trembled as they brushed Eleanor's warm cheek.

Something sharp and painful lodged itself in Evelyn's chest. Her breath hitched, eyes burning.

Tears?

The fearless Evelyn Carter who laughed in the face of danger couldn't handle this simple sight.

Julian entered just then, shoulders stiffening at the scene. His throat worked silently.

Hearing his approach, Evelyn hastily swiped at her eyes.

A heavy silence settled between them.

Julian swallowed hard before reaching for her damp hair. "You'll catch cold."

"Not your concern."

She jerked away, putting distance between them.

Julian's hands curled into fists.

He didn't recognize himself anymore. These impulses, these actions—they made no sense.

"Nathan didn't touch Eleanor. He may be an idiot, but he knows some lines can't be crossed."

"That means nothing. Men's promises are as reliable as their zippers." Her glare could've cut glass.

Seeing her anger, Julian knew further words were useless. He turned abruptly toward the bathroom.

Seconds later, he returned with a towel draped over her head.

"Dry it properly before you go."

"I said—"

His large hands were already working the towel through her hair with surprising gentleness.

Evelyn went still, heart pounding.

Who was this man?

Certainly not the Nathan Blackwood she knew.