Chapter 105
Dominic selected a lace-trimmed ivory bra and matching panties with tiny cartoon prints for her.
Back at the Blackwood estate, Reginald had already retired for the night. His labored breathing echoed louder than any young man's in the silent bedroom where even a feather's drop would sound like thunder.
Evelyn found sleep elusive, twisting the sheets in restless agitation.
She mentally rehearsed tomorrow's crucial conversation about leaving with Grandpa.
Once they left, should she care for him at home or arrange hospital admission?
If hospitalized, which facility? Certainly not the same one where Dad was recovering.
As she agonized over these decisions, the crunch of tires on gravel startled her.
A vehicle entered the estate at this ungodly hour. "Dominic returning? Or perhaps Julian?" she wondered.
Five minutes later, measured footsteps ascended the stairs - deliberate, authoritative.
When the door creaked open, Evelyn burrowed deeper under the duvet, recognizing Dominic's presence instantly.
His cologne preceded him, cutting through the darkness as he approached.
The covers lifted gently, exposing her feigned slumber.
Evelyn prayed he wouldn't notice her fluttering lashes or the tension in her limbs. Nighttime encounters with him always left her nerves frayed.
Dominic placed a shopping bag beneath her bed with deliberate quietness.
Seizing the moment, Evelyn rolled over dramatically, draping one arm across her face. The movement was too calculated, betraying her wakefulness.
Dominic braced one hand against the mattress, fingers threading through her tousled locks. His whiskey-warm breath ghosted over her ear as he murmured, "Picked up fresh clothes and underthings for you. Change into them tomorrow."
His midnight voice sent electric currents down her spine.
These nocturnal moments were dangerous for them both. She mentally reinforced her resolve - tomorrow, she'd take Grandpa away no matter what.
The inevitable separation loomed.
He'd said he'd only release her when she married. Fine. She'd work harder, care for her family, and find a husband.
This forbidden attraction would destroy them both.
As she bit her lip to stifle emotion, hot tears dampened her lashes. Dominic hovered closer, his restrained exhales warming her skin.
He lingered like a man starved before finally pressing cool lips to her cheekbone in a lingering kiss.
"Sleep well," he rasped before retreating.
Evelyn tracked his movements - the shower running, clothes rustling, bedsprings creaking. Then sudden stillness near her bedside.
Peeking through slitted lids, she saw him standing sentinel in the darkness.
Exhaustion eventually claimed her just before dawn.
At seven, Evelyn awoke to find Dominic's bed empty. "He's out running," Reginald informed her as she stretched.
After freshening up, she approached Grandpa's bedside with water, forcing cheer into her voice. "How are you feeling today? Should we go home or to the hospital?"
Her smile felt brittle under his scrutiny. "That's the fakest grin I've ever seen," he observed.
Heat flooded Evelyn's cheeks at being caught.
Settling beside him, she explained carefully, "Dominic and I aren't married. Staying here too long would raise eyebrows."
She braced for his anger at feeling like an outsider, but Reginald simply nodded after consideration. "We'll go home today. No hospital."
Relief made her beam. "Whatever you say, Grandpa."
"Aunt Evelyn! I brought pancakes!" Alexander burst in wearing a crisp white shirt, sunshine-yellow shorts, and pristine sneakers.
Dominic followed, his gaze catching Evelyn's radiant smile. Something primal stirred in his chest, tugging at his lips until he schooled his expression.
"Eat while they're warm!" Alexander thrust the box forward eagerly.
Selecting a bunny-shaped pancake, Evelyn asked, "Did you eat already?"
The boy nodded vigorously. "Daddy says food trucks are dirty, but today he bought some! He even let me bring these for you."
The gesture warmed Evelyn more than she'd admit.
Earlier that morning, Dominic had watched a couple reconcile over rabbit-shaped pancakes. The girl's delighted smile had sparked an idea.
Now, emerging from his shower, he found only a confused Alexander. "They left," the boy pouted.
Dominic dressed swiftly, storming downstairs with thunderous intensity. He intercepted Evelyn helping Reginald into a taxi. "Put him in my car," he commanded the maid.
Evelyn suppressed a wince at his grip, whispering, "Not here. Everyone's watching." She steeled herself. "My roommate's setting me up on a date this afternoon. I took the day off."
Meeting his smoldering gaze, she twisted the knife. "If things go well... marriage might happen soon."