Chapter 115

"Let me show you what real pleasure feels like." Dominic's fingers slid beneath the hem of her blouse.

His calloused palms burned against her bare skin as his lips traced the curve of her neck.

The scent of her shampoo intoxicated him.

Evelyn turned her face away, breath ragged. "You won't stop until you get what you want, will you?"

Dominic answered with actions rather than words.

The tight fabric of her pencil skirt bunched around her waist as he lifted it.

Every inch of her was exposed to his hungry gaze. A predator admiring his prey.

Fireworks exploded across her skin with each deliberate kiss moving lower. She bit her lip, torn between resistance and surrender.

The paring knife on the kitchen island caught her eye.

Half of her mind fixated on the blade while the rest succumbed to involuntary moans. Her hips bucked against her will.

She inched toward the counter during their heated struggle.

Dominic's teeth grazed the delicate skin of her shoulder as his belt buckle clinked open.

The leather strap hit the floor with a thud.

The rasp of his zipper sent panic through her veins. She scrambled for the knife.

"No...stop..." Her protest came too late as he thrust against her.

His iron grip on her hips promised bruises tomorrow. She struggled harder, fingers finally closing around the cool metal handle.

Her pulse thundered in her ears as she turned and slashed blindly.

The blade found its mark with a sickening tear.

Silence.

Dominic stared at the crimson stain spreading across his pristine white sleeve.

Evelyn's hands shook violently. The knife clattered to the floor.

His fingers dug into her chin, forcing her to meet his smoldering gaze. "Should've aimed lower if you really wanted to stop me," he growled, pressing her palm against his hardened length. "Or do you still crave what only I can give you?"

Tears streaked her makeup as she trembled like a cornered rabbit.

Alexander rubbed sleep from his eyes, padding through empty rooms in search of Evelyn.

He found his father in the living room, a doctor bandaging his wounded arm.

"Daddy!" The boy clung to Dominic's leg, wide-eyed. "What happened?"

Dominic's jaw tightened. He said nothing.

"Where's Evelyn?" Alexander pressed.

"Married someone else. She'll be another child's mother now." Dominic stood abruptly, striding toward the garage.

Alexander's tiny feet slapped against marble as he chased after him. "Daddy, wait!"

He caught Dominic's pant leg just as the car door opened. "Please fight for her! I want Evelyn to be my mommy!"

Dominic looked down at his son's pleading face. "What's so special about her?"

"She's pretty and kind and makes the best mac and cheese!" Alexander counted on small fingers. "And she reads stories better than anyone!"

"Plenty of women can do those things." Dominic slid into the driver's seat. "And mac and cheese is junk food."

"But you ate three bowls!" Alexander blurted.

The nanny had told him how Dominic devoured every bite Evelyn made.

Evelyn scrubbed her skin raw in the shower.

At the grocery store, her hands moved mechanically while her mind replayed those terrifying moments.

She cooked dinner for her grandfather on autopilot, barely tasting the food.

When the old man fell asleep, Evelyn finally cracked.

Alone in the dark, she fished out a forgotten pack of cigarettes. The first drag burned her throat, but the discomfort grounded her.

Between coughs, a horrifying realization struck her.

Right before she stabbed him, she'd felt him against her.

She might need emergency contraception.

Evelyn curled into a ball, muffling sobs into her knees. "Stupid, stupid, stupid," she chanted, hating her body's traitorous response.

Tomorrow. She'd get the pill tomorrow.

The office coffee machine hissed as Abigail approached. "New girl started today. Yvonne Prescott. Says she knows you." She rolled her eyes. "Showed up two hours late like she owns the place."

Evelyn stirred her tea silently.

"Don't forget the company party tonight," Abigail added with a pointed smile. "I'll drive you."

Unseen behind them, Nathan eavesdropped.

Back at his desk, his fingers flew across the keyboard: Location unchanged. My ex will be there tonight - exactly your type. Don't chicken out.