Chapter 136
Evelyn sobbed in Dominic's embrace until the night grew silent around them. Her body ached from exhaustion, a dull throb pulsing through her abdomen and lower back.
It was a familiar discomfort. One that visited her monthly like clockwork.
Except this time, it arrived weeks ahead of schedule.
Stress always wreaked havoc on her system. Irregular cycles were just one of many consequences when a woman pushed herself too hard.
She pulled away abruptly, wiping at her damp cheeks. The sudden absence left Dominic's chest hollow.
"Should we return to A City or keep searching?" His deep voice cut through the darkness. "Does your grandfather have relatives here?"
Evelyn shook her head. If Robert had truly run away, he wouldn't return to familiar places. The realization sent fresh panic coursing through her veins.
Dominic stepped closer, smoothing her disheveled hair. "No news is good news. If something happened, authorities would know by now."
She searched his face, finding unexpected comfort in his certainty.
"Trust me." His thumb brushed away a stray tear.
Evelyn nodded, repeating the words like a mantra. If she said it enough times, maybe it would become true.
"Let's head back." His hand settled on her shoulder, guiding her toward the Range Rover.
She hesitated. "Wait here. I need to buy something from the market. Alone."
The moon cast eerie shadows as she hurried toward the dimly lit store. She couldn't risk staining his pristine leather seats. Not when things were about to get worse.
Dominic stood sentinel by the car, his silhouette cutting a striking figure against the night. When Evelyn disappeared from view, he crushed his cigarette and followed.
The outdated market showed no signs of life. Evelyn fumbled with her phone's flashlight, searching for a doorbell.
"Looking for this?" Dominic's knuckles rapped sharply against the glass.
A groggy voice called from within. "Who's there at this hour?"
"We need supplies," Evelyn answered quickly before Dominic's intimidating tone could scare the owner.
The door cracked open, revealing a suspicious middle-aged woman. "You're not from around here."
Evelyn slipped inside while Dominic waited. She grabbed what she needed and paid quickly.
"May I use your restroom?" Evelyn asked.
"Absolutely not!" The woman shoved her out unceremoniously.
Dominic caught her as she stumbled, his sharp eyes noting the package she tried to conceal. He plucked it from her grasp with ease.
"Your cycle started?" No preamble. No embarrassment.
Evelyn's cheeks burned. "How do you always—"
"Know everything?" He returned the pads with a stern look. "You need rest. Pushing yourself will only make it worse."
He guided her toward the only guesthouse in town, his grip firm yet gentle. After securing a room, he stood guard outside the bathroom.
"We'll stay tonight. Sebastian has men watching both properties. We'll know immediately if your grandfather surfaces." A white lie to ease her worry. "Besides, I'm too tired to drive safely."
Evelyn had no energy to argue.
While she showered, Dominic arranged for toiletries and warm food. When the owner asked about dietary restrictions, his response was matter-of-fact.
"She's menstruating. Prepare accordingly."
The woman blinked, then nodded approvingly. Her husband received an earful about Dominic's thoughtfulness compared to his own shortcomings.
The hot porridge soothed Evelyn's cramps. Though sharing a bed felt intimate, exhaustion overrode her hesitation. She trusted him implicitly—especially with Robert missing.
By 3 AM, she'd curled instinctively toward Dominic's warmth. Her body, chilled from hormonal changes, sought his heat unconsciously.
Dominic remained awake, his large hand slipping beneath her shirt to cradle her aching abdomen. The gentle pressure eased her discomfort as she slept.
He wouldn't sleep tonight. Not while she needed watching over. Not while danger might still lurk in the shadows of this forgotten town. His vigil would last until dawn, ensuring her safety with every measured breath.