Chapter 199
Evelyn couldn't resist Dominic's wild, possessive kiss.
Their mingled breaths created an intoxicating blend of familiarity and forbidden desire.
That morning's near-miss encounter had left Dominic ravenous. Now, with her lips against his again, he transformed into something primal.
His teeth grazed her swollen mouth with unrestrained hunger.
Though she whimpered in protest, he only deepened the kiss. He wanted to consume her entirely, claim the body that had haunted his dreams.
Dominic behaved like a child discovering chocolate for the first time.
He'd craved Evelyn's curves for years. This morning had offered his first taste of her addictive sweetness.
Given such temptation, any man would act the same - tearing away wrappings to savor the treasure beneath, melting it with his heat, owning every sensation...
Dominic devoured Evelyn with the same single-minded intensity.
"Mmm..."
Her knees buckled as Dominic's strong arms enveloped her. His mouth burned hotter than the summer sun.
She drowned in his savage possession...
Rational thought evaporated. Propriety meant nothing. Only Dominic's hands and tongue guided her now.
The crisp mountain air should have refreshed her. Instead, she gasped for breath, intoxicated by his dangerous masculine scent.
It was pure pheromones - raw and unfiltered.
When Dominic finally allowed her to breathe, she barely managed two shuddering gasps before he recaptured her mouth.
The cycle repeated endlessly.
A breeze carried the scent of dewy grass through the abandoned house. Rather than clearing her head, the earthy fragrance only heightened her intoxication.
His kisses grew more demanding. The hand beneath her blouse burned hotter with each passing second.
"Let's move to the bedroom," Dominic murmured against her lips.
His words jolted Evelyn back to reality. She pushed against his unyielding chest. "Aren't you... supposed to leave tonight?"
Before he could answer, she added hastily, "Your grandfather wouldn't approve—"
Dominic's grip tightened around her waist, though his expression cleared slightly.
Evelyn knew she loved this man completely. What began as a student's admiration for her professor had evolved into something deeper - awe for his accomplishments, pride in their connection.
Then came the shocking realization that she carried his children. That she, of all women, had given the great Dominic Blackwood twins.
The knowledge filled her with dizzying joy, especially knowing he still desired her.
This was no schoolgirl crush, but mature, passionate love - a mutual craving of body and soul.
Dominic's gaze turned predatory. "What does my grandfather's opinion matter?"
His deep voice vibrated through her as he swept her off her feet!
Carrying her past the overgrown yard, Dominic headed for the front door.
"What are you doing? You can't—" Evelyn squirmed in panic as he effortlessly held her.
"What do you think I'm doing?"
He fished the keys from her pocket with practiced ease.
The larger key opened the rusted gate. The smaller one turned in the weathered door lock.
Handling the old-fashioned key transported Dominic back to his student days, when he'd lived in the town's finest two-story home.
"Evelyn? Are you there?" Julian's voice carried through the night as his flashlight beam cut through the darkness.
He spoke carefully - loud enough to be heard, but not so loud as to disturb neighbors.
The unlocked gate swung slightly in the breeze.
His light revealed a courtyard cluttered with decaying relics of rural life - objects no city dweller would recognize, let alone know how to use.
The place gave him chills. Not everyone appreciated such primitive surroundings.
"Doesn't look like she's here. This place gives me the creeps," Abigail whispered, arms crossed against the chill.
"Are you sure this is the right house?" Julian swept his flashlight beam across the crumbling walls.
"We only saw it from the road. I remembered the roof height and window quality to assess the property value," she explained through chattering teeth.
The mountain night air bit sharply.
Julian guided his shivering colleague away. "Probably left unlocked because there's nothing worth stealing."
Abigail nodded. "If this was her childhood home, she's likely staying with relatives."
Their voices faded into the night.
Outside, Julian's flashlight illuminated the CEO's parked car. "Why would Mr. Blackwood come here? Mediating for his cousin? Marrying the boss's relative is one thing, but having him salvage your relationship?"
The colleagues departed, unaware.
Inside the darkened house...
No lights burned.
Thick dust coated the damp northern bedroom's mattress - hardly inviting.
Evelyn yanked the southern window's thin curtain shut when she spotted the flashlight beams, though the room was already pitch black.
At that exact moment, Dominic entered her from behind.
Their ragged breathing filled the ancient house...