Chapter 207

Evelyn had no choice but to quietly open the door.

Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating the small three-hundred-square-foot room where Alexander and Isabella slept soundly.

The moment the door opened, Dominic pulled her into a tight embrace.

She tried to turn back toward the children, but his arms locked around her slender frame like steel bands.

"Stop. The children might wake up and see us..."

Her breath came in short gasps against his chest. Dominic was already dangerously unrestrained when sober - now with alcohol in his system...

Evelyn didn't dare imagine what might happen.

She could only pray he wouldn't go too far.

"I won't force you. Tell me if I hurt you. Don't hold back." Dominic's lips brushed against her ear as he spoke, his voice rough with restraint.

Evelyn remained silent in his arms.

His promise gave her some small comfort.

It was ironic - the normally untamable beast became more considerate when intoxicated.

They stood entwined for what felt like hours until Isabella stirred in her sleep, murmuring for her mother. Evelyn broke free to attend to her daughter.

Dominic remained by the door, his expensive jacket still perfectly in place. His heavy-lidded gaze betrayed the alcohol's effect.

He watched as Evelyn settled beside Isabella, gently stroking the child's back. A fleeting smile touched his lips before vanishing.

"Mommy's here..." Evelyn whispered, hoping Isabella would dream of having both parents by her side.

The child soon quieted, though her chubby fingers remained curled around Evelyn's pajama hem. Not daring to move, Evelyn stayed put.

Dominic removed his shoes. The spotless floor - scrubbed five times over - served as their bed since the single mattress couldn't accommodate them all.

At least the wooden planks weren't cold or damp.

He disappeared into the bathroom to wash up.

Her conscience nagged: "You can't let him stay overnight. The others might not notice the first or second time, but eventually..."

Until her divorce from Maxwell was finalized, she couldn't risk tarnishing Dominic's reputation.

Isabella's grip on her pajamas remained firm. Exhausted from sitting so long, Evelyn finally lay down.

The soft rush of water from the bathroom distracted her. Dominic was clearly trying to be quiet for the children's sake.

Though her marital status made little practical difference, Evelyn longed for the day the divorce papers were signed. Dominic might claim not to care, but that marriage certificate still stood between them.

When Dominic emerged, Evelyn was still awake.

"Where should I sleep?"

He stood over her and the children, stripping off his jacket and tossing it carelessly onto the floor with their clothes.

Evelyn, lying beside the children, didn't dare respond for fear of waking them.

Her dilemma deepened when Dominic lay down beside her...

His body heat enveloped her back as his arm draped possessively over her.

She wanted to turn and tell him to return to A City.

But Isabella's fingers still clutched her pajamas. Guilt over her years of absence made Evelyn indulge her children's every whim - she wouldn't risk disturbing their sleep.

Dominic's hand slid beneath her waistband, his calloused palm rough against her skin. Isabella's grip on the fabric became an unexpected barrier to his advances...

Evelyn shifted closer to her daughter, smiling at the sleeping child who'd unwittingly protected her.

"What's wrong?" Dominic frowned and sat up to investigate.

Moonlight revealed Isabella's small hand clutching her mother's pajamas. With surprising gentleness, he pried the tiny fingers loose.

Then he pulled Evelyn against him so forcefully her face collided with his chest.

"Why are you so eager to keep my children but send me away? Expecting me to return to A City alone?" His domineering tone matched the intensity of his stare.

"I just... worry about being seen." Evelyn avoided his gaze.

His arms tightened around her. When she lowered her head, it seemed she was burrowing into his embrace...

The gesture pleased him, diffusing half his anger. He studied the woman in his arms. "They probably already suspect something. When I arrived this morning, the first thing I did was bring breakfast to your room. They saw that."

"No," Evelyn countered, "It might be unusual for a boss to personally deliver breakfast, but... they think we're cousins. It's normal between family."

"Cousins?" His gaze turned dangerous. He waited for her to correct herself.

Unaware, Evelyn continued, "To them, I'm still your cousin's wife. It's plausible you'd bring breakfast to a divorcing relative..."

"Is that so? Then would it also be plausible that their boss is sleeping with his cousin's wife?"

As he spoke, Evelyn felt sudden coolness on her skin.

Dominic had yanked down her pajama bottoms!

Her eyes flew open wide as she stared at him, not daring to struggle too violently with the children sleeping just behind her...