Chapter 30

"Burning up... I'm on fire..."

"Why does this hurt so much? Ugh..."

With trembling fingers, Evelyn Sinclair punched the elevator buttons. The doors finally slid open after what felt like eternity.

Thank God it was empty!

Evelyn collapsed against the mirrored wall as the elevator descended. Her cheeks burned crimson, soft whimpers escaping her parted lips despite her efforts to stay silent.

The elevator halted at the seventh floor.

A young man stepped inside - probably a college student judging by his casual outfit and boyish face. He couldn't have been older than nineteen, though his height surpassed six feet.

"Are...are you alright?" His voice cracked when he noticed her flushed state. The sight clearly startled him.

"Stay...away." Evelyn gritted her teeth. Every fiber of her being screamed at her to close the distance between them.

The drug turned her thoughts to liquid fire. She felt adrift at sea, desperate for any anchor. And for some insane reason, this stranger's presence called to her primal instincts.

The boy's ears turned red under her heated gaze. Though she was undeniably beautiful - all soft curves and intoxicating femininity - he instinctively backed away.

"Should I call an ambulance?" He fumbled for his phone, genuine concern in his voice. "You look really sick."

Evelyn's mind warred with itself. One part wanted to throw herself at this boy. The other screamed that this wasn't her - it was the drugs talking!

Ding.

The elevator reached the lobby.

As the doors parted, a towering silhouette blocked the exit.

"Let me help you to the hospital-" The boy reached out, but before his fingers could brush Evelyn's arm, an invisible force slammed him against the mirrored wall. The impact knocked the air from his lungs.

When his vision cleared, he saw the mysterious woman cradled against a broad chest.

Even from behind, the newcomer radiated power. His tailored suit hugged an athletic frame, the polished shoes alone costing more than the boy's tuition. But more than his appearance, it was the aura of danger that made the boy freeze.

This man wasn't to be trifled with.

Outside, Vincent Mercer scoured the hotel lobby.

Where would a drugged woman run?

This was his golden ticket - money for sleeping with her, even more if he infected her. The thought alone made his pulse race. Opportunities like this didn't come often.

"Did a woman come through here?" Vincent leaned against the reception desk, trying to sound casual. "Probably drunk? Flushed face, acting strange?"

Dominic Blackwood's head snapped up at the question.

The receptionist shook her head. "Haven't seen anyone like that."

Vincent muttered curses as he headed for the stairs. "Did she hide in some bathroom?"

Dominic carried Evelyn away unnoticed. Vincent glimpsed only the man's imposing back - and knew better than to look closer. Men like that spelled trouble.

A black sedan idled at the curb. Sebastian Whitmore waited inside, but Dominic bypassed the car entirely. No one could see Evelyn like this - not even his most trusted aide.

She writhed in his arms, all soft whimpers and wandering hands. Each touch ignited fresh fire along his skin.

The decorative Ferris wheel near the hotel - owned by Blackwood Corporation - became their destination. Access required a code.

Evelyn trembled violently as Dominic dialed Sebastian. "The Ferris wheel password. Now."

"49270166." Sebastian knew better than to ask questions. "Should I-"

"Investigate who Evelyn Sinclair interacted with today." Dominic's voice turned glacial. "Someone drugged her. I want answers."

Evelyn slumped against Dominic's chest, seeking relief from his cooler body temperature. A breathy sigh escaped her when she found it.

"Hold me...please..." Her plea came out in a desperate moan.

Dominic gripped her chin, forcing her glassy eyes to meet his. "Do you recognize me?"

"You're..." Her words dissolved into incoherent whimpers. The drugs had obliterated rational thought, leaving only raw need. "Please...I need..."

She was unraveling before him.

Dominic fought his body's response as she mewled like a kitten in heat. When he didn't comply, she rose on tiptoes, pressing her overheated body flush against him.

"I'm...burning up...help me..." Her breath scorched his neck.

Dominic's hand tightened on her waist. "What exactly do you want me to do?" His voice dropped to a dangerous rasp.

Evelyn's fingers clawed at his shirt, her lips finding his throat. When she sucked lightly, his entire body tensed.