Chapter 60
Ten minutes later...
"I...I can't do this," Evelyn gasped, her wide eyes filled with panic.
Dominic leaned in, his sculpted lips hovering just above hers, teasing but not fully claiming them. His breath was hot against her skin, making her tremble.
She squeezed her eyes shut. "I—I can do it. Just...don’t..."
Dominic studied her heaving chest for a moment before pulling away, settling back into the driver’s seat.
He rolled down the window and lit a cigarette with practiced ease, exhaling a slow stream of smoke. His fingers, long and elegant, pressed against his temple as if easing a headache.
He would wait.
At twenty-nine, Dominic had more experience with women than Evelyn had with hotel stays. Yet unlike other men of his status, he never let it go to his head.
She wasn’t wrong—he could have any woman with just a glance. But he despised those who threw themselves at him.
No actress, no socialite, no heiress could compare to the woman who had unknowingly claimed his heart.
Evelyn adjusted her seat, fidgeting awkwardly.
Dominic took another drag before turning to her, his gaze scorching.
She bit her lip, unsure what to do.
Just kiss him.
"Come here," he ordered, extending a hand.
She hesitated.
His patience thinned. "I can cancel this blind date whenever I want. You know that, don’t you?"
A threat, clear as day.
Swallowing hard, she leaned forward.
Dominic guided her onto his lap, his hands firm on her waist. The forest surrounded them, the wind whispering through the trees as she straddled him, her back pressed against the steering wheel.
"Still need me to teach you?" His voice was low, eyes locked onto her flushed face.
Her lips parted slightly, her gaze fixed on his mouth.
Slowly, she pressed her lips to his—soft, hesitant.
She didn’t move.
His breath burned against her skin.
The difference between being kissed and kissing was staggering.
Her lips trembled, barely brushing his before retreating.
"Open for me," he murmured, guiding her hands to his neck.
Evelyn clutched his shirt, tilting her head to deepen the kiss. Her tongue darted out tentatively, licking at his lower lip.
She pulled back, flustered, her gaze dropping to his throat, then lower—
She couldn’t do it.
"You’re too innocent," Dominic muttered before taking control.
His hands slid up her back, his mouth claiming hers with ruthless precision.
She gasped when he bit down. "Don’t—don’t bite—"
"Promise me," he growled between kisses, his fingers tangling with hers. "You won’t look at him longer than necessary."
Her mind spun.
Is this surrender?
The café was elegant, all floor-to-ceiling windows and soft lighting.
Evelyn excused herself to the restroom, her thoughts still tangled with Dominic.
What kind of woman kissed another man right before a blind date?
She fixed her makeup and smoothed her dress before returning.
Dominic had driven flawlessly, arriving exactly on time.
Now, she sat nervously, waiting.
"Miss, would you like to order?" a waiter asked.
"I’m waiting for someone," she replied politely.
Two minutes later, a white Maserati pulled up.
A man stepped out—casual yet stylish, like a Hollywood actor.
"Hi," he greeted warmly.
Evelyn stood. "Hello."
He sat.
"Are you... Adrian Delacroix?"
"That’s me." His Chinese was broken but earnest.
They ordered coffee.
Adrian launched into introductions.
Evelyn listened, bewildered. She had never considered dating a foreigner.
Still, he was polite. She’d stay ten minutes—no more.
How did Dad even meet someone like him?
Outside, a black Range Rover parked by the window.
Dominic stepped out, coffee in hand, his gaze piercing through the glass.
Evelyn’s pulse spiked.
Adrian leaned in. "So, Evelyn, what do you look for in a partner?"
Just then, Dominic strode inside, his presence colder than the café’s AC.
He sat at the table beside them.
And waited.