Chapter 66

Evelyn stepped out of her apartment complex just before dawn.

Dominic stood waiting by his sports car, his silhouette sharp against the streetlights.

Every fiber of his being had been anticipating this moment since midnight. When she appeared, he wordlessly opened the passenger door and pressed a steaming latte into her hands.

Even in summer, the predawn air carried a chill.

The warmth of the cup seeped into Evelyn's fingers as she slid into the leather seat.

She'd promised herself she'd stay awake to keep him company during the drive. But exhaustion won, and her eyelids grew heavy within minutes.

Dominic focused on the empty streets as the sports car purred through sleeping neighborhoods. Twenty minutes later, they arrived at Blackwood Enterprises headquarters.

He checked his watch. 4:15 AM.

Gazing at Evelyn's peaceful sleeping face, he couldn't bring himself to wake her. There would be other sunrises.

Then a passing truck blared its horn.

Evelyn jolted awake.

Dominic shot a glare at the retreating vehicle before softening his expression. "We're here. The rooftop."

Still disoriented, Evelyn blinked at the imposing skyscraper before them.

As they exited the car, she suddenly felt warmth envelop her shoulders. Dominic had draped his jacket over her.

"I'm fine," she protested, touched by his thoughtfulness but unwilling to inconvenience him.

"Adults look after children," he said firmly, adjusting the jacket. "Especially sleepy ones."

The scent of his cologne clung to the fabric as they rode the elevator up.

The city stretched endlessly below them at 4:30 AM - a sea of twinkling lights Evelyn had never witnessed from this vantage point.

Then came the first golden streaks across the horizon, painting the skyline in liquid gold.

A breeze played with Evelyn's hair as she smiled unconsciously.

Dominic watched the sunrise reflected in her eyes. "I don't remember you smiling like this before."

His arms encircled her from behind as he buried his face in her hair, breathing deeply.

"Give me your lifetime," he murmured against her neck. "I'll never let tears touch your face again. If they do, hold me accountable."

As the sun crested the skyline, he turned her to face him and captured her lips.

Evelyn hesitated only a moment before sliding her arms around his waist, returning the kiss with tentative passion.

Dominic's control shattered at her response. His hands roamed her back through the thin fabric of her dress as the kiss deepened.

"Mm..." Evelyn eventually pulled back, overwhelmed.

He'd pressed her against the railing, his body hot and demanding against hers.

By 6 AM, her lips were swollen from his relentless attention.

"Even before I had you, I loved you," Dominic growled between kisses. "Now that you're mine, that love only grows stronger."

They descended in the elevator, Evelyn too flustered to meet his gaze.

The building remained empty at this hour.

Back in the car, Dominic announced, "Come with me to pick up Alexander and Isabella. We're taking them to my uncle's."

Evelyn touched her tender lips. "You should go alone. I should head home."

She'd never experienced such intensity before - not even with Nathan. Dominic kissed and touched her with possessive certainty that left her trembling.

"What are you afraid of?" he challenged. "You'll meet my family eventually."

The thought terrified her. The Blackwoods were old money - the foundation of the city's elite. Dominic's father's scandalous second marriage to a socialite had nearly toppled their empire.

When the twins saw Evelyn, they swarmed her like ducklings, clinging to her legs.

Dominic's stern expression made them cower. "Get in the car. Now."

Isabella pouted but obeyed.

Evelyn didn't know her delayed text reply had kept Dominic awake all night, swinging between fury and desire.

As she settled the children in back, Isabella suddenly gasped. "Aunt Evelyn! Your lips are all red and puffy!"

The little girl rummaged in her backpack. "Here's my special mosquito bite cream! It works super fast!"

Evelyn accepted the ointment wordlessly.

Dominic caught her eye in the rearview mirror, his gaze dark with satisfaction at the visible proof of their passion.

Blushing, Evelyn turned to stare out the window.