Chapter 189
Evelyn attempted to withdraw her hand, but Alexander's grip remained unyielding.
"Release me, Mr. Blackwood." Her voice carried an edge of steel.
His response came as a whisper against her skin. "Never again."
The declaration struck her like lightning.
Evelyn's breath caught as she turned to face him, her confusion evident in widened eyes. Without warning, Alexander pulled her against his chest.
The sudden motion sent her stumbling in her heels. For one fleeting moment, she remembered the warmth she'd once craved from this man.
Their history couldn't be erased, no matter how much she wished otherwise.
She braced her palms against his chest to push away, but Alexander's arm snaked around her waist like an iron band.
"Mr. Blackwood!" Her protest died in her throat as his other hand cupped her cheek.
His whiskey-dark eyes held hers captive. The scent of bourbon and his expensive cologne surrounded her as their breaths mingled.
Evelyn's pulse thundered in her ears. This proximity - this intimacy - she hadn't anticipated it. Not after everything.
Alexander's thumb traced her cheekbone with unbearable tenderness. The raw emotion in his gaze made her stomach clench.
"You're intoxicated." She shoved against his shoulders, her voice sharp with warning.
As she turned to leave, his arms encircled her from behind, trapping her against his solid frame. The heat of his body seeped through her dress.
"Evelyn." His voice roughened with emotion.
She froze, her heart pounding a frantic rhythm.
"I've missed you." The words ghosted across her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
A bitter laugh rose in her throat. 'You're testing me, Alexander. Seeing if I'll slip up and reveal myself.'
'Miss me? That's rich.'
'The only woman you ever longed for was your precious Victoria.'
'Did you ever spare a thought for my pain? When they carved up my face? When they stole my sight?'
'No. You wanted me gone. You wanted me dead.'
The door exploded inward with a crash.
Victoria stood framed in the doorway, her face contorted with rage. In one fluid motion, she snatched a wine bottle from the nearby table.
"Vivian Prescott!" she shrieked. "You scheming whore! I'll end you!"