Chapter 280

The car door swung open with a sharp click.

Alexander emerged, his presence radiating an arctic chill that made the officers instinctively step back.

His glacial gaze locked onto their hands restraining Evelyn. A muscle twitched in his jaw as he swiftly pulled her free, tucking her protectively against his side.

"Victoria's fall was clearly staged. Evelyn had nothing to do with it." His voice was steel wrapped in velvet. "Do your jobs properly before making arrests."

Without waiting for a response, he guided Evelyn to the passenger seat. "Get in."

Given the choice between a police cruiser and Alexander's sleek black car, Evelyn didn't hesitate.

Within minutes, they'd left the city behind, the car purring along deserted country roads until Alexander pulled over beneath a canopy of ancient oaks.

Evelyn studied his profile as she stepped out. "Why help me?" Her breath fogged in the crisp air. "I just pushed the woman you love off a building."

Alexander's lips curved without humor. "The woman I love?" His fingers brushed a stray lock of hair from her cheek. "Tell me, who exactly do you think that is?"

"Please." Evelyn laughed sharply. "All of Willowbrook knows you're obsessed with Victoria Lancaster. Just like everyone knows how much you despised your ex-wife."

For a long moment, Alexander said nothing. The wind carried the scent of pine between them.

Evelyn turned to leave. "Thanks for the rescue, but shouldn't you be holding Victoria's hand right now? I hear she—"

His grip on her wrist stopped her mid-step. The contact sent electric currents up her arm.

"That day you asked if you should marry a man who resembles me..." Alexander's breath warmed her neck as he stepped closer. "My answer is yes."

Evelyn spun to face him. His eyes held a heat she hadn't seen in years.

"But there is no other man like me." His thumb traced her pulse point. "Which means you'll have to settle for the original."

"Alexander Blackwood, have you lost your mind?"

"Completely." His smile was predatory. "Marry me, Vivian. I'll treat Amelia as my own. Sebastian's situation will be handled. All you need to do is say yes."

This was exactly what Evelyn had wanted—to make him fall into her carefully laid trap.

Just not this fast.

Not before he'd suffered enough.

She forced a laugh. "I'm marrying Sebastian in five days. He adores me. Why would I choose a man who could never love me?"

"Because I already do."

The raw confession stunned her. His fingers tightened around her wrist as if anchoring them both against the tide of emotions.

Alexander closed the distance between them, his scent—bergamot and winter—enveloping her. "A woman once warned me I'd regret losing her. She was right. I've spent every night since drowning in that regret." His lips brushed her temple. "I won't make the same mistake twice."

Evelyn's heart hammered. Who was he talking about?

When had Alexander Blackwood ever listened to anything she'd said during their marriage?

"Who is this woman?" Evelyn searched his face.

Alexander's laugh was bitter. "The only woman I've ever truly loved."

"Victoria."

"Wrong." His hands framed her face. "It was always you, Evelyn."