Chapter 316
Evelyn instinctively pushed against his chest, but Alexander's arms remained locked around her. Without hesitation, he kicked off his polished leather shoes and stepped into the overflowing bathtub, fully clothed.
The shock of his actions made Evelyn's breath catch.
Ice-cold water cascaded from the showerhead, soaking through Alexander's tailored suit within seconds. Yet he stood motionless, his embrace unyielding as the freezing water drenched them both.
As minutes ticked by, Alexander's gaze grew unfocused behind Evelyn. His fingers tightened around her waist almost imperceptibly as he drank in the familiar curve of her neck.
"Evelyn..." The name slipped from his lips like a prayer.
Her long lashes fluttered open, droplets clinging to them like morning dew. The cold water had brought her back to full awareness.
She'd heard it clearly. That tender inflection he'd once reserved for someone else.
'How ironic,' she thought bitterly. 'I used to dream of hearing my name spoken with such affection.'
'But those foolish hopes died long ago, shattered beyond repair.'
Morning light filtered through the curtains when Evelyn awoke in Alexander's massive four-poster bed. Her pulse spiked as she realized two things simultaneously: she wore nothing beneath the silk robe, and the distinctive birthmark on her left breast was partially exposed.
She yanked the neckline closed, mind racing.
What happened after she'd passed out? When had her soaked dress been removed? The memories were frustratingly blank.
If Alexander had undressed her... he would have seen the telltale mark.
The door clicked open.
Alexander strode in, impeccably dressed in a three-piece suit that screamed power and privilege. No trace remained of last night's vulnerability.
His sharp eyes immediately noted Evelyn's death grip on her robe. "You're awake," he remarked smoothly. "Feeling better?"
Evelyn schooled her features into calm indifference. "What time did I fall asleep?"
"Nearly dawn," he answered without hesitation.
"Did you change my clothes?"
A faint smirk played on his lips. "Relax. I have standards. The robe went on first, then the wet dress came off."
Evelyn arched a skeptical brow. "I'd like to freshen up now. Alone."
"Of course." He gestured to an adjoining door. "Everything you need is in the dressing room."
"Thank you."
Alexander paused at the threshold. "No need for formalities. Soon this will all be yours anyway." The door clicked shut behind him.
Alone again, Evelyn examined the birthmark in the full-length mirror. His explanation made sense. If he'd recognized her, there would have been explosions, not polite breakfast invitations.
Alexander Blackwood never showed mercy to those who deceived him.
Downstairs, the dining room showed no evidence of last night's chaos. Crystal sparkled, silver gleamed, and fresh flowers perfumed the air.
Alexander held her chair with old-world courtesy before taking his seat opposite.
He sipped his espresso, watching her over the rim. "While I took care not to overstep last night," he began casually, "I couldn't help but notice a rather distinctive mark on your person."
Evelyn's fingers froze around her juice glass.
Was this a trap? Had he recognized the birthmark after all?