Chapter 77

His icy tone made Evelyn freeze mid-step. "Laundry," she answered flatly.

Alexander strode forward, his gaze locking onto the black shirt in her hands. A tempest brewed in his stormy eyes. "You're washing another man's clothes in my house?"

Rage propelled his foot forward, sending the laundry basin flying.

Water cascaded over Evelyn's slender frame, soaking her instantly.

She scrambled to her feet, the wet white sweater clinging to every curve of her body like a second skin.

Alexander's pupils dilated as fire and ice warred within him. Primal hunger surged through his veins.

His hand shot out, yanking her against his hard chest. Fingers dug into her chin, forcing her to meet his burning gaze.

"Three years in prison didn't teach you manners," he growled. "Just how to provoke me, didn't it?"

His warm breath fanned across her lips.

Evelyn let out a hollow laugh. "Mr. Blackwood, I value my life too much to provoke you. And I'd rather not wash anyone's clothes, but what choice did I have when your precious Victoria threw coffee at me? Sebastian was kind enough to shield me."

"Sebastian?" Alexander's lips curled into a sneer. "You call him more affectionately than you ever did me. How cozy you've become in such short time. Tell me, Evelyn, how did you seduce my uncle? Like this?"

With one brutal motion, he tore the damp sweater from her shoulders.

The fabric gave way instantly under his force.

Goosebumps erupted across her exposed skin despite the warm room.

He flung her onto the bed, his weight pinning her down before she could react.

Evelyn fought with all her strength, but his grip was iron. "Alexander, stop!"

His teeth sank into the tender flesh of her neck.

Pain radiated through her body, the tumor in her chest throbbing in protest.

"Was it this same sweet talk you used with other men?" he spat. "That you'd only ever love me? You disgust me, Evelyn. How did I ever end up married to trash like you?"

As he ripped away the last of her clothing, Evelyn suddenly went limp beneath him.

Her stillness was more unnerving than any struggle. Then came the laughter - bitter and broken.

Alexander stilled, rolling off her abruptly.

Tears streamed down her cheeks even as her lips curved in that terrible smile.

The sight punched through his chest - Evelyn looking more dead than alive.

Scars of varying sizes marred her pale skin like invisible chains suddenly made visible, constricting his breath.

"Why stop now, Mr. Blackwood?" Her voice dripped with acid. "Am I too filthy even for you?"

Her fingers traced the unhealed wounds. "Such an eyesore, aren't they? Sorry to ruin your appetite."

"Evelyn—" His voice cracked.