Chapter 91

"I'll take you home."

Evelyn froze in surprise.

Victoria's face twisted with shock before melting into a pout. "But Alexander, you promised we'd go shopping together."

"You can wait here." Alexander strode toward Evelyn without glancing back at Victoria. "Let's go."

"That's unnecessary. I can manage." Evelyn quickly refused. She couldn't decipher Alexander's motives, but the tension made her skin prickle.

"Would you prefer someone else escorting you? Perhaps another Mr. Blackwood?" His piercing gaze conveyed the unspoken threat.

Too exhausted to argue, Evelyn relented and let Alexander lead her away.

She couldn't suppress the petty satisfaction when she glimpsed Victoria's furious expression over Alexander's shoulder.

The car ride became another opportunity for Alexander to issue warnings.

"Stay away from Sebastian," he commanded, voice icy. "No more cozy dinners."

"Why?" Evelyn blinked up at him with feigned innocence, voice dripping honey. "You're my husband, yet you embrace other women publicly. Why can't I share a meal with a friend?"

Alexander stilled, visibly startled by her defiance.

Moonlight illuminated her delicate features - the subtle makeup enhancing her porcelain skin, her eyes sparkling with quiet rebellion. She looked both vulnerable and dangerous.

For two heartbeats, he seemed disarmed before his expression hardened again. His fingers gripped her chin roughly. "Is this how you enchant men? Playing the wounded dove?"

Evelyn smiled through the pain. "Believe whatever comforts you, Mr. Blackwood."

"Evelyn!" His fury burned like wildfire.

Instead of the expected punishment, he suddenly bent to sink his teeth into the tender skin of her neck.

She gasped, shoving against his chest only to find herself pinned against the car.

After what felt like eternity, he released her.

Winter air should have chilled her, yet Evelyn's entire body burned.

Alexander yanked away her scarf, proudly displaying the vivid mark he'd left. "No more scarves," he declared, leaving no room for argument.

Evelyn's pulse raced. "What do you want from me, Alexander?"

His smirk reflected darkly in her widened eyes. "You begged to be mine. Shouldn't a husband claim what's his?"

Her cheeks flamed. Technically, he wasn't wrong.

"I need to get to work!" She struggled in his grasp. "Your precious Victoria is waiting."

Instead of releasing her, Alexander pulled her closer, his breath hot against her ear. "Why so eager to push me toward her? I thought you loved me. Is this your idea of devotion?"

Evelyn's heartbeat drowned out all other sound. Just as she thought she might combust, he stepped back.

Fumbling with her clothes, she turned - and froze.

Sebastian stood at the restaurant entrance, watching them with unreadable eyes.