Chapter 131

Evelyn's eyes remained fixed on Liam's bandaged shoulder, her gaze refusing to wander elsewhere. A strange warmth spread through her body as her fingers trembled slightly.

The silence in the room was so profound she could hear her own pulse thundering in her ears.

Something was different about Liam too. She could feel his intense stare burning into her, his ragged breathing matching the rhythm of his rising chest. Perhaps due to the pain, he sat rigidly still, unmoving.

Evelyn had to step closer as he remained seated on the bed, causing his gaze to drop uncomfortably to her chest. She shifted her position slightly.

"I'll remove the bandage now. Tell me if it hurts," Evelyn murmured softly, concern lacing her voice.

Liam responded with a low hum, his Adam's apple bobbing visibly.

Evelyn carefully peeled the dressing from his wound, wincing as it stuck to his skin. She worked with both hands, terrified of causing him more pain.

Without realizing it, she leaned forward and blew gently on the exposed injury.

She didn't know that the slight discomfort from removing the bandage meant nothing to Liam. But her breath against his skin sent waves of restless energy through him.

Evelyn carried a delicate, intoxicating scent. Strands of her hair brushed against his face and shoulders, sending Liam into internal turmoil. His hands clenched into tight fists.

When the bandage finally came off, Evelyn saw the wound still weeping blood. Though stitched, the sight made her stomach clench. The thought of how close the bullet had come to his heart brought tears to her eyes.

After disinfecting with iodine, she applied fresh medication and replaced the dressing. As Liam turned to look at her, she quickly lowered her head, letting her hair curtain her face while she fought back tears.

Liam's dark gaze devoured Evelyn's profile, like twin abysses threatening to swallow her whole.

He felt no physical pain. Only the feather-light touch of her fingertips tracing his skin, making every muscle tense. His heartbeat accelerated wildly.

While she focused on his wound, he became lost in watching her.

Time slipped away as they existed in this warm, intimate space. Yet beneath the surface lurked an unnameable tension.

Liam fought desperately against his impulses, knuckles whitening. The fear of frightening her kept him in check. His mind had been chaos since Evelyn first mentioned divorce.

For weeks, work could sometimes distract him from thoughts of her. Matters of state could temporarily push her from his mind.

But at night, in the silence, she consumed him. Her delicate features and liquid eyes filled every corner of his consciousness.

He wondered if his attraction stemmed from her resemblance to Victoria in her youth. Had his preferences remained unchanged after all these years?

Yet he found himself admiring Evelyn's intellect, her talents, her gentle spirit even more. Was this love? Liam wasn't certain.

After finishing the bandage, Evelyn cleared the medical supplies from the bed. When she turned back, his scorching gaze trapped hers.

Her heart stuttered. Why was he looking at her like that? Flustered, she grabbed his shirt and thrust it toward him. "You should dress. The air conditioning is too strong—you'll catch cold."

As Liam reached for the garment, his hand suddenly closed around her wrist, pulling sharply. Evelyn gasped as she tumbled forward.

The moment she collided with his chest, Liam's arm snaked around her waist, flipping her onto the bed beneath him.