Chapter 132

Evelyn's breath caught in her throat as Liam pinned her beneath him. His muscular frame hovered inches above her, the heat radiating from his body making her pulse race.

His forearm braced against the mattress, caging her in. The scent of his cologne - something woodsy with a hint of spice - filled her senses. Their gazes locked, and for a moment, the world narrowed to just the two of them.

"What are you doing?" Evelyn whispered, her voice trembling. The words came out barely audible, her throat suddenly dry.

Liam's dark eyes burned with intensity. His breath fanned across her lips, sending shivers down her spine. Every inch of him pressed against her felt like fire through the thin fabric of her nightgown.

A war raged inside Evelyn. Logic screamed this was wrong - their marriage was temporary, his heart belonged to another. Yet her traitorous body arched toward him, craving his touch.

She watched, mesmerized, as Liam's Adam's apple bobbed. His gaze dropped to her lips, his own parting slightly. The anticipation was torture.

When he finally closed the distance, Evelyn's eyes fluttered shut. His lips brushed hers - featherlight at first, then more insistent. The kiss sent sparks through her veins, her fingers twisting in the sheets.

Just as Liam deepened the kiss, a sharp knock shattered the moment.

"Liam? Are you awake?" Victoria's voice carried through the door.

Liam growled low in his throat, his frustration palpable. He rested his forehead against Evelyn's, breathing heavily as he fought for control.

Evelyn turned her face away, cheeks flaming. The abrupt interruption left her disoriented, her heart still pounding from their almost-kiss.

With obvious reluctance, Liam rolled away and grabbed his phone. "I'm sleeping," he snapped into the voice message. "Stop disturbing me."

Evelyn burrowed under the covers, her stomach churning. She heard Victoria knock again. "Liam, maybe you should move to the guest room. I can take care of you if you're not feeling well."

Liam's fingers flew across his screen. Evelyn saw the word "Leave" appear before he deleted it. Instead, he sent a more measured response: "Victoria, my injury isn't serious. Please go to your room and let me rest."

"Goodnight, Liam," Victoria called sweetly.

Evelyn curled into herself beneath the blankets, bitterness rising in her throat. Why did men always fall for women like Victoria? She knew exactly what game Victoria was playing, yet Liam still treated her with kindness.

The sheets rustled as Liam settled back onto the bed. The space between them felt charged with unspoken words and unfinished business. Evelyn squeezed her eyes shut, willing her racing heart to calm.

Somewhere in the darkness, Liam sighed. The sound was heavy with frustration and something else Evelyn couldn't name. She didn't dare move, didn't dare breathe too loudly.

The night stretched before them, thick with tension and what might have been.