Chapter 14

Liam stepped out of the bedroom, his footsteps echoing down the dimly lit hallway. The grandfather clock struck midnight as he entered his private study, flipping the light switch with practiced ease.

His fingers dialed Victoria's number before he even sat down.

He'd deliberately chosen this room to avoid disturbing Evelyn, who was peacefully asleep in their shared bed.

"Liam! Where are you?" Victoria's shrill voice pierced through the receiver the moment she answered. "I'm terrified here alone!"

Exhaustion weighed heavy on Liam's shoulders. "What exactly are you afraid of?" he asked, keeping his tone measured.

Victoria switched to her signature pouty voice. "Does it matter? Just come over and stay with me!"

Glancing at his Rolex, Liam noted the late hour. "It's past midnight. Highly inappropriate." His voice turned firm. "I'll have security stationed outside your door."

"But there's nothing to fear. Get some rest. I'm taking Evelyn back to Aldenria first thing tomorrow."

Victoria's displeasure was immediate. "I thought Adrian was handling that? Why must you go?"

Sinking into his leather chair, Liam massaged his temples. "She's my wife. Fulfilling basic marital duties is the bare minimum."

"Nate, she's... contaminated!" Victoria's voice turned shrill. "You can't possibly be intimate with her!"

Liam's expression darkened. "Victoria Dawson," he warned, "that's enough. Everyone's past deserves respect."

He could hear her sharp intake of breath before the tears started. "You've slept with her, haven't you? I heard she carries diseases! What if—"

Had this been anyone else, Liam would have terminated the call immediately. But this was Victoria Dawson - the girl he'd idolized since childhood.

Taking a steadying breath, Liam maintained his composure. "Whether I share a bed with my wife has no bearing on my feelings."

"I don't love her. Therefore, I haven't touched her. End of discussion." His tone left no room for argument. "And I won't tolerate this kind of talk again."

"Then if you love me so much," Victoria purred, testing boundaries, "why won't you sleep with me instead?"

Liam's patience shattered.

"Victoria Dawson," his voice dropped dangerously low, "is this what ten years abroad taught you? Who put these ideas in your head?"

Recognizing her misstep, Victoria backpedaled quickly. "Liam, darling, I was only joking!"

"I don't have time for jokes." His tone brooked no argument. "Go to bed. Security will be there shortly. And Ryan is bringing a therapist for you tomorrow morning."

"A therapist? Whatever for?" Victoria's shock was palpable.

"Figure it out yourself," Liam replied before ending the call.

Within minutes, he'd dispatched security to Victoria's residence and arranged for morning counseling. Leaning back, Liam rubbed his tired eyes, memories surfacing.

Young Victoria had been plump-cheeked and kind-hearted - a sensitive child who never made unreasonable demands. Her pouting face had charmed everyone, her emotional intelligence remarkable for her age.

But the woman she'd become... Liam wasn't so sure anymore.

Dawn found Liam awake first.

"Evelyn." His morning voice, rough with sleep, sent shivers down her spine. "Time to wake up."

When gentle shaking followed, Evelyn stirred reluctantly. Warmth enveloped her - she was curled against Liam's solid chest, his heartbeat steady beneath her ear.

Blinking sleepily, she looked up to find Liam's striking features inches from hers, his expression unreadable.

Reality crashed down. She was practically draped over him - one arm around his neck, a leg hooked over his hips in scandalous proximity.

Evelyn recoiled as if burned, scrambling to the far side of the bed. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—I was asleep, I swear—"

Her frantic apologies made her seem like a chastened child rather than a grown woman. After all, someone like her shouldn't dare touch someone like Liam Blackwood.

The sudden absence of her warmth left Liam strangely hollow. He wasn't certain whether his current... situation resulted from morning physiology or Evelyn's unconscious ministrations. Regardless, the evidence was undeniable.

"Unnecessary," Liam dismissed coolly, clearing his throat.

Evelyn's gaze dropped. Memories of Liam visiting Victoria last night resurfaced, twisting her stomach. When had he returned?

"Get ready," Liam said, throwing back the covers. "I'm driving you to Aldenria after breakfast."

Evelyn froze. "You're taking me?"

"Yes." Liam moved to the wardrobe and began undressing without ceremony.

His bare back was a masterpiece of sculpted muscle, each ridge and valley casting shadows that drew Evelyn's gaze like a magnet. Heat flooded her cheeks as her pulse accelerated. She spun away. "Must you change here?"

Liam paused mid-motion, trousers halfway down. Military living had erased any modesty - this was simply habit. Without reply, he took his clothes into the adjoining bathroom.

When he emerged fully dressed, Evelyn found her voice again. "I thought Adrian was handling my return?"

"Adrian's occupied," Liam answered, fastening his cufflinks.

"What about Ryan?"

"Unavailable."

Evelyn crossed her arms. "With hundreds at your disposal, you can't spare one driver?"

Liam's gaze sharpened, his expression unreadable.

Evelyn backtracked quickly. "A train ticket would suffice—"

"Why can't I take you?" Liam countered, a challenging edge to his voice.