Chapter 172

The moment Evelyn realized Liam had been worried about her unannounced absence, a wave of guilt crashed over her, mingling with nervous anticipation.

Liam approached with measured steps, his piercing gaze holding mysteries Evelyn couldn't decipher. "Were you traveling?" he asked, his voice deceptively calm.

Evelyn's pulse quickened as she studied his expression, her mind racing with possibilities.

"How could he know? Did he have me followed?" The thought chilled her, though she'd been meticulous about covering her hospital expenses, leaving no paper trail.

Noticing her wary expression, Liam's lips curved slightly as he gestured toward the retreating cab. "Out-of-town taxis have distinct license plates. They rarely operate in Aldenria," he explained.

Evelyn glanced at the disappearing vehicle, understanding dawning. She nodded. "Yes."

"Care to share why you went?"

"No," Evelyn answered without hesitation.

The finality of her response struck Liam like a physical blow. Further questions seemed pointless. When partners kept secrets, it spoke volumes about the chasm between them.

With quiet resignation, Liam reached for her hand. "Let's go inside," he murmured, his disappointment barely concealed.

Evelyn let herself be led, his firm grip sending warmth radiating through her. The simple contact filled her with unexpected sweetness, making her heart flutter with forbidden hope.

Though known for his brisk military stride, Liam matched his pace to hers as they crossed the threshold of Blackwood Manor. Each step felt weighted with unspoken words.

At the bedroom door, Liam paused before releasing her hand. Though midnight approached, sleep was the furthest thing from Evelyn's mind. She longed to prolong their time together, yet feared speaking this desire might be misconstrued.

Hesitating, Evelyn pushed the door open and leaned against the frame, her eyes locking with Liam's. The intensity of his gaze stole her breath, dark with unvoiced emotions.

Neither moved to bridge the distance between them. In the charged silence, their eyes communicated what their lips couldn't.

"Goodnight," Evelyn finally whispered, breaking the spell.

Liam exhaled softly, a ghost of a smile touching his lips as he slid his hands into his pockets. "Sleep well," he rasped.

"Okay," she breathed, beginning to close the door with deliberate slowness.

The door caught abruptly. Evelyn looked up to find Liam's hand blocking its path. Before she could react, he pushed inside, his imposing frame filling the space between them.

"You—" Her protest died as Liam captured her lips in a searing kiss.

With one fluid motion, he kicked the door shut and lifted Evelyn clean off her feet, pinning her against the wooden surface as the kiss deepened.

Evelyn gasped against his mouth, her world tilting as strong arms enveloped her completely. Her hands fluttered uncertainly before finding purchase on his broad shoulders.

The kiss was all-consuming, a wildfire of passion that left her dizzy. Liam's powerful body radiated heat, his primal energy overwhelming as he claimed her mouth with unrestrained hunger.

His lips moved with devastating precision, each touch igniting new fires within her. The raw intensity of his desire left Evelyn breathless, swept away in the storm of his embrace.