Chapter 204

The air between them grew thick with unspoken tension.

Awkwardness settled like a heavy blanket.

Then came three sharp knocks at the door.

Ryan Sullivan burst in, his face pale. "Evelyn, what's your blood type?" he demanded urgently.

"A positive. Why?" She blinked in confusion.

"Commander Blackwood's lost too much blood. The hospital's running low on type A. Would you be willing to donate?"

Without hesitation, she sprang to her feet. "Let's go now."

The moment they left, Liam's expression darkened.

Memories flooded his mind. If Evelyn truly was Cassandra...

The truth would reveal itself soon enough. The DNA results wouldn't lie.

Twenty minutes later, Evelyn returned, rubbing her arm.

"They barely took anything. I'm perfectly healthy - why so little?" she muttered.

When she reached the hospital bed, Liam appeared to be sleeping.

She settled quietly into the chair beside him, resting her chin on folded arms. Her gaze traced the sharp lines of his face - the strong jaw, the faint shadows beneath his eyes.

Even exhausted, he looked devastatingly handsome. The thought of his injuries made her throat tighten.

She'd finally understood - his work wasn't just about weapons development. It involved dangerous field operations too.

Liam Blackwood was ruthless when necessary, a man of immense power who commanded fear.

All those rumors about him were absurd. The truth was simpler - he showed no mercy to criminals.

Thank you for coming back alive, Liam.

Gently, she adjusted his blankets. Then she leaned against the bed, closing her eyes.

Two sleepless nights of waiting had drained her. She drifted off within minutes.

She awoke to darkness and an empty stomach.

Blinking, Evelyn realized with horror that she was curled against Liam's chest, his arm draped over her.

She jerked upright so violently she nearly fell off the bed.

Holy hell!

How did she end up here?

Her sudden movement roused Liam. "Problem?" he murmured sleepily.

"I'm so sorry!" She scrambled off the mattress. "I didn't mean to - I don't even remember climbing up here. Did I hurt you?"

"My injuries are fine," he said calmly.

Evelyn pressed her hands to her flaming cheeks. "I must have sleepwalked. This is so embarrassing."

Liam bit back a smile. He'd never admit lifting her onto the bed himself.

"Don't worry about it." He nodded toward the nightstand. "Ryan brought food."

"Have you eaten?"

"Not yet."

"Let me help you sit up." She slid an arm behind his shoulders, straining against his muscular frame.

Her hair brushed his face, carrying the scent of vanilla and citrus.

Liam's breath hitched as she leaned closer. His gaze dropped to her lips.

The hunger in his eyes had nothing to do with food.