Chapter 219

Liam stepped closer to Evelyn, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You're still here?"

She forced a calm expression. "I left and came back."

"Forgot something?" His gaze flickered to the nightstand where her book lay.

Evelyn's fingers curled into fists. This man infuriated her, yet some inexplicable pull kept drawing her back. "Not the book," she snapped.

"Hmm." Liam appeared composed, but beneath that military discipline, turmoil churned in his chest.

Summoning courage, she asked, "Are you staying home or returning to base?"

His brow furrowed. "Why do you ask?"

Evidence. She needed proof of his affair with Victoria. Getting closer would make it easier. "I want to come with you," Evelyn declared.

Liam stilled, studying her with sudden intensity. This abrupt shift in her demeanor sent an unexpected warmth through him. He swallowed hard. "Not returning to base yet. Just getting water."

She stepped aside with exaggerated politeness. "After you."

The gesture felt painfully unnatural. Moments ago she'd stormed out after their argument. What game was she playing?

Liam passed her cautiously, glancing back as she disappeared into their bedroom.

"Liam!" Eleanor called from the living room as he descended. He paused for water before joining his family.

Evelyn noted Isabella's improved attitude - undoubtedly because Liam was home.

Dinner passed pleasantly. Garden lights twinkled beneath a chorus of cicadas as Evelyn settled on the balcony wicker chair. Palms cradling her chin, she counted sparse stars, savoring temporary peace.

His confession haunted her. "I want to be with you." That voice, rich with emotion, played on loop in her mind. She couldn't afford to fall for this man - not when she knew about Victoria.

The bedroom door clicked open. Liam entered, setting his watch on the nightstand. His gaze never left her, as if she might vanish from the balcony.

Evelyn's attention locked onto his phone - surely evidence lurked in those messages and photos. She closed the balcony door, leaning against the curtains. "Shower?"

"Yes." He collected pajamas from the walk-in closet.

The bathroom door shut. Evelyn pounced on his phone. Locked. Fingerprint required. Defeated, she tossed it back and grabbed a book instead.

Ten minutes later, the shower stopped. Liam emerged, the scent of sandalwood soap preceding him. The mattress dipped as he settled beside her.

Evelyn's grip tightened on her book. Every nerve stood alert, though she pretended absorption in the text. His proximity electrified the air between them.