Chapter 222

Evelyn gasped as her fingers accidentally brushed against Liam's bare chest.

With his eyes still closed, Liam murmured sleepily, "Exploring so early in the morning, darling?"

"I-I wasn't!" Evelyn's voice hitched as she quickly withdrew her hand, her cheeks flaming.

She bit her lip, terrified he might interpret her stammering as a confession.

"Then what were you thinking about?" he asked without opening his eyes.

Her mind went completely blank. The way their bodies were tangled together under the sheets made her pulse race uncontrollably.

After an awkward pause, she whispered, "Sorry!"

A deep chuckle rumbled through his chest. "No need to apologize to your own husband."

"But I didn't—" Her protest died in her throat as her heart hammered violently.

Liam captured her wandering hand and guided it slowly up his sculpted abdomen to his broad chest. "Touch me whenever you want," he said huskily. "No explanations needed."

Her fingertips tingled as they traced the hard planes of his muscles. The sensation was intoxicating - equal parts thrilling and terrifying.

His skin burned beneath her touch, his breathing growing uneven.

"P-Please stop," she begged weakly, but he pressed her palm firmly against his pounding heart.

The air between them grew thick with tension. When he finally opened his eyes, the smoldering look he gave her sent shivers down her spine.

Unable to withstand the intensity of his gaze, she averted her eyes, her entire face burning.

"How do you like what you feel?" His whisper against her ear made her toes curl.

She bit her lip hard enough to draw blood before giving a tiny nod. Her fingers unconsciously flexed against his chest, savoring the feel of him.

"Next time, just ask," he teased. "No need to sneak touches while I'm asleep."

Her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.

"I didn't touch you!" The weak protest sounded pathetic even to her own ears.

Liam released her hand only to snake his arm around her waist, pulling her flush against him.

Evelyn froze when she felt his hardened length press against her thigh. Every inch of her skin felt like it was on fire.

"I'm not divorcing you," he growled. "And this marriage won't be just on paper anymore. Be prepared to fulfill all your wifely duties from now on."

Wifely duties? Her heart threatened to burst from her chest. A confusing mix of fear, anticipation, and something dangerously close to desire swirled in her stomach.

This morning had taken a surreal turn. Instead of finding evidence of his supposed affair, she'd somehow ended up in this compromising position.

With a desperate effort, she wriggled out of his embrace and scooted to the far edge of the bed. "Don't touch me," she muttered, though the words lacked conviction.

The sheets rustled as Liam shifted closer. "Too late for that, Mrs. Blackwood."