Chapter 230

A flicker of unease danced in Liam's steel-gray eyes, so fleeting most would miss it. "I have urgent matters in the study. You should rest."

Evelyn observed him silently. Behind that military commander's stoic mask, she detected the awkward tenderness of a man unaccustomed to vulnerability.

She drifted toward the mahogany bookshelf, fingers trailing across leather spines before selecting a novel. Pressing it to her chest, she turned with deliberate casualness.

Liam strode toward the study, Evelyn's soft footsteps echoing behind him.

Sunlight poured through floor-to-ceiling windows as they settled into their respective spaces - him behind the imposing oak desk, her curled on the velvet chaise. The companionable silence wrapped around them like a cashmere shawl.

A spring breeze carried the scent of jasmine from the balcony, mingling with the rich aroma of aged paper and leather-bound books.

Every few minutes, Liam's gaze would lift involuntarily, drawn to the way sunlight gilded Evelyn's auburn hair. Just as it had ten years ago. She remained his most captivating distraction.

He memorized the way her lips parted slightly when engrossed in reading, the delicate flush painting her cheekbones. His fingers twitched with the need to trace that rosy warmth.

Some things never changed.

Liam exhaled softly, marveling at Margaret's wisdom. Science could be manipulated, but a grandmother's intuition never erred.

"Little Sparrow."

Evelyn startled, blinking up with wide amber eyes. "Yes?"

"Are you bored?"

She shook her head, silken strands catching the light. "Not at all."

"Would you like some refreshments?" He rose abruptly, the chair scraping against hardwood. "I'll prepare fruit."

Before she could protest, he'd vanished through the arched doorway. Evelyn stared after him, bemused.

Minutes later, Liam returned bearing a crystal bowl of meticulously sliced tropical fruits. He placed it on the low table before settling beside her - closer than propriety allowed.

Evelyn's breath hitched as his thigh brushed hers. She focused intently on the glistening mango cubes, avoiding his gaze.

"Eat," he commanded softly.

Obediently, she speared a pineapple chunk, savoring the burst of sweetness. Between bites, she studied him through her lashes. Why had he gone to such trouble just to watch her eat? Had he finished his reports? And why did his intense scrutiny make her pulse flutter?

Their eyes locked suddenly. Evelyn swallowed hard. "Aren't you having any?"

Liam's lips curved, warmth softening his angular features. "They're all for you."

She popped a strawberry into her mouth, juice staining her lips. "Shouldn't you be working?"

Ignoring the question, he reached for her book. "What are you reading?"

Evelyn held up the thriller. "Random pick. Quite gripping actually."

He examined the dust jacket with disinterest before setting it aside. His attention remained fixed on her.

After several more bites, Evelyn reached for her novel. Liam's hand closed over hers abruptly.

Her breath caught as he leaned closer, his cedar-and-leather scent enveloping her. "Little Sparrow," he murmured, voice roughened, "come sit in my lap."

Heat flooded Evelyn's cheeks. This sudden tenderness from the famously reserved general left her dizzy. Before she could process the request, his other hand settled at her waist, drawing her inexorably toward him.