Chapter 281

Evelyn's fingers curled around the concealed pistol beneath her pillow. As she aimed it at the shadow looming over her bed, a familiar voice stopped her cold.

"Chubs." Liam's raspy whisper made her freeze.

She instantly withdrew the weapon, her pulse hammering against her ribs. His presence alone calmed her, but something felt wrong. His skin burned through the thin fabric of her nightgown, his breath scorching her neck.

When she tried to speak, his calloused palm muffled her words. Liam had already detected the weapon's outline beneath the pillow. Moonlight glinted off the sleek metal as he pulled her hand free.

"You really think this toy can protect you?" His voice held no mockery, only exhaustion.

Evelyn yanked her wrist back, but his grip tightened. The "pen" was her masterpiece - a deceptively elegant firearm she'd engineered years ago.

Liam finally released her mouth. She gasped for air. "Have you lost your mind? Do you realize I almost—" Her voice cracked. She'd nearly shot the man who'd saved her life twice.

"Almost what?" His lips curved without humor.

Evelyn changed tactics. "Why are you here?" Her fingers brushed his forehead. "You're feverish."

He jerked away, hauling her upright. "We're leaving. Now."

She planted her feet. "How did you even get in?" Her gaze darted to the balcony doors - unlocked despite her precautions.

Liam scoffed. "Those flimsy locks wouldn't stop a determined housecat."

Evelyn hummed noncommittally. No security could thwart real danger, and they both knew it.

When he tugged her toward the balcony again, she resisted. "I'm not going."

Moonlight sculpted his sharp features as he studied her. Though shadows hid his expression, the steel in her voice gave him pause.

"Cassandra, my team's secured Wright Manor. Your grandparents are safe."

"Then why is Grandfather suddenly ill?" Her bitter smile sliced through him.

Liam's silence spoke volumes.

She softened. "Thank you for trying, Liam." The way moonlight haloed his broad shoulders made him look like some avenging angel.

"Come with me." Each word carried the weight of a vow.

"I can protect myself." Her declaration hit like a physical blow.

Liam's breath hitched, triggering a coughing fit that shook his entire frame.

"Damn it, you're sick!" Evelyn reached for him again. This time, he didn't resist. His skin scorched her palm.

"I'm fine." His voice sounded like gravel.

"Seen a doctor?"

"I said I'm fine."

"So that's a no." Her fingers trembled against his wrist. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

His bitter laugh chilled her. "Since when do you care?"

The question stunned her into silence. Evelyn spun toward the bedside lamp, flooding the room with golden light. What she saw stole her breath.