Chapter 373

"This isn't a place you should have come to." Liam's face darkened with concern.

Evelyn gave him a soft smile, her lips curving gently. "But I'm glad I did."

His stern gaze softened as it lingered on her face, worry churning in his chest.

"How did they capture you?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.

A bitter laugh escaped Liam's lips as he closed his eyes briefly. "Adrian betrayed me. They bought him."

Evelyn's breath caught. She'd suspected but never wanted to believe it. The revelation left her momentarily speechless.

She couldn't imagine the pain of being betrayed by someone he'd trusted implicitly. To be handed over to enemies by his own man.

Without thinking, she leaned into Liam's embrace, pressing her cheek against his bandaged chest. Her hands came up to gently stroke his shoulders, offering silent comfort.

The sudden contact froze Liam completely. Shock gave way to overwhelming joy - this was the first time Evelyn had initiated physical affection between them.

His hand hovered uncertainly before lightly settling on her back. But before he could pull her closer, Evelyn suddenly straightened up, eyes alight with determination. "Liam, we can't just wait here to die. We need an escape plan."

Still dazed from the unexpected embrace, Liam could only nod in agreement.

She carefully adjusted his blankets, murmuring, "I'll distract them. You focus on recovering your strength first." Her fingers brushed his shoulder reassuringly. "Then we'll make our move."

Liam's sharp eyes swept their prison cell. Aside from the narrow bed, a small cabinet, and a partitioned bathroom area, the space was barren.

"You've been here with me for two days?" he asked suddenly.

Evelyn nodded, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.

His frown deepened. "Where have you been sleeping?"

She patted the edge of the thin mattress. "Right here."

Liam's expression darkened further as he struggled to sit up.

Evelyn immediately pressed a firm hand to his shoulder. "What are you doing?"

"You need proper rest," he insisted, voice rough with concern.

"You're the injured one," she countered, pushing him back down. "You need the bed more."

"These wounds are nothing," Liam grunted, throwing the covers aside. "You haven't slept properly in days."

"Liam, stay down." Evelyn pushed him back with surprising strength and readjusted the blankets.

He resisted, face tight with worry, attempting to rise again.

With a quiet sigh, Evelyn settled onto the edge of the bed, stretching out beside him and curling into his side.

Liam's entire body went rigid, his breath catching. One arm remained suspended awkwardly in the air, unsure where to land.

Gently, she guided his arm down, keeping her face turned away to hide her blush. "If you don't mind... I'll sleep here," she whispered.

Liam swallowed hard, his breathing uneven. When he spoke, his voice was barely audible. "I don't mind at all."

Evelyn buried her face against his chest, avoiding his gaze. "Tell me if I hurt your injuries."

"Okay," he murmured. "Now sleep."

Her unexpected initiative left him reeling. Was it their dire circumstances that had lowered her barriers? It had been so long since she'd willingly been this close to him.

A small, contented smile touched Liam's lips as he carefully adjusted his hold, drawing her closer. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself this rare moment of peace.

True to his resilient nature, Liam's condition improved dramatically after proper rest. His injuries seemed trivial to a man of his endurance.

Morning light found them still entwined, Evelyn safely cradled in Liam's arms.

Their moment shattered when armed guards arrived, roughly separating them to take Evelyn away. When they finally returned her to the cell, Liam immediately seized her shoulders, scanning every inch of her for signs of harm.

Evelyn offered him a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, really." Her fingers brushed his wrist gently. "Everything's going to be okay."