Chapter 397

Evelyn felt a peculiar mix of embarrassment and delight swirling in her chest. Liam's body had proven to be unexpectedly sensitive, reacting strongly to their intimate moment.

"Eve," his voice came out strained, "could you wait for me outside? Just by the door."

"Of course," she replied, biting back a smile as she averted her gaze. With practiced nonchalance, she rose and exited the bathroom, maintaining perfect composure until the door clicked shut behind her.

The moment she was alone, Evelyn's carefully constructed calm shattered. She pressed both hands against her burning cheeks, muffling her giggles against her palms.

The memory replayed vividly - the warmth of his skin beneath her fingers, the way his breath had hitched when she'd touched him.

Looking down at her hands, Evelyn marveled at her own boldness. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined she'd have the courage to touch Liam so intimately.

The wave of embarrassment crashed over her anew. She practically sprinted to the bed, diving beneath the covers and burying her face in Liam's pillow. His distinctive scent surrounded her, making her heart race all over again.

No matter how she tried to clear her mind, the images persisted, replaying on an endless loop that left her breathless.

When Liam finished his shower, Evelyn took her turn. Emerging later, she found him already asleep - or pretending to be. Either way, she curled up beside him, watching the steady rise and fall of his chest until sleep claimed her too.

The following days found Evelyn shadowing Liam's every move, relieved of mundane chores as she focused solely on his recovery. His strength returned quickly - by the fourth day, he was back to his rigorous exercise routine: morning runs, push-ups, boxing sessions that left him glistening with sweat.

Evelyn, meanwhile, preferred sleeping in. This morning was no different - she woke to find his side of the bed empty once more.

Running fingers through her tangled hair, she shuffled to the bathroom. After freshening up, she selected a flowing floral sundress from the wardrobe.

Dressed, she hurried to the balcony hoping to spot Liam training in the garden below. Instead, her eyes landed on an unwelcome sight at the iron gates.

+15 BONUS

Victoria Hudson stood waiting, clutching something in her hands as the security guard admitted her.

Evelyn had almost believed Victoria had given up after several days' absence. Yet here she was again.

She dashed back inside and down the stairs, finding Liam lounging on the sofa, absorbed in his phone.

"Morning, Liam," she called, descending quickly.

He looked up, smiling softly. "Good morning."

Before he could question her haste, Evelyn launched herself at him, straddling his lap in one fluid motion. Liam barely had time to set his phone aside before she wrapped her arms around his neck in an unmistakably possessive embrace.

His phone clattered to the sofa as his hands instinctively found her waist. "What's going on?" His voice came out rough as his Adam's apple bobbed.

Evelyn tightened her hold, whispering against his shoulder, "Victoria's here to see you again."

Liam chuckled darkly, pulling her closer. His breath tickled her ear as he murmured, "Must you always cause trouble, little minx?"

"I'm fresh out of ideas for dealing with her," she admitted.

Right on cue, Victoria's voice rang through the foyer. "Liam?"

Without hesitation, Evelyn cupped Liam's face and pressed her lips to his in a searing kiss. His surprise lasted only a second before he responded in kind.

Victoria froze in the doorway, shock and humiliation warring on her face as she witnessed the intimate scene unfolding before her.