Chapter 399

Liam stepped out of the shower, his damp dark hair clinging to his forehead. Water droplets glistened on his sculpted shoulders as he toweled off.

The crisp morning light highlighted every defined muscle along his torso. That tantalizing V-line disappeared beneath the towel wrapped around his narrow hips.

Evelyn stood frozen just three paces away, catching the fresh scent of his cedarwood body wash. The aroma wrapped around her like an intoxicating spell.

Even after all this time, the sight of his bare torso made her pulse quicken. Heat rushed to her cheeks as she fought to maintain composure.

"Liam," she managed, voice slightly higher than usual. "Why are you showering so early?"

He cleared his throat, the sound rough from exertion. "Morning sparring session with Ryan." His damp footsteps echoed as he moved past her toward the walk-in closet.

The abandoned towel hung carelessly over the chair back. Evelyn trailed after him, leaning against the closet doorframe with undisguised appreciation.

When Liam pulled a crisp white shirt from the rack, he caught her staring. "Problem?" One dark eyebrow arched.

Evelyn bit her lower lip, the flush spreading to her collarbones. She tilted her chin up defiantly. "Can't I admire my husband?"

A low chuckle rumbled in his chest. Liam braced one hand against the mirror beside her head, leaning down until their breaths mingled. His dark eyes held that dangerous glint she knew too well.

Her wide, innocent gaze met his smoldering one - the perfect contrast of purity and temptation. "Like what you see?" His voice dropped to that rough whisper that never failed to make her shiver.

When she nodded, his grip on the shirt tightened almost imperceptibly.

Liam exhaled sharply through his nose. "When did you become so bold?" His warm breath fanned across her lips as he spoke.

Heart pounding, Evelyn placed one tentative hand on his shoulder. The moment her fingers made contact, she felt the subtle tension coiling through his muscles.

Her touch traced the cool planes of his chest, following the ridges of his abdomen with featherlight strokes. Lower...

Liam's breathing hitched. That cold shower might as well have never happened.

When her fingers hooked into the towel at his waist, he caught her wrist with startling speed. "Evelyn," he warned, voice thick with restraint.

Undeterred, she rose onto her toes and captured his lips. The kiss started soft but quickly deepened as she teased his mouth open with her tongue.

Liam reacted instantly - one hand tangling in her hair while the other pinned her wrist to the mirror. When they broke apart, his chest heaved like he'd run a marathon.

"Please," he ground out between clenched teeth, "don't."

Evelyn frowned. She'd felt his desire pressing against her moments ago. Why was he pushing her away now? Hadn't he just yesterday whispered his love against her skin?

The rejection stung. Was she not attractive enough? Not desirable?

She knew he'd been training harder lately - morning runs, boxing sessions, weight training. This wasn't about physical limitations. He simply didn't want her.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, looking away as humiliation burned through her. "I won't... bother you again."

Liam caught the wounded look in her eyes before she could hide it. Releasing her wrist, he gently tilted her chin up. "What's wrong?" The concern in his voice only confused her more.