Chapter 411

Evelyn drifted in and out of consciousness when she heard the question.

"Who do you love?"

Her eyelids fluttered open, the world swimming before her. Blinking slowly, the shadowy figure before her came into focus.

Liam's chiseled features filled her blurred vision.

A bitter smile touched her lips before she closed her eyes again without answering.

The velvet softness of his voice came again. "Cassandra, who holds your heart? Tell me who you love."

Her chest tightened painfully. The nausea worsened as she whispered, "Liam."

He froze, his entire body going rigid.

Had she just confessed? Or was she simply calling his name?

The sickness rose higher in her throat. She squirmed in his arms, repeating weakly, "Liam."

Understanding dawned. "Yes?" he responded.

"I'm going to be sick," Evelyn gasped, fighting the rising bile.

Liam swept her into the bathroom, supporting her as she collapsed before the toilet.

The moment her knees hit the cold tiles, Evelyn wretched violently. Liam's strong hands steadied her shoulders while he grabbed tissues.

When the spasms subsided, he handed her mouthwash and a fresh towel.

Water splashed onto her blouse as she rinsed. The vomiting left her momentarily clear-headed but weak.

Liam lifted her effortlessly, his arms encircling her from behind at the sink. Evelyn melted against his solid chest, her back pressed flush against him as he guided her hands under the cool stream.

"Liam," she murmured drowsily, "my clothes... wet... uncomfortable."

He dried her hands with tender care. "I'll get your sleepwear. Can you manage alone?"

A small nod. "Yes."

After seating her carefully on the closed toilet lid, he warned, "Don't move. I'll be right back."

Her head drooped in exhausted agreement.

Liam strode to her walk-in closet, rummaging through drawers until he found silk pajamas. His fingers hesitated over delicate lace undergarments before selecting a simple white set.

The sound of running water stopped him cold.

He burst back into the bathroom - and immediately regretted it.

The sight before him stole his breath. Swearing under his breath, he retreated, slamming the door behind him.

Leaning against the hallway wall, Liam dragged in ragged breaths. Heat flooded his body from neck to ears.

She'd been standing there, gloriously unclothed beneath the shower spray.

Reason returned slowly. Showering while intoxicated was dangerous - she could fall, hit her head...

Steeling himself, he reentered, wrapping a towel around her dripping form before shutting off the water.

Evelyn blinked up at the showerhead in confusion. "Why'd it stop?"

Without answering, he lifted her into his arms.

"Put me down," she protested weakly. "I'm burning up..."

His pulse hammered wildly as he carried her to bed, laying her gently on the sheets before covering her with a blanket.

Yet the image of her curves remained burned behind his eyelids, stirring something primal within him.

Too shaken to dress her properly, he simply tucked the blanket tighter.

"Cassandra," he murmured near her ear, "stay awake just a little longer. Let's get you dressed."