Chapter 421

Evelyn clenched her fists slowly, trying to steady the storm raging inside her before speaking. "Liam, can I have some time to think?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Take all the time you need," Liam responded, his deep voice laced with patience.

With leaden steps, Evelyn ascended the staircase. Each step felt heavier than the last, her heart sinking deeper into an abyss of uncertainty. Returning to her room, she freshened up mechanically, carrying all her unspoken fears into the realm of dreams.

Hours later - or perhaps mere minutes, time had lost all meaning - Evelyn felt a feather-light touch on her lips. Warm breath caressed her cheek, sending delicate shivers down her spine. She blinked open sleep-heavy eyes to find Liam stealing a kiss.

Her reaction was instantaneous. Without conscious thought, her hands flew to his neck, pulling him closer as she returned the kiss with unexpected fervor.

Liam stiffened in surprise. When he tried to pull away, Evelyn only tightened her grip, deepening the kiss with a passion that surprised them both.

Sensing her desire to shift positions, Liam's strong arms encircled her waist, effortlessly maneuvering them sideways. Evelyn melted into him, their bodies molding together as the kiss grew more urgent, more desperate.

The temperature in the room seemed to rise exponentially as they lost themselves in each other.

Their kisses became hungrier, more demanding. Lips and tongues danced in a rhythm as old as time, yet uniquely theirs. The world beyond their embrace ceased to exist.

Overcome by desire, Evelyn's thoughts turned hazy. A soft moan escaped her lips before she could stop it.

The sound sent electricity through Liam's veins, though he maintained remarkable control. His hand traced slow, burning paths along her back as their passion intensified.

Unable to resist, Evelyn slipped her hands beneath his shirt, exploring the hard planes of his chest. Their bodies pressed flush together, and she couldn't mistake the evidence of his arousal pressing against her. A heady mix of fear and excitement flooded her senses.

Just as Evelyn felt herself teetering on the precipice of no return, Liam suddenly flipped their positions, pinning her beneath him. He captured her wrists, pressing them into the pillow above her head.

Breathing heavily, he broke the kiss. His darkened eyes burned with desire as they roved over her flushed face.

Evelyn's chest rose and fell rapidly as she met his intense gaze. Liam stared at her as if under a spell, yet made no move to continue.

"What's wrong?" Evelyn asked, her voice trembling with unspent desire.

Liam swallowed hard. "That night you were drunk, Cassandra," he whispered hoarsely, "I didn't take advantage of you."

Evelyn's cheeks burned crimson at his words.

"You undressed yourself," he added, his voice rough with restraint.

Mortification washed over her. "That explains why I don't remember anything and didn't feel... different afterward."

Liam braced himself on his elbows, his fingers threading through her silken hair. "I want you so badly right now," he confessed, his voice thick with need.

Evelyn lowered her lashes shyly and nodded, giving silent permission.

Instead of claiming her as she expected, Liam pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. "Cassandra," he murmured, "will you marry me?"

The question shocked Evelyn into wide-eyed silence.

Liam's gaze was unwavering, his sincerity undeniable. "Only when you're completely mine will I feel I have the right to be with you like this. Do you understand?"

Evelyn realized with startling clarity that Liam was exercising incredible restraint out of respect for her. His self-control moved her more than any passionate declaration could.

A lump formed in her throat. "Liam," she said haltingly, "let's keep our relationship simple. Whatever happens between us, let's just cherish each moment together, okay?"

"Are you still considering returning to Solterra?" Liam asked quietly.

Evelyn fell silent. It wasn't a matter of wanting to return - the contract binding her left no choice.

Liam stroked her hair gently. "Solterra is a traditional country," he said carefully. "Many men there place great importance on a woman's... purity."