Chapter 52

Liam froze mid-step. The sudden tug on his shirt made him turn to face Evelyn in the darkness.

A brilliant lightning flash illuminated the room, revealing Evelyn's tear-streaked face. Her desperate expression tugged at his heartstrings.

That single glance melted Liam's resolve. He could feel his defenses crumbling.

Removing her earphones, Liam leaned close enough for his breath to caress her cheek. "I'm not leaving you. Just checking the circuit breaker."

Evelyn's cheeks burned at his proximity. His woodsy cologne wrapped around her like a warm embrace.

His deep, velvety voice sent shivers down her spine. Reluctantly, she loosened her grip on his shirt.

Seeing her distress, Liam gently stroked her hair. "Don't be scared. I'll return before you know it."

The tender gesture left Evelyn breathless. She remained frozen long after he left, fingertips brushing where his hand had been.

Her heart raced like a startled fawn. Then came the crushing realization - she was falling hopelessly for him.

But what future could they have? Liam had already chosen Victoria.

The door creaked open as Liam returned, phone pressed to his ear. "Distribute the flowers to staff with partners. Offer a day off for every bouquet sold."

"No, I'm staying put tonight." He ended the call with finality.

"The whole building's dark," he explained. "Lightning must've fried the main circuits. Crews will fix it by morning."

Evelyn had removed her earphones to listen. His words eased her anxiety, yet stirred deeper emotions.

"Did you ever consider..." she whispered, "that bullet could've killed me?"

Liam paused, surprised by her lingering doubt. He switched off her phone light and settled on the couch.

"They don't call me Eagle-Eye for nothing." His confident smirk appeared in the dark. "That hostage-taker made an ideal target. My aim never wavers."

Evelyn didn't know whether to laugh or cry at his arrogance.

"You knew about Victoria's schemes, didn't you?" The question hung between them.

A weighted silence. Then, simply: "Yes."

The confirmation crushed her. Of course Liam would excuse Victoria's transgressions. She alone held his heart.

Liam cleared his throat. "I regret hurting you that day."

"Just a scratch." Evelyn forced a smile. "Healed quickly."

The charged silence stretched until Liam checked his watch. "You should rest."

"And you?" Panic edged her voice.

"I'll stay till the storm passes." His tone brooked no argument. "Keep your music volume down."

"You'll sit there all night?"

"Don't worry about me." His voice softened. "Sleep."

After a hesitation, Evelyn ventured, "The bed's big enough... if you don't mind sharing?"