Chapter 66

Liam struggled to compose himself before meeting Evelyn's gaze again. His eyes lingered on the exposed skin above her collarbone where her pajama top had slipped.

When Evelyn leaned closer to pass him the salt, she didn't notice how her loose neckline gaped open. The delicate curve of her breasts became visible through the thin fabric.

Liam forcefully averted his eyes, his breathing turning uneven. His lips parted slightly as he fought for control.

This unfamiliar sensation unsettled him. The more he tried to suppress it, the stronger it grew. He prided himself on discipline, yet here he was, completely unraveled.

"Is that everything?" Liam's voice dropped to a rough whisper.

"Yes, that's all," Evelyn replied absently.

Liam reached out to gently guide Evelyn back to her seat. He desperately needed to change the subject, but her luminous eyes held him captive. Her flawless skin glowed in the lamplight, her lips slightly parted.

Heat flooded his face as he stared at her mouth. His Adam's apple bobbed with a hard swallow that did nothing to cool the fire in his veins. Was he losing his mind? Since when did he lust after Evelyn?

He rationalized it - he was a healthy man, and Evelyn was his wife. These thoughts were natural, weren't they?

Suppressing his nerves, Liam spoke in that same low tone. "Mind if I stay here tonight?"

The unspoken implication hung heavy between them.

Evelyn blinked at him in surprise. The intensity in his gaze made her pulse quicken. This wasn't the controlled man she knew.

"Are all the other cabins occupied?" she asked.

Liam's breathing grew labored. "They are, but that's not why I'm asking."

Did she truly not understand? How could someone so perceptive miss his meaning?

Evelyn noticed the change in Liam's demeanor - the restrained energy, the darkening of his eyes. But she dismissed it. They'd shared a bed countless times before without incident. His loyalty to Victoria would keep him in check.

She glanced at the spacious bed. "Of course you can stay," she agreed easily.

Liam exhaled in quiet satisfaction. "Finished with dinner?" he asked.

Evelyn set aside her plate. "Yes."

"Going to shower?"

"Already did." She absently adjusted her slipping pajama top. "You should though."

Liam clenched his fists, fighting the urge to touch her. Had his self-control weakened? Was that why these forbidden thoughts plagued him?

Yet he'd never experienced this with anyone before. Were these mere physical urges, or something deeper? The possibility terrified him.

Abruptly, he stood and headed for the bathroom. A cold shower would clear his head. It always did.

Evelyn settled into bed with a book. Thirty minutes later, the bathroom door swung open. She looked up and froze.

Liam stood there wearing only a towel slung low on his hips. Water droplets glistened on his toned chest and abs. His damp hair curled slightly at the ends. Every sculpted muscle stood out in sharp relief.

The sight stole her breath. He looked positively sinful.