Chapter 118

The silence stretched between them like an unspoken agreement.

Noticing Evelyn's reluctance to elaborate, Alexander chose not to press further.

If she wasn't ready to share tonight, he could wait. He had all the time in the world for her.

The city lights of Cresthaven blurred past as the car glided through the streets. Neon signs flickered against the dark sky, casting fleeting shadows across Alexander's sharp profile.

At a red light, his fingers tapped idly against the steering wheel before he finally broke the quiet.

"So," he began, voice deceptively casual, "how was the experience of drinking with male escorts?"

Evelyn's breath hitched.

Her head snapped toward him, eyes wide with disbelief. He knew?

The traffic light turned green.

A horn blared impatiently behind them before Alexander finally accelerated.

Evelyn twisted her fingers together in her lap. "It wasn't me," she said quickly. "Claire arranged it."

Alexander arched a brow. "She booked them and charged it to your card?" His tone made it clear he wasn't buying it.

Evelyn exhaled sharply. "Lucas took her away before things got out of hand, so I—"

The Willowbrook Apartments came into view.

Alexander braked smoothly, bringing the car to a stop at the alley entrance. The engine hummed softly in the sudden stillness.

Outside, the city pulsed with life—cars rushing past, distant laughter floating through the air. But inside the car, the air was thick with unspoken words.

Evelyn hesitated, her hand hovering over the door handle.

Alexander turned to face her fully, his gaze intense. "We'll talk about this later."

It wasn't a request.

Evelyn swallowed hard and nodded before stepping out into the night.

The car door clicked shut behind her, sealing the tension inside.

The apartment building had strict women-only access, leaving Alexander no choice but to remain in the car.

With a swift motion, he wrapped an arm around Evelyn's slender waist, pulling her effortlessly toward him.

Evelyn gasped as she suddenly found herself straddling Alexander's lap, her hands instinctively bracing against his broad shoulders.

Alexander reclined the seat slightly. The car's tinted windows ensured complete privacy from prying eyes outside.

His fingers tangled in her hair, guiding her face closer until their lips hovered mere inches apart. Evelyn's breath hitched, her pulse racing.

But as she shifted, a sharp pain shot through her injured wrist. She winced, biting back a cry.

Alexander's expression darkened. In one fluid movement, he flipped their positions, pinning Evelyn beneath him, his body caging her in.

Their eyes locked. Moonlight spilled through the windows, casting shadows across Alexander's striking features—his jawline sharp, his gaze smoldering.

Evelyn's cheeks burned under his intense scrutiny.

Lowering his head, Alexander traced a slow, teasing path along the delicate curve of her neck with his tongue. His breath was hot against her skin, sending shivers down her spine.

She arched involuntarily, her fingers tightening in his shirt.

The air between them crackled with tension, thick and unspoken.

Outside, the world faded away.

Inside the car, there was only them.

His warm breath caressed the delicate shell of her ear.

Alexander's lips brushed against Evelyn's skin as he murmured, "Darling, I thought you wanted me to take action."

A shiver raced down Evelyn's spine at his words. She swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "That's not... what I meant."

"Is that so?" Alexander's voice was rough with desire, the low timbre vibrating through the confined space of the car.

Evelyn's lashes fluttered shut as her pulse skyrocketed. The hard planes of Alexander's body pressed insistently against hers, leaving no doubt about his current state of arousal. The heat between them was palpable, thickening the air until each breath felt like fire in her lungs.

Her fingers curled into the leather seats as she fought to maintain control. But with Alexander's intoxicating scent surrounding her and his muscular frame caging her in, resistance was becoming increasingly difficult.

The streetlights flickered outside, casting fleeting shadows across his sharp features. In that moment, Evelyn realized there would be no escaping what came next.