Chapter 120

The night breeze tousled Evelyn's disheveled locks, her neck still tingling from Alexander's possessive marks.

"Come home with me." His voice was low, commanding, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

Evelyn's pulse stuttered. She knew exactly what awaited her if she stepped into that penthouse again.

Alexander reached into his coat, pulling out a cigarette. The flame flickered as he lit it, casting shadows across his sharp features. In the dim glow, he looked effortlessly alluring—dangerous in the most intoxicating way.

The scent of tobacco mingled with his signature sandalwood cologne, carried by the wind straight to her. Evelyn's breath hitched.

God, he was breathtaking.

One glance at him, and her resolve wavered.

He’s too damn tempting.

But Evelyn wasn’t reckless.

She shut her eyes briefly, forcing her racing thoughts into submission. Then, with deliberate slowness, she slid her hand free from his grasp.

Taking a measured step back, she arched a brow, her lips curving into a teasing smile.

"Tomorrow, Alexander."

Her refusal was clear, but the challenge in her gaze?

That was an invitation all on its own.

Alexander let out a low chuckle, his fingers deliberately working on the top buttons of his dress shirt. The fabric parted to reveal the sharp lines of his collarbones.

He lounged against the car door with effortless grace—one knee braced against the frame, the other leg stretched out onto the pavement. His right arm rested lazily on the steering wheel, a cigarette dangling between his fingers, while his left hand hooked at his waist, pulling the shirt just enough to expose a tantalizing strip of toned skin.

The dim streetlights cast shadows across his face as his gaze locked onto Evelyn.

Evelyn bit her lower lip, her eyes flickering downward for the briefest moment.

Then, without warning, she closed the distance between them. Her hands flew up to clasp behind Alexander's neck as she crushed her mouth against his.

Alexander stiffened in surprise. His dark eyes flared with intensity as his arms instinctively wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to deepen the kiss—

But Evelyn was already pushing away.

She stepped back, her breath uneven, and without a single glance over her shoulder, she turned and hurried toward the apartment complex.

Her silhouette disappeared into the night.

Alexander remained motionless, watching the empty space where she had been.

Only when he was certain she wouldn't return did a slow, knowing smirk curve his lips.

Alexander traced his fingers over his lips where Evelyn had kissed him moments ago. The lingering taste of her sweetness still danced on his tongue.

He smirked to himself. "Playing coy, Evelyn? How amusing."

A single strand of her hair had caught on his coat. He carefully wound it around his finger, studying it with a dark fascination.

Time flew by swiftly, and before long, the day of Ethan and Vanessa’s wedding arrived.

Evelyn woke up far earlier than she intended.

It was supposed to be her day off—she had planned to sleep in. But just as dawn broke, her phone rang.

Margaret’s voice was urgent. "Vanessa’s bridesmaid got into an accident on the way here. She can’t make it. Evelyn, you need to step in."

Still half-asleep, Evelyn jolted upright at the words.

She pushed back the covers and walked to the window, pulling open the curtains. The morning light spilled in.

"Are you sure you want me there?" she murmured, her voice laced with quiet amusement. "Or are you hoping the wedding turns into a funeral?"

The line went silent for a beat before Margaret scoffed. "Just get here. Now."

Evelyn smirked as she hung up.

This was going to be interesting.