Chapter 143

Alexander’s gaze burned into her, his body radiating heat like a furnace. His voice was rough with barely restrained hunger.

Evelyn’s breath hitched. She had been too distracted by the way his throat moved, the sharp line of his Adam’s apple tempting her lips. Why is he looking at me like that? Did I do something wrong?

He closed the distance between them, his touch sending sparks skittering across her skin. Instinctively, she tangled her fingers in his hair as he pressed closer, impatient.

A gasp escaped her when his mouth crashed against hers, wild and demanding. His kiss was relentless, stealing her breath, leaving her dizzy.

Alexander knew exactly what he was doing. Within moments, Evelyn was liquid in his arms, her body yielding completely.

They were adults. The tension between them was undeniable, electric.

She sank back onto the silk sheets, her eyes dark with desire, cheeks flushed as she stared up at him.

Just as their breathing turned ragged, his hand slid down her waist—only for his phone to vibrate insistently in his pocket.

The moment was electric, charged with unspoken desire. Then the shrill ring of a phone shattered the silence.

Alexander had no patience for interruptions. With a frustrated growl, he silenced the device and flung it onto the nearby couch.

But then, Evelyn's phone buzzed to life.

As she reached for it, Alexander caught her wrist, his grip firm. The air between them crackled with tension, thick with need.

Evelyn's voice came out breathless, husky. "What if it's urgent?"

Alexander's restraint shattered. He pulled her onto his lap, his arms locking around her waist. "Nothing is more urgent than this."

His kiss was relentless, stealing her breath, her thoughts—everything.

In the dim light, Evelyn heard the soft click of a belt being undone.

Alexander's voice was low, rough with desire. "Let's do this first. Just once," he murmured against her lips.

Heat flooded Evelyn's cheeks. She buried her face against his chest, but Alexander wouldn't allow it. He tipped her chin up, forcing her to meet his darkened gaze.

Evelyn stared at him, her breath hitching as Alexander claimed her with a single, powerful thrust.

His dominance was absolute, leaving no room for hesitation.

Her pulse raced, every nerve alight with sensation.

That night, they surrendered completely to each other, insatiable, lost in the storm of their passion.

Later, Alexander finally turned his phone back on.

Beside him, Evelyn lay curled on her side, utterly spent, her long lashes brushing her flushed cheeks.

Her dark hair fanned across the pillow, one silken strand draped over his chest, right above his heart.

He absently twirled the strand around his fingers, his other hand bringing the phone to his ear as Lucas’s call connected.

“Dinner tonight. You in?” Lucas’s voice was muffled, the clatter of cards in the background. “I’ve been waiting for ages. Why the hell did you take so long to call back?”

Alexander smirked, his thumb tracing idle circles on Evelyn’s bare shoulder.

“I was busy with my wife.”

Lucas groaned. “Spare me the details, you bastard. Not all of us are—”

Alexander let out a low chuckle. "Fair point. Technically married still counts."

"Cut me some slack, will you?" Lucas snapped, his voice rising. "Who said anything about divorce? Claire's pregnant—I'm going to be a father! We're staying together!"

Isabella, who'd been lingering nearby, immediately turned her head at his outburst.

Watching Lucas end the call, she approached with a wine glass in hand and settled beside him. "Lucas... Claire's pregnant?"

"Yeah." He nodded absently, tossing his poker cards onto the table before checking his watch.

8:03 PM.

He stood abruptly, smoothing his dress shirt. "I'm out. Heading home."

His poker buddies gaped at him. "Bailing already?"

"Yep." Lucas slung his jacket over one shoulder. "You guys have families too. Should wrap it up early. What's the point of gambling when you could be home with your wives?"

One of them burst out laughing. "Look at Mr. Domestic over here. Claire gives you two weeks of peace and suddenly you're the poster boy for marital bliss."

"Absolutely! Wasn’t it you who got thrown out by your wife and came crawling to us every night for poker?"

Lucas Bennett let out a rough laugh before snapping, "All of you, scram!"

As he turned to leave, Isabella Rhodes rose gracefully from her seat.

Her wide, shimmering eyes held an air of innocence, masking something far more calculated. "Lucas," she said sweetly, "I’ll walk you out. I’m heading home too."

The two stepped out of the private room, one after the other.

Then—

Isabella’s heel caught on the edge of the carpet.

She stumbled, her ankle twisting sharply beneath her.

A gasp escaped her lips as she reached out instinctively—

Her fingers brushed against Lucas’s sleeve.

His reflexes were quick.

A strong hand shot out, steadying her before she could fall.

For a heartbeat, they stood there, frozen.

Her breath hitched.

His grip tightened.

Then, just as suddenly, he released her.

"Careful," Lucas muttered, his voice gruff.

Isabella smoothed her dress, her smile returning as if nothing had happened.

But beneath that flawless exterior, her mind was already racing.

This was exactly the opportunity she needed.

And she wasn’t about to waste it.

To be continued...