Chapter 90

The night erupted with a deafening crack of thunder, shaking the windows. Rain lashed against the glass, tracing winding paths before pooling on the hardwood floor.

Inside, the atmosphere was anything but calm.

Alexander Whitmore found himself pressed into the mattress, the weight of Evelyn Carter above him. The dim glow from the living room spilled across the bed, casting long shadows that danced with the storm outside.

Evelyn’s fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, her grip surprisingly strong for someone so delicate. She exhaled shakily, her dark lashes fluttering as she leaned in.

Her lips met his—soft, hesitant, tasting faintly of wine.

It wasn’t so much a kiss as it was an exploration. Each press of her mouth was punctuated by a quiet, almost comical mwah, like a child learning how affection worked.

Alexander should have laughed.

Instead, his fingers twitched against the sheets, his pulse roaring louder than the storm outside.

Her innocence was maddening.

And yet, with every clumsy attempt, the fire in his gaze burned hotter.

They were right—the most innocent teasing could be the most dangerous.

Evelyn had been playfully nipping at Alexander like a curious kitten, completely unaware of the fire she was stoking.

After what felt like an eternity of her hesitant, teasing bites, Alexander finally snapped.

His restraint shattered in an instant.

With one swift motion, he freed his wrists from her grasp, flipped her beneath him, and caged her body with his own.

The sudden reversal drew a startled gasp from Evelyn. "Ah!"

Alexander had indulged in a few drinks that evening—not enough to be drunk, but just enough to lower his inhibitions.

Now, his gaze burned with the predatory intensity of a man who had reached his limit.

He dipped his head, catching her lower lip between his teeth in a slow, deliberate bite before murmuring, "You're still a little clumsy at this, Mrs. Whitmore. Allow me to demonstrate."

His voice was rough, laced with dark promise.

Then he shifted, bracing himself above her, their fingers tangling together as he pinned her hands beside her head.

Evelyn's pulse skyrocketed, her heart hammering so violently she was certain he could feel it.

She had never been good at this—never been bold, never been in control.

And now, with Alexander's warm breath ghosting over her skin as he traced the shell of her ear with his tongue, she was utterly at his mercy.

A shiver tore through her, electric and overwhelming, her fingers tightening reflexively around his.

She was drowning in sensation, every nerve alight.

And Alexander had only just begun.

The kiss was electrifying, sending waves of heat through her body. Evelyn's pulse quickened, her breaths turning shallow and uneven.

"Alexander." The alcohol had softened her voice, making it velvety and warm, like a contented feline. Yet there was an undeniable allure in her tone.

Her arms wound around his neck, fingers tangling in his hair as she let out a soft, satisfied sigh.

Alexander glanced down at her flushed face, his lips curving into a knowing smirk. "Mrs. Whitmore, wasn't it you who said you'd do whatever you wanted with me?"

He dipped his head, brushing his lips against the sensitive skin of her throat. His voice dropped to a husky whisper. "Already overwhelmed? How do you plan to take charge later?"

Evelyn bit her lower lip, her fingers tightening slightly against his shoulders. A deep blush spread across her cheeks.

The room was thick with tension, their mingled breaths creating an intoxicating rhythm. It was as if two flames had merged, burning brighter and fiercer together.

Outside, the rain fell in a steady rhythm, harmonizing with the sounds of their passion.

Evelyn sank deeper into the plush mattress, her body arching with every movement. Her toes curled against the sheets, her breath hitching.

Alexander was relentless, his stamina seemingly endless.

Every brush of Alexander's lips against Evelyn's skin left a trail of pink blossoms across her flawless body.

He adored the way her back arched instinctively, each movement fueling the wildfire of his desire until it burned uncontrollably.

Tears shimmered in Evelyn's eyes as she surrendered to him, blooming like a rare flower beneath his relentless devotion throughout the endless night.

Dawn crept in before Alexander finally released her, though his reluctance was palpable in every lingering touch.

The hours blurred together—Evelyn lost track of how many times he claimed her. When she finally collapsed onto the sheets, every muscle trembled with delicious exhaustion.

Her eyelids fluttered shut, mind reeling. She had never imagined passion could be explored in so many intoxicating ways.

The bedposts, the marble counter in the bathroom, the velvet chaise lounge—those were merely the beginning. There had been... more.

Once Evelyn drifted into sleep, Alexander stepped onto the balcony, lighting a cigarette with a slow, satisfied drag.

Smoke curled from his lips as his gaze lingered on her peaceful form tangled in the sheets. A smug smile tugged at his mouth.

Then his expression darkened with a sudden thought. Stubbing out the cigarette, he returned to the bedroom and retrieved a small tube from the nightstand—

The first aid kit lay open beside them.

In the darkness of the room, Alexander carefully cradled Evelyn's ankle, his fingers brushing over the jagged scar that marred her delicate skin. His gaze lingered there, heavy with unspoken emotions.

A shadow of pain flickered across Alexander's face, followed by something softer—something tender.

He had known about the scar, but he hadn't realized how deeply it still affected her. Every time the rain fell, the old wound ached, a cruel reminder of the past.

With slow, deliberate movements, Alexander smoothed the ointment over her skin, his touch feather-light.

He treated her like something fragile, something irreplaceable.

Every stroke of his fingers was a silent vow—a promise to protect her, to cherish her.

The storm outside raged on, but in this quiet moment, there was only warmth.

Only them.