Chapter 02

Chapter 02-Evelyn

The clapping stopped and the clinking of glasses went down, but my heart still kept racing. It wouldn’t slow. I could still feel Adrian's gaze on me hot and heavy like it was burning my skin.

For a moment I just stood there, my hand clunged in Paul's arm. I could feel how tense he was under his fake smile like he was ready to explode.

Adrian stepped down from the stage then just walked right through people like he owned the whole place, his smile wide pulling every eye to him.

“Paul!” He called out loud drawing everyone's attention, then he pulled my husband into a hug.

It looked normal but I saw how their backs became stiff when they patted each other, both smiling for the crowd, but I knew Paul so well to miss that mean look in his eyes.

“What was that stunt you pulled on stage?” Paul asked, his voice low.

Adrian only chuckled, waving the question away with his hand like it was nothing. “Don't make it sound so big. It was just family truth. People should know we stand together, right?”

Paul’s jaw tightened, he wanted to say more but then Adrian's eyes came to me.

“And who,” his voice softened, smoother now, “is this beautiful woman beside you?”

Paul straightened. “My wife. Evelyn.”

Adrian’s smile deepened. When he took my hand, everything around me just faded like nothing else existed. His fingers were strong, cool on mine. Then he bent down and brushed his lips over my skin like some old-school gentleman, and it sent butterflies rushing wild inside me.

“We’ve met,” Adrian said casually, glancing at me through his lashes. “But not the proper way.”

My breath caught. It was simple words that Paul didn't think much of it, but I knew the meaning he was pulling at that moment we had before, his hand steadying me. Our eyes locked—his blue, mine brown—and something hot pulled low inside me.

Paul didn't notice. He was too busy with keeping up appearances. But I felt that pull I shouldn't feel, something I had no business feeling.

Another couple came and called Adrian away. He excused himself easily, telling Paul they’d talk later. Just like that, the moment ended, the spell broken.

****

We didn’t stay long. Paul dragged us out, his silence heavy in the car. By the time we stepped into the house, he snapped.

“That bastard!” he slammed his keys down hard. “What game is he playing? Showing me like a trophy? Making me look like I owe him everything?”

I touched his arm. “Paul, it wasn’t that bad—”

He jerked away. “Don’t defend him, Evelyn. You don’t know him like I do. He’s fake, all charming until he gets what he wants”

The anger in his voice cut sharp, but underneath it was something else, pain and resentment.

I sighed, stepping closer, sliding my hands up his chest. “Then forget about him. Tonight is about us.”

He looked down at me, still angry but his eyes softened a little when I toyed with his collar. Slowly, his breath grew heavier. “You always know how to distract me.” He muttered.

“I plan to.” I said and kissed him hard, cutting his anger out. He kissed me back, rough and hungry. His hands grabbed my waist, pulling me close till I felt his heart beating fast. I melted into him the fire of his mouth burning away the strange chill Adrian had left.

Without stopping the kiss, Paul lifted me up and carried me up the stairs. I held onto him, my heart racing, lips bruising under his.

When we got to the room, he pushed me against the door. His mouth trailing fire down my neck.

“Mine.” he growled, tugging hard at the zipper of my dress.

“Yes.” I whispered, shivering as the fabric slipped down my skin.

The dress fell to the floor, and his hands were everywhere, greedy and rough—that made me burn.

I pulled at his shirt, too desperate to feel him and soon, he stripped fast and soon it was gone. His bare body hard and warm, pressing me to the bed.

Our kiss turned messy and wet. Our breaths crashing together, tongues fighting. When he moved lower, kissing me all over, I shook under him begging with need.

When he finally pushed into me, the world spun. Every thrust made me gasp and cry out. Our bodies went wild with rhythm, and his anger turned into him claiming me again and again till the room was full of my sounds.

Afterwards, we collapsed together, sweaty and weak, his arm heavy across me. He kissed my temple, whispering. “You’re mine, Evelyn. Always mine.”

I closed my eyes holding him close, but deep blue eyes and that forbidden smile stayed inside me, refusing to leave.