Chapter 11

Evelyn's fingers curled into the sheets beneath her, her knuckles turning white with tension. She had read about moments like this in books and seen them in movies, but reality was entirely different.

Dominic noticed her unease immediately. His gaze softened as he took in her tightly shut eyes. "If you're not ready," he murmured, his voice low and steady, "we can stop."

A shiver ran down Evelyn's spine. When she opened her eyes, she found nothing but sincerity in his expression. The way he looked at her—like she was something precious—made warmth bloom in her chest. Swallowing hard, she released his hand and instead wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I can do this," she whispered, though her voice trembled. "P-Please… don't stop."

Then it happened.

A familiar sensation jolted through her, and realization struck like lightning. No. It couldn’t be. Not now.

Mortified, Evelyn curled in on herself, grabbing a pillow and pressing it over her face. She wanted to disappear.

Dominic stilled. The heat in his eyes dimmed as he exhaled, a quiet chuckle escaping him. After a beat of silence, he reached for her again, lifting her effortlessly.

"W-What are you—?"

Before she could protest, the pillow slipped from her grasp. She stared up at him, wide-eyed, like a startled deer caught in headlights.

"Relax," he said, his tone calm but firm. "I won’t do anything you don’t want."

He carried her into the shower, setting her down gently before adjusting the water temperature. Handing her the showerhead, he stepped back. "Take your time. I’ll wait outside."

The door clicked shut behind him.

Evelyn stood under the warm spray, her mind reeling. The water soothed her nerves, but her thoughts were a tangled mess. Dominic—ruthless in business, feared by competitors—had just been… considerate. Gentle.

It didn’t make sense.

Then, another problem struck.

She didn’t have any sanitary products.

Her cheeks burned. She’d been so absorbed in launching Eternal Bloom that she’d completely forgotten her cycle. And now, of all times—

Do hotels even stock these? Should I call for a delivery? But my phone’s outside… and if Dominic sees—

The door opened again.

Evelyn froze as Dominic reappeared, placing a small bag in the dry area. "Here," he said simply before leaving once more.

Heart pounding, she peeked inside.

Fresh pajamas. New underwear. And—her stomach flipped—sanitary pads. High-end ones, too.

He’d thought of everything.

She dressed quickly, her embarrassment fading into something softer. When she stepped out, Dominic was seated in a chair beside the bed, already in silk pajamas, his laptop open. The rich aroma of coffee filled the room.

He glanced up as she approached.

"Come here," he said.

His voice was quiet, but the command in it sent a shiver down her spine.