Chapter 236

Dominic lifted his hand and gently stroked Evelyn’s back, his voice laced with concern. “If you can’t handle alcohol, you shouldn’t have drunk so much. Do you know how dangerous it is to get drunk alone?”

He was relieved she had made it home safely and that he’d returned just in time to let her in. The thought of her being stranded outside sent a chill down his spine.

Evelyn blinked up at him, her lips curving into a tipsy grin. “I didn’t drink that much!” She waved a hand in front of his face, her movements sluggish. “Just… one, two, three…” She frowned, counting on her fingers. “Five glasses! That’s nothing! You should’ve seen Victoria—she was wasted after the first five minutes!”

Dominic sighed. Even in this state, she still had the audacity to tease others.

“No more drinking without me,” he ordered, his tone firm. If he didn’t set boundaries now, she’d push her limits again.

Evelyn’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “Does that mean I can drink as much as I want when you’re around?” She leaned in, her breath warm against his skin. “We never had our wedding toast. Let’s do it now!”

Her cheeks were flushed, her lips slightly parted, and her gaze held a playful challenge. Despite the alcohol on her breath, Dominic found her intoxicating. That smile—soft, teasing, utterly irresistible—made his pulse quicken.

“Fine,” he conceded. “But not tonight.”

“Why not?” she pouted, shoving his arm lightly.

“Because I’m not drinking with someone who’s already drunk,” he said, amused. “We’ll do it when you’re sober.”

“But I’m not drunk!” she protested, crossing her arms.

Dominic arched a brow. “Sure, you’re not.” He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “It’s late. Let’s get you to bed.”

Arguing with a drunk Evelyn was pointless. He’d save the lecture for tomorrow.

He draped a thin blanket over her as she curled up on the couch. Just as he stood, her fingers wrapped around his wrist.

“Don’t leave,” she mumbled.

“I’m just getting water,” he said gently.

“No.” Her grip tightened. “Stay.”

Dominic hesitated, then sighed. “Alright.” He sat back down, and Evelyn immediately nestled her cheek into his palm.

“Don’t lie to me,” she murmured.

He stayed there, listening to her steady breathing, her warmth seeping into his skin. The sensation was oddly comforting—and dangerously tempting.

But Evelyn, blissfully unaware, had already drifted off.

Dominic tried to pull his hand free, but she clung to him even in sleep. He chuckled under his breath. Stubborn even when unconscious.

Carefully, he shifted her onto the couch, replacing his hand with a small throw pillow. She grasped it instantly, her fingers curling into the fabric.

Finally free, Dominic stretched, his limbs stiff from sitting too long. He poured himself a glass of water, his gaze lingering on Evelyn’s sleeping form.

Then he remembered Sophia’s advice.

Hangover meds.

He’d make sure she had them ready for the morning.