Chapter 39

"Why are you here?" Though she posed the question, Evelyn couldn't suppress the warmth spreading through her chest at the sight of Alexander.

Alexander studied her face intently before reaching over to adjust the car's temperature controls. His fingers brushed against the shawl draped across the backseat as he carefully wrapped it around her shoulders. "Did something happen?" His voice carried an edge of concern - by his calculations, she should have left the building twenty minutes ago. He'd nearly gotten out to search for her himself.

"It's nothing serious." Evelyn waved a dismissive hand, then immediately winced when the movement pulled at her sore muscles. The sharp inhale that escaped her lips made Alexander's grip tighten around her wrist.

"You're hurt." His stormy expression darkened further, jaw clenching visibly. The air between them grew heavy with his barely contained anger.

"N-No, just stiff from sitting too long," Evelyn lied hastily, twisting in her seat to face him fully. "See? Not a scratch on me." She forced a bright smile, hoping to distract him.

Alexander's piercing gaze never wavered. Without warning, he cupped her chin between thumb and forefinger, tilting her face toward the overhead light. His scrutiny traveled slowly from the delicate column of her neck down to her collarbones, then along both arms. Heat flooded Evelyn's cheeks at his thorough inspection, though the unexpected tenderness soothed some of the ache in her chest.

The betrayal still stung. Five years she'd known Dominic - five years believing him to be kind and principled. How could she have been so blind? The cheating had been bad enough, but the manipulation, the gaslighting... And now this latest violation. Though she'd severed all ties, the wounds remained fresh.

"Promise me something." Alexander's thumb brushed lightly across her bottom lip, pulling her from her thoughts.

"What?"

His other hand encircled her wrist, pressing something cool and metallic against her skin. Evelyn glanced down to find an exquisite silver watch now adorning her slender wrist. The delicate timepiece seemed almost too refined for everyday wear, its intricate mechanisms visible through the transparent case back.

"I don't usually..." Her voice trailed off as she studied the unexpected gift.

"It's GPS-enabled with emergency calling." Alexander's tone brooked no argument. "You'll wear it at all times."

For a heartbeat, Evelyn simply stared. Then a laugh bubbled up, half-teasing. "Are you tracking me now?" Of course she understood the gesture's true meaning - a lifeline should she ever need him. The thoughtfulness made her chest tighten.

Alexander didn't smile. One hand still cradling hers, the other maintaining its possessive hold on her chin, he leaned closer. "Not tracking. Just ensuring I can always find you when you need me."

Evelyn's breath caught. In the confined space of the luxury vehicle, his proximity overwhelmed her senses. "Why?" The question slipped out before she could stop it. "Why go to such lengths for me?"

They'd known each other such a short time, yet Alexander had inserted himself into her life with unwavering determination. His protectiveness should have felt suffocating. Instead, it felt like... coming home.