Chapter 402

"If you want to handle this on your own, I won't interfere. But if it's too much and you'd rather not deal with it, I can step in," he tossed the towel aside, took her hand, and knelt before her.

His voice softened. "Just know that whatever you choose, I'll respect your decision."

Evelyn felt a sudden rush of emotion, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her face into his shoulder. "Darling, you're so good to me," she murmured, her voice thick with sincerity. She truly meant it—she was lucky to have him.

Alexander froze, as if he hadn't heard her right. "What did you just say? Say it again."

"You're amazing," she whispered, nuzzling against him.

"No, not that—the other thing. Say it again."

He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes.

After all this time together, she had never once called him by anything other than his name or the occasional "Mr. Kensington." He had never pushed her to change, content to let her come to it in her own time.

But now, out of nowhere, she had given him this unexpected gift.

That single word had struck him right in the chest.

Evelyn bit her lip, her cheeks flushing under his intense gaze. She couldn't bring herself to repeat it. "I'm not saying it again," she teased, giggling as she tried to look away.

Alexander wasn't about to let her off that easily. He cupped her face, keeping her from turning away. "Come on, sweetheart. One more time."

"Nope."

When she couldn't turn her head, she rolled her eyes playfully instead.

"If you don't say it, I'll kiss you."

"Go ahead. It's not like you haven't kissed me before."

"You—"

He exhaled in mock frustration, unable to threaten her when she was being this bold. But before he could say anything else, Evelyn leaned in and pressed her lips to his.

It was soft at first, tentative—but then she deepened the kiss, her fingers tangling in his hair. She wasn't as practiced as he was, but she made up for it with sheer enthusiasm.

Alexander was momentarily stunned before he responded, guiding her with slow, deliberate movements.

When they finally pulled apart, both breathless, he didn't ask her to repeat those words again.

She had said it once. She would say it again.

He could wait.

But then—

Evelyn brushed her lips against his once more, then leaned her forehead against his. At this distance, she could count every one of his eyelashes, see the depth of emotion in his gaze.

She took a deep breath.

"I love you, darling." Every syllable was clear, deliberate.

Alexander's eyes widened.

Just when he thought he wouldn't hear it again tonight, she had given him another surprise.

He pulled her tight against him, kissing her over and over. "I love you too, sweetheart."