Chapter 500

Alexander Kensington set down his coffee cup with a soft clink, his piercing gaze locking onto Evelyn Carter. "You're unusually attentive today. What's on your mind?"

Evelyn blinked rapidly, her fingers tightening around her own mug. "Nonsense! I've just been... difficult lately." She traced the rim of her cup absently. "You've been bringing work home because of my moods. I thought you deserved something special."

A slow, knowing smile spread across Alexander's face. "Is that so?"

His eyes traveled deliberately down her frame - from her flushed cheeks to the delicate curve of her neck, over the smooth skin of her arms, finally resting on her loosely curled fingers. With deliberate slowness, he extended one finger to trace circles in her palm.

Evelyn snatched her hand back with a gasp. "Alexander!"

"Darling," he murmured, leaning closer, "there are far more... intimate ways to show your appreciation that don't involve spending money."

Evelyn's breath hitched as she studied his expression. Though she could have easily evaded his touch, something held her still - perhaps the warmth in his eyes, or the way his scent enveloped her.

When he pulled her closer, she didn't resist. Even as he loomed over her, she maintained eye contact, her voice barely above a whisper. "Tell me what you want."

In an instant, Alexander closed the distance between them, his lips claiming hers with possessive intensity. One hand tangled in her hair while the other pressed against the small of her back, eliminating any space between them.

'My everything,' Alexander thought fiercely.

It had been too long - between work demands and Evelyn's recent melancholy, they'd neglected this fundamental connection. "Alex..." Evelyn breathed when they finally parted.

"Hmm?" He nuzzled her neck, unwilling to break contact.

Evelyn swallowed hard. "Let's get married."

Alexander stilled, pulling back to search her face.

"I mean," she rushed to clarify, "let's skip the engagement and go straight to the wedding. I want everyone to know we belong together." When he remained silent, uncertainty flickered across her features. "Unless... you don't want to?"

With a growl, Alexander captured her earlobe between his teeth before whispering hotly against her skin, "Silly woman, how could you ever doubt that?"