Chapter 82

Evelyn hadn't anticipated the kiss—so sudden, so electrifying. Her eyes flew open in shock, her breath hitching in her throat. Couldn’t Alexander at least give her a warning?

But he hadn’t planned it either. The moment his lips met hers, instinct took over. The softness, the warmth—it was intoxicating. He deepened the kiss, losing himself in the taste of her, the way she trembled beneath his touch.

When they finally pulled apart, Evelyn gasped for air, her fingers clutching his shoulders for support. Alexander chuckled, his thumb brushing along her flushed cheek.

"You really need to learn how to breathe," he teased, his voice low and amused.

Evelyn was mortified. Every time they kissed, she forgot how to function. It was embarrassing—and yet, Alexander found it endearing. It meant she was inexperienced, untouched.

Dominic was a fool. How could he have ever let her go?

Evelyn was still struggling to steady her breathing when her phone rang. The shrill sound shattered the moment, but she was almost grateful for the interruption. She needed to clear her head.

She glanced at the screen and hesitated.

Dominic.

Alexander didn’t need to ask. The way her expression tightened told him everything.

Evelyn exhaled sharply before answering. "I thought I made myself clear—"

Dominic cut her off. "If I drop the lawsuit, will you meet me?" His voice was firm, insistent. "Avoiding this won’t solve anything, Evelyn. We need to talk. Just once."

Her fingers tightened around the phone. She looked at Alexander, searching his face for any sign of protest. But he only watched her, his expression unreadable.

After a long pause, she finally answered.

"Fine."