Chapter 1933

No.1

Evelyn froze.

He held her too tightly.

The sensation against her lower back made her entire body stiffen.

Then his palm slid over her abdomen.

"When did this happen?"

He'd never asked.

When had things begun between her and Julian?

No.2

Half-asleep, it took Evelyn long moments to understand.

"You said..." She struggled to rise. "You said you wouldn't ask."

"I did. But you also promised to stay away from your senior." His grip tightened.

"Alexander! Let go!"

Evelyn didn't understand his sudden aggression.

She couldn't see the time but knew it was late.

"I have a business trip tomorrow—"

No.3

"Then behave." He forced her back down. "Don't make me force you."

Evelyn went still.

"You promised to trust me."

That vow during his attempts to win her back now seemed like a joke.

Alexander stayed silent for a long moment before suddenly seizing her wrist.

"Come here." His breath scorched her skin. "Pleasure me..."

Evelyn bit her lip.

No.4

This was the price.

Safe passage out the door required payment.

When it ended, she checked the time: 4:00 AM...

Evelyn Sinclair rose quietly after only a brief rest.

Her movements were silent, but the moment her feet touched the floor, she heard rustling behind her.

Alexander Kingsley's hand slid across the sheets, catching only a trace of lingering warmth.

"Already?" His voice was thick with sleep.

No.5

Evelyn didn't answer, adjusting her clothes by the dim window light.

She knew better than anyone—every time Alexander forced himself on her, whatever fragile bond remained between them eroded further.

Fabric shifted in the darkness as Alexander pushed himself up.

"Turn on the light," he ordered.

Evelyn ignored him. "Go back to sleep," she said flatly.

An invisible wall stood between them.

Alexander didn't reach for the switch. He didn't want her seeing his bandaged hand—or the distance in her eyes.

No.6

"You—"

The sound of the door opening cut him off.

Evelyn paused in the doorway.

Alexander tilted his head up. "Stay away from other men. This... won't happen again."

He needed to prove something, but this was the only way he knew how.

Evelyn inhaled the crisp predawn air.

"Lord Alex, you never change."

No.7

"Don't call me that," he gritted out. "Talk properly."

"Don't worry." Moonlight caught the faint curve of her lips. "I'll honor our agreement."

Dark currents churned in Alexander's eyes.

"Remember your words," he said, voice dangerously low.

If she dared cross the line, he'd make her pay.

Roman Young's project proposal had been stolen outright by Xavier Stapleton.