Chapter 122

"I'll handle it myself," Dominic responded calmly. "Though if you're concerned, you may assist."

Evelyn felt like she'd just stepped into her own trap.

Naturally she'd worry if Dominic tried to manage his hygiene needs alone, but was there really any difference between helping him shower and showering with him?

They entered the master suite, Evelyn closing the door behind them.

"Could you hand me the cane?" Dominic's deep voice rumbled.

Evelyn was about to ask its location when she spotted the polished mahogany cane and passed it to him.

Gripping the handle, Dominic used it for support as he rose unsteadily from the wheelchair.

"Are you alright?" Evelyn gasped, hands fluttering nervously.

"Perfectly fine. I've been showering independently for days," Dominic replied, amusement coloring his tone. "Did I frighten you?"

A flush crept up Evelyn's neck. "Were you teasing me deliberately?"

"Merely observing your reaction," he said before making his way toward the ensuite bathroom.

Unable to quell her concern, Evelyn found herself following.

Dominic paused at the threshold. "Planning to supervise?"

Evelyn shook her head, then quickly nodded. "I'm just... concerned. Can you manage your trousers without aggravating your injuries?"

"These are designed for ease," Dominic explained, fingers already at his belt.

Evelyn made a noncommittal sound.

As if to demonstrate, Dominic unbuckled his belt with deliberate slowness, his gaze locked with hers.

Heat flooded Evelyn's cheeks.

"I—I'll wait outside!" she stammered, backing away. "Call if you need anything."

She fled, shutting the bathroom door with more force than intended.

Exhaling sharply, she considered leaving but feared he might require assistance. Just then, Mrs. Wilkins knocked and entered with freshly laundered clothing.

"Is Master Dominic bathing, Madam?"

Evelyn nodded, accepting the garments.

"Does he usually... manage alone?"

"Always. Refuses any help."

"Stubborn man," Evelyn muttered.

"Indeed," Mrs. Wilkins agreed. "Master Dominic has always been that way. No matter the difficulty, he insists on handling everything himself."

Evelyn sighed. "It's one of his most frustrating qualities."

"Don't judge him harshly," Mrs. Wilkins said, her smile fading. "I don't know what he endured in his past, but beneath that exterior lies remarkable kindness."

Kindness?

An unexpected descriptor for Dominic Blackwood.

Yet not entirely inaccurate.

Mrs. Wilkins continued softly, "The doctor once told me the kindest souls often battle the darkest demons."

"He struggled with depression?" Evelyn's brows lifted.

Mrs. Wilkins nodded. "Required medication for nearly a fortnight."

A weight settled in Evelyn's chest. How little she truly knew of the complex man Dominic was - cruel yet fragile, ruthless yet tenacious.

When Dominic emerged later, his damp hair curled against the collar of his white robe as he leaned on the cane.

Evelyn moved to assist, noticing his wet locks. "How did you wash your hair?"

"Seated."

"Let me dry it," she offered, retrieving the hair dryer from the marble countertop.

As warm air flowed through his dark strands, Dominic sat motionless, his stillness almost peaceful.

Evelyn wished this moment could linger.

Suddenly, Dominic's hand encircled her wrist.

"Enough," he said.

"Oh! Right." Evelyn switched off the dryer, blinking away her reverie.

Her gaze caught on fresh blood blooming through his bandages.

"Your wounds need redressing. I'll fetch the medical kit."

After replacing the dryer, Evelyn hurried downstairs to request supplies from Mrs. Wilkins, her mind swirling with unanswered questions about the enigmatic man awaiting her return.