Chapter 17

The sleek black car whizzed past Evelyn, kicking up a swirl of autumn leaves in its wake.

She blinked away tears and caught the fading red glow of the Bentley's taillights disappearing into the night.

Was that Dominic's car?

Wiping her damp cheeks, she steadied her breathing before turning toward the mansion.

The familiar vehicle sat parked in the circular driveway when she arrived.

Evelyn lingered by the gatehouse, hoping to enter after Dominic had retired to his quarters.

Her eyes burned. Tilting her head back, she gazed at the constellations twinkling against the velvet sky.

A perfect October evening.

Before she realized, an hour had slipped by unnoticed.

The chauffeur had already stored the car in the underground garage.

Golden light spilled from the living room windows, but no shadows moved within.

Feeling sufficiently composed, Evelyn finally stepped inside.

On the second-floor balcony, Dominic sat motionless in his wheelchair, clad in a charcoal gray robe. The crystal wine glass in his hand held only crimson droplets.

He had observed Evelyn's entire vigil in the chilly night air.

What thoughts could possibly keep a woman standing motionless for sixty minutes in the cold? She'd been so still, the birch trees might have mistaken her for one of their own.

Dominic had surrounded himself with brilliant minds his entire life - the only company worthy of his time.

Yet Evelyn defied categorization.

By any measure, she was foolish to provoke a man like him.

An absolute idiot.

Yet seeing her distress stirred something unfamiliar within him.

An emotion he couldn't name.

......

Perhaps from the night air, Evelyn's head throbbed as she reached her bedroom.

She pulled a cashmere throw from the armoire, cocooned herself in its warmth, and fell into exhausted sleep.

Feverish dreams left her sheets damp by morning, but the night's chill had dissipated.

When dawn came, aside from slight stickiness, Evelyn felt surprisingly refreshed.

After a steaming shower and fresh clothes, she descended to breakfast.

The aroma of bacon led her to the dining room where Mrs. Wilkins immediately served her plate.

"Has he eaten?" Evelyn asked.

"No, Mr. Blackwood hasn't come down yet."

Evelyn grabbed a croissant and orange juice, consuming them in record time.

"Finished in under three minutes," Mrs. Wilkins noted with amusement. "Still afraid of him, Miss Evelyn?"

"Not afraid...just prefer not to see him," Evelyn lifted her chin. "His presence makes me uneasy."

"You'll adjust with time," Mrs. Wilkins said. "Will you be home for lunch?"

"No. Campus obligations today. I'll take dinner at the university too."

"Very well. I'll have Thomas bring the car around."

Evelyn stopped her. "A taxi's fine. Let Dominic keep the driver."

"We have two chauffeurs, dear. One for Mr. Blackwood, one for household use."

Evelyn surrendered to the older woman's insistence.

At Ravenswood University, Evelyn turned to the driver. "Thank you, Thomas. You may return. I'll find my own way home."

As the car pulled away, a familiar voice called out. "Evelyn! Who was that handsome driver?"

Sophie Mercer, her closest friend, appeared unexpectedly at the gates.

"Handsome? That's Mr. Blackwood's employee," Evelyn linked arms with her. "Sophie...I don't think I can join you for grad school."

Sophie froze. "Because of your father? I heard what happened. I'm so sorry."

Evelyn forced a smile. "Truthfully, grad school was never my plan."

"You wanted to marry after graduation, right?" Sophie nudged her. "When do I meet this mystery man?"

Evelyn stiffened.

Only her mother knew about Julian.

To friends, she'd only mentioned dating someone anonymously.

"We're through," Evelyn inhaled sharply. "Have you ever trusted someone completely, only to discover they're human garbage?"

Sophie hugged her as tears threatened. "We're young, Ev. Consider it tuition for adulthood. Better men exist!"

"I'd rather depend on myself," Evelyn chuckled bitterly.

"Heartbreak builds character," Sophie sighed. "Last semester you were lovesick. Look at you now - a proper grownup!"

Evelyn shook her head. "I just hope to support myself after graduation."

"With your double majors and top marks? The world's yours!" Sophie beamed.

Evelyn's cheeks warmed at the praise.

At five p.m., the friends parted at the university gates, dinner plans made.

Sophie suddenly pointed. "Evelyn! Isn't that your driver from this morning?"

The Bentley idled curbside.

Evelyn met the chauffeur's gaze through the open window.

Confusion wrinkled her brow. Hadn't she dismissed him?

What now?

Approaching the vehicle, the driver opened the rear door.

"Trouble?" Evelyn whispered.

With Sophie watching, the man spoke carefully. "Best discuss inside."

Evelyn's stomach dropped.

"Go handle your business!" Sophie waved. "Rain check?"

"Next time's on me," Evelyn promised before sliding into the leather seat.

The car accelerated smoothly.

"Did you upset Mr. Blackwood again?" The driver's knuckles whitened on the wheel.

Evelyn frowned. "I haven't seen him. Did he order this pickup?"

"Yes. Brace yourself."

Evelyn's pulse raced as she mentally retraced her steps.

Impossible!

She'd been on campus all day. No possible offense given.

Nothing from recent days explained this summons.

A headache blossomed from the futile mental gymnastics.

They arrived at Mooncrest Manor at 5:40 p.m.

Evelyn stepped inside, exchanging heels for slippers.

Dominic waited alone in the great room.

His emerald shirt sleeves were rolled to reveal corded forearms.

Diamond cufflinks caught the light.

Lounging with regal indifference, he exuded the dangerous magnetism of a predator at rest.