Chapter 408

The sudden flood of light made Evelyn blink rapidly as Dominic flicked the switch.

His tall frame filled the doorway, his movements sharp as he slammed the door shut behind him.

Evelyn's breath caught in her throat when she saw the dangerous glint in his bloodshot eyes.

The scent of expensive whiskey clung to him as his long fingers worked impatiently at his shirt buttons.

Her pulse skyrocketed when she realized his intentions. The air between them crackled with tension so thick she could barely breathe.

"Dominic! You're in the wrong suite!" Her voice trembled as she tried reasoning with him. "This is my private quarters!"

His predatory gaze never left hers as he stalked toward the bed, discarding his shirt carelessly on the plush carpet.

"I'm perfectly sober." His voice was rough as he climbed onto the mattress and carefully avoided her injured leg. "Keep still."

Her throat went dry. His words rang true - his movements were too precise for someone intoxicated. If he knew about her injury, why was he doing this?

The moment his warm lips grazed her neck, Evelyn caught the overpowering floral perfume clinging to his skin.

Her nose wrinkled in disgust. Just last week, the housekeeper had mentioned the group of socialites staying at Mooncrest Manor for three straight days.

The cloying scent was undoubtedly from one of those women.

Even without his shirt, the fragrance still permeated the air between them.

"Don't!" She shoved at his shoulders with surprising strength. "You reek of another woman!"

Dominic stilled, his dark eyes flashing dangerously.

"You're disgusting!" She spat the words, her hands pressing against his chest. "Get off me!"

The force of her push nearly sent him tumbling off the bed.

Her defiance only seemed to fuel his darker desires.

With one hand braced beside her head, he made quick work of his belt buckle with the other. What had started as simple desire now demanded punishment.

"You called me a monster once," he growled, his breath hot against her ear. "Since when do monsters care about being clean?"

His fingers dug into her chin, forcing her to meet his burning gaze. "I'll take what I want, Evelyn. Always."

Pinned beneath him, she could only turn her face away as silent tears tracked down her cheeks.

"Lights!" She begged hoarsely. "Turn them off!"

The sight of her tears made something in his chest tighten painfully. With a sharp motion, darkness swallowed the room once more.

In the blackness, only their ragged breathing filled the space between them - his heavy with desire, hers shaky with unshed sobs.

When the storm finally passed, Dominic collapsed beside her, his arm possessively circling her waist even in sleep.

Evelyn wiped at her damp cheeks with trembling fingers.

The lingering perfume mixed with sweat and sex made her stomach churn.

A terrifying realization struck her with chilling clarity - she could end this torment forever. Protect her children. Be free.

The thought took root, spreading through her veins like poison.