Chapter 55

The crisp night air rushed into the vehicle, tangling Evelyn's dark locks as it soothed her frayed nerves.

Dominic's words echoed in her mind - he wasn't the only man meant for her.

That single statement gave her hope. If she stayed firm in her decision, perhaps he would eventually grant her the divorce she desperately wanted.

The tightness in her chest eased slightly at this comforting realization.

As they pulled up to Mooncrest Manor, Mrs. Wilkins and the chauffeur immediately moved to assist Dominic from the car.

Seeing him being cared for, Evelyn slipped away unnoticed to her own quarters.

She'd barely settled in when Mrs. Wilkins appeared at her door. "Mr. Blackwood refuses assistance from the staff, Miss Thorne. Perhaps you could try? He just needs his face wiped and help changing."

Wipe his face? Change his clothes?

Evelyn wouldn't have hesitated if Dominic were still in his coma, but now...

He might be intoxicated, but he was fully conscious.

Their heated exchange in the car remained fresh in her mind.

"Can't we just let him sleep as he is?" Evelyn suggested. "He can shower and change when he wakes."

Mrs. Wilkins gasped. "That simply won't do! Please, just come with me. He might be more agreeable if it's you."

The master bedroom door stood ajar when they arrived, revealing Dominic sprawled across the massive bed.

Mrs. Wilkins gently pushed Evelyn forward. "With this much alcohol, he might vomit during the night. Someone should watch over him."

Evelyn already knew where this was heading.

Before she could protest, Mrs. Wilkins continued, "This is a critical phase in his leg rehabilitation. Any injury now could set back his progress terribly. You must stay with him tonight!"

Evelyn pressed her lips together, swallowing her objections.

The housekeeper had a point - she couldn't refuse.

"You can wait until he's deeper asleep to clean him up... If changing proves difficult, just remove his outer clothes... Let him rest like that..." Mrs. Wilkins retreated, closing the door behind her.

Evelyn felt her pulse quicken.

Approaching the bed cautiously, she studied Dominic's flushed face. His breathing was heavy, his cheeks unusually rosy from the alcohol.

After fetching warm water from the ensuite, she placed the basin on the nightstand and began unbuttoning his dress shirt.

The moment her fingers brushed the first button, his hand shot up, gripping her wrist with surprising strength. His eyes flew open, dark and alert.

"Release me," Evelyn demanded, meeting his gaze steadily. "Or undress yourself."

Dominic's head throbbed mercilessly. Though coherent, his limbs felt leaden with intoxication.

He relinquished his hold, allowing Evelyn to remove his shirt and unbuckle his belt.

But as her fingers moved to his trousers, his hand clamped down harder on her wrist.

"Who gave you permission to enter?" he growled, chest heaving. "Who said you could undress me? Have you no shame?"

Evelyn blinked in astonishment.

Was this the alcohol talking?

Chances were he wouldn't remember any of this tomorrow.

The realization emboldened her.

She shoved his hand aside, grasped his waistband, and tugged forcefully until the trousers came free.

Dominic's glare could have melted steel as he swore viciously.

Ignoring him, Evelyn tossed the clothes into the hamper, then wrung out the warm cloth to gently cleanse his furious face.