Chapter 245

Alexander's lips crashed down on Evelyn's, stealing her breath.

His kiss was savage, like an enraged lion mauling its prey. The taut muscles beneath his tailored suit burned through the fabric, branding her skin.

"Alex—"

Her protest died in his mouth. He easily pinned her struggling hands, tearing his collar open in the struggle. The motion unleashed something primal—his dark eyes blazed with unrestrained hunger.

The seat reclined with a soft click. Evelyn sank into buttery leather, trapped beneath his weight. His assault grew more ruthless, teeth scraping her lower lip.

This wasn't the controlled Alexander she knew.

The man who epitomized aristocratic restraint now moved with feral intensity. His lips trailed fire down her throat, biting the hollow of her collarbone.

"Alexander Hamilton!" She gasped when his mouth briefly freed hers. "Have you lost your mind?"

"Lost my mind?" He braced above her, pupils dilated. "Watching you consider marrying that spineless worm—remaining sane would be the real madness!"

"We're over!"

"With him?" A derisive jerk of his chin toward the restaurant. "That coward who wouldn't even defend you?"

Evelyn's chest heaved. Peter's passive betrayal still stung, but the true terror was the unrecognizable man pinning her down.

"Not your concern!"

Alexander didn't budge. His breath scorched her ear. "He's unworthy of you."

"And you are?" Her laugh held Arctic frost. "Getting drunk to assault your ex-wife—how are you better than those barflies?"

The word "assault" struck like a physical blow.

He stilled, taking in her disheveled blouse and swollen lips. The storm in his eyes receded as trembling fingers straightened her collar. When she flinched from his touch, his hand froze midair.

"Forgive me." The apology rasped like gravel.

Evelyn scrambled upright, fumbling with buttons. Only her ragged breathing filled the car.

"Did I frighten you?" His offered help met with recoil.

"Open the door."

"It's below freezing." He scrubbed his face. "I'll go."

Winter air rushed in as he exited. The cherry of his cigarette pulsed in the darkness like a distress beacon.

"Ten minutes." His voice carried crystalline clarity now. "Hear me out, then I'll vanish from your life."

Evelyn clutched her coat collar.

One final drag. "This is goodbye."