Chapter 380

The salty sea breeze swept across the deck.

Evelyn Carter stood at the cabin door, watching the drenched man on the sofa.

Alexander Hamilton's hair dripped water, his shirt clinging to his toned frame.

"Did you actually jump into the sea?" she blurted.

His eyes snapped open, burning into hers. "What, were you hoping I would?"

"I'm just curious how the mighty Mr. Hamilton ended up like this."

He smirked. "The pool on deck is quite refreshing. You should try it."

"In a suit?" She arched a brow. "Only you would do something so ridiculous."

"Better than hiding in a cabin." His gaze flicked to the drawn curtains.

Evelyn strode to the window and yanked them open.

Sunlight flooded the room.

"Hiding? I was enjoying some peace."

Alexander squinted against the sudden brightness. "Peaceful enough to skip the wedding?"

"Other people's happiness doesn't interest me."

"Really?" He sat up slowly. "Then why couldn't you stop staring at the bride?"

Her fingers tightened around the curtain.

"None of your business."

Alexander chuckled. "Dr. Carter, your symptoms are concerning."

"What symptoms?"

"Jealousy." He drawled the word. "Classic envy and resentment."

She scoffed. "Since when did you become a psychiatrist?"

"Don't need to be." He stood, water dripping onto the carpet. "We were close enough for me to read you like a book."

"You're mistaken." She turned away. "I just admired her dress."

He stepped closer. "Want one?"

"What?"

"A wedding gown." His breath brushed her ear. "I could give you something better."

Evelyn spun around, nearly colliding with his chest.

"Alexander, get a grip." She pointed to the door. "Leave."

He didn't budge. "I'm perfectly sane."

"Then you're delusional."

"Maybe." A self-deprecating smile touched his lips. "I haven't been right since I met you."

The wind rushed in, scattering the tension between them.

Evelyn tucked her hair behind her ear. "What do you want?"

His expression turned serious. "Why do you shut everyone out?"

"That's my choice."

"Even Vivian?"

"She's different."

"How?" He stepped closer. "Because she doesn't make your heart race? Doesn't hurt you?"

Her nails dug into her palms. "Why push this?"

"Because I'm tired of watching you lock yourself away."

"Well, too bad." She lifted her chin. "This is who I am."

Footsteps echoed outside.

Alexander's eyes darkened. He pulled her against him.

"What are you—"

"Quiet." His hand covered her mouth. "Someone's coming."

Evelyn froze as voices approached.

"Don't move," he murmured in her ear. "Unless you want an audience."

His soaked shirt pressed against her back, radiating heat.

Her pulse raced wildly.

The footsteps paused, then faded.

Alexander released her but didn't step back.

"Now can we talk?" His voice was rough.

She shoved him away. "There's nothing to discuss."

"Sure?" He gestured to her flushed cheeks. "Your body disagrees."

"That's a normal reaction to proximity."

His lips quirked. "Should we test that theory with someone else?"

"You—"

"Evelyn." His gaze held hers. "Admit it. You still feel something."

Waves lapped against the hull in rhythmic beats.

Meeting his stare, she laughed coldly. "Alexander, in medical terms, we call this—delusions of grandeur."