Chapter 89

The sharp click of a metal buckle echoed through the silent room.

Evelyn Sullivan's fingers trembled slightly as she deliberately avoided looking at the loosened belt around Ethan Sullivan's waist.

"Pull it out for me."

His deep voice carried a hint of amusement, thickening the air between them.

Evelyn bit her lower lip and remained motionless.

"What's wrong?" Ethan leaned closer, his warm breath brushing her earlobe. "Don't tell me you're shy, Ms. Sullivan."

"Who's shy?"

She jerked her head up, meeting his laughing eyes. A surge of irritation shot through her. She yanked the belt free and flung it to the floor before swiftly pulling down his trousers.

"Should I take off the underwear too?"

"Whatever pleases you."

Evelyn scoffed. "I'd rather not dirty my eyes."

Steam filled the bathroom. She wrung out the towel, carefully avoiding his half-healed wounds. When her fingertips accidentally grazed his firm abs, she recoiled as if burned.

"Do the rest yourself."

She tossed the towel into his lap and stormed out without looking back.

The door slammed shut with enough force to rattle the frosted glass.

Ethan watched the trembling door, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

When Evelyn emerged from her shower, Ethan was on the phone by the window. Moonlight outlined his sharp silhouette, casting a severe shadow.

She towel-dried her hair as she heard him say, "Keep watching. Don't alert them."

Their eyes met. He ended the call.

The whir of the hairdryer drowned out their breathing. Evelyn pulled spare bedding from the closet and began spreading it on the floor when a cold laugh came from the bed.

"Get up here."

"No need."

"Evelyn." His voice turned icy. "Do you really think I'd do anything to you?"

"I'm just not used to sharing a bed."

"You slept soundly enough at the resort."

Her grip tightened on the blanket. "That was different."

"How?" His eyes narrowed. "Or are you afraid of something?"

"Think whatever you want."

She snapped off the overhead light and burrowed under the covers. In the darkness, she could feel his burning gaze fixed on her back.

Morning sunlight stabbed at Evelyn's eyes when she woke.

Ethan sat fully dressed in his wheelchair, his handsome face stormy. She mechanically assisted with his morning routine, treating him like a statue.

"The caregiver will cook lunch."

She hurriedly tied her shoes and nearly collided with Colin Keller at the door. A young man in caregiver scrubs stood beside him, nervously wringing his hands.

"This is Leo. He'll handle Mr. Sullivan's daytime care from now on." Colin smiled. "Including bathing and dressing."

Evelyn's eyes brightened. "He'll help with baths?"

"Of course, though Mr. Sullivan usually—"

"Perfect." She cut him off with visible relief, nodding at Leo. "Thank you."

She turned away before seeing the sudden darkness in Ethan's eyes.