Chapter 83 First Steps Into Power
Soft morning light slipped through the curtains.
Evelyn stirred slowly, her lashes fluttering open as warmth surrounded her.
For a moment, she didn’t move.
Roman’s arm rested over her waist, his chest rising steadily against her back as he slept.
Her heart softened instantly.
Carefully, she tried to slip out of his embrace so she could freshen up before starting the day.
But the moment she shifted, Roman suddenly tightened his arm and pulled her back against him.
Evelyn gasped softly in surprise.
Her eyes widened. “You’re already awake?”
Roman only responded with a sleepy groan, pulling her closer. His nose brushed along the sensitive curve of her neck, the warm breath tickling her skin.
She laughed softly. “Roman, you’re tickling me.”
Instead of stopping, he suddenly nipped lightly at her neck.
At the same time, his body pressed closer, his morning arousal brushing against her thigh.
Evelyn stiffened.
Her breath grew heavier as warmth pooled low in her stomach.
But she quickly steadied herself.
“R-Roman,” she murmured, her voice trembling slightly. “It’s Monday morning. I have to go to work.”
He groaned again in protest, tightening his hold for a moment longer before finally letting her pull away.
They both sat up.
Roman stretched lazily before sliding off the bed and extending a hand toward her.
“Come on.”
Evelyn reached for his hand but paused halfway.
Her gaze drifted over his bare torso… then lower, toward the obvious bulge beneath his briefs.
Her throat went dry.
Roman caught the direction of her stare and smirked.
“What?” he teased. “Want to start the day with some morning exercise?”
Evelyn quickly cleared her throat and looked away.
“I—I’m naked under this,” she stammered. “Can you… turn around first?”
Roman let out a laugh of disbelief.
“What part of you haven’t I seen already?”
Her cheeks turned bright red as she looked down. She couldn’t deny that.
Before she could protest again, Roman simply pulled her to her feet and guided her toward the bathroom.
As they passed the foot of the bed, Evelyn’s gaze briefly fell on her torn nightgown lying on the floor.
Her face heated all over again as memories of the previous night rushed back.
They stepped into the bathroom, her mind still tangled in last night's heat.
But before she could sink too deeply into those thoughts, cold water splashed across her.
“Ah!” she shrieked, jumping back.
“Roman!”
He stood there, completely unapologetic, looking far too pleased with himself.
“I’m helping you wake up,” he said calmly. “You’re going to work today. You can’t walk into the company with that dreamy look in your eyes.”
Evelyn stared at him, speechless.
—-
By the time Evelyn came back into the bedroom, steam still clinging to her skin, Roman was already dressed in dark pants, and a soft shirt with the sleeves pushed up.
Evelyn turned to the wardrobe and reached for what she’d already planned.
She pulled on a fitted cream blouse and tucked it neatly into a charcoal pencil skirt that hugged her waist and fell just below her knees.
Then she stared at her blazer like it was armor she wasn't sure she was ready to wear.
Roman’s reflection watched her in the mirror.
Evelyn clipped her hair back, fastened simple earrings, then picked up her heels.
Roman’s voice came from behind her, dry. “No.”
Evelyn paused mid-step. “What do you mean, no?”
His gaze dropped to the heels. “Those will hurt you.”
She stared at him, confused. “I’ve worn worse.”
Roman didn’t argue. He walked to the closet, returned with a lower pair, and held them out for her.
Evelyn stared at him speechless.
A reluctant smile tugged at her mouth. “Are you always this bossy?”
She grumbled, but put them on anyway.
As soon as she got back up, Roman brushed his lips lightly against her forehead.
“You’re beautiful.” He whispered.
Her cheeks warmed slightly.
“Come on,” he said. “Leo has probably been waiting downstairs for an hour already.”
—-
Downstairs, Leo was indeed waiting.
He sat at the dining table with a tablet in one hand and a half-eaten piece of toast in the other, nervously scrolling.
The moment he heard footsteps, he jumped to his feet so fast the chair scraped loudly across the floor.
“G-good morning, sir!”
Roman frowned slightly. “Leo.”
“Yes, sir!”
Roman pointed at the table. “Sit before you injure yourself.”
Leo sat immediately.
Evelyn couldn’t stop the small laugh that escaped her.
“Good morning, Leo,” she said kindly.
“Good morning, lady boss!” he replied quickly, nearly choking on his toast.
His eyes landed on her outfit, and he blinked.
“You look… very… corporate today.”
Roman cast him a glance.
“Leo.”
“Yes, sir?”
“Stop reviewing my wife like that.”
This time Leo choked, coughing loudly. “I—I didn’t mean— I mean— I wasn’t reviewing—”
Evelyn laughed softly, rescuing him.
“Thank you, Leo.”
Roman poured coffee for Evelyn and slid the cup toward her.
"Roman, I'm too nervous to eat."
"Eat anyway." He placed a piece of toast in her hand. "You'll need the energy."
She took a small bite, then another.
Leo cleared his throat. "The car is ready whenever you are, madam. James is waiting outside.”
Evelyn paused. "James?"
She turned to look at Roman. "I want to drive myself."
Roman's brows lifted slightly.
"You want to drive yourself?" he repeated.
Evelyn nodded.
"I'll feel more confident if I go on my own."
Roman studied her for a moment, clearly unconvinced.
"James is one of the most reliable drivers we have," he said calmly.
"There's no need for you to—"
"I know," Evelyn interrupted gently.
"But if I'm going to work there… I should start acting like it."
Leo quietly pretended to become extremely interested in his toast.
Roman leaned back in his chair, watching her carefully.
"And what exactly does that mean?" he asked.
Evelyn straightened slightly.
"It means I shouldn't arrive like someone being escorted everywhere."
Roman tapped a finger against the table.
"You are my wife," he said simply.
"And I'm also someone who is about to work in your company," she replied.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Leo held his breath like a man witnessing a high-level negotiation.
Then Roman sighed softly.
"You really want this?"
Evelyn nodded.
Roman looked at Leo.
"Have security keep distance but follow her car."
Leo nodded immediately. "Yes, sir."
Evelyn blinked.
"Roman—"
"You wanted independence," he said calmly. "Not the absence of protection."
She couldn't argue with that.
A small smile tugged at her lips.
"Thank you."
Roman stood, grabbing her blazer.
"You can thank me by surviving your first day."
Leo stood up quickly.
"The car is ready outside."
Roman looked at Evelyn one more time.
"Nervous?"
She took a breath.
"Terrified."
Roman leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
"Good."
She blinked.
"Why is that good?"
"Because people who aren't nervous about power usually shouldn't have it."
He opened the door.
"Come on, Mrs. Sinclair,” he passed her the blazer.
“Do well today,” he murmured.
Evelyn swallowed. “I will.”
Before she could turn around and walk away, Roman’s hand slid to her waist. He pulled her in and kissed her intimately for a short while. Stealing her breath away.
His eyes held hers. “And come back to me.”
The softness in his voice made her heart flutter.
Evelyn stepped away before she melted into him. “Let’s go, Leo.”
Leo nearly tripped over his own feet grabbing the folder. “Yes, boss lady!”