Chapter 61: I’ll Fix It
Chapter 61: I’ll Fix It
Chapter 61: I’ll Fix It
EVANGELINE
No. Absolutely not.
Without giving him a chance, I try to close the door, but he stops me, holding it open with one hand.
“Wait,” he says, staring at me through the remaining gap.
How dare he?
“No,” I say through clenched teeth, pushing against the door.
“You can close it, but I’m going to stay right here,” he says, making me stop.
Why did he come?
It doesn’t matter.
“I have nothing to say to you,” I state.
“Just hear me out.”
“And why would I do that?”
He falls silent for a moment, as if considering my words, but his apparent calm irritates me even more.
“First... let me in,” he says.
As if coming here wasn’t enough.
“Go away.”
“Evangeline... just let me explain.”
Damn it.
I hate the way his gaze makes me hesitate. And even though I know I can’t trust him anymore, there’s something there, maybe in the way he says my name, that makes me waver.
Telling myself I just want to get this over with, I step back, allowing him inside.
I try to ignore his scent as I close the door behind me.
I take a deep breath before turning to face him. Crossing my arms over my chest instinctively, I wait.
For the first time, I notice what look like shadows beneath his eyes. But I’m too angry to care, and his silence only makes my anger grow.
“You misunderstood,” he finally says. “I had nothing to do with the promotion.”
I scoff inwardly. Is that what he came here for?
“You must realize how hard it is for me to believe you,” I say, my tone biting.
“I had no intention of offending you.”
“Okay. If that’s all you had to say, then you can leave now.”
“I’m not finished yet,” he states, his authoritative tone getting on my nerves. “Why do you think I would do that?”
“Do you think I’m some kind of idiot?”
“I think you’re angry, and we both know why.”
“That’s enough.”
I take a deep breath, trying to contain my anger as he remains silent, seeming to hesitate for the first time.
“That night...”
“No,” I cut him off, looking away. “I don’t care.”
“That’s not true. And I know it.”
“I want you to leave. Now.”
“No. Not before I make you understand.”
“Understand?” I meet his gaze again. “You sent me away... No, let me be more precise. You said, ‘Take her home.’ Like I was a thing... So whatever your excuse is, you’re too late.”
“Don’t say that. I’m here now.”
“And what am I supposed to do with that? Thank you?”
“No, but if you were right, I wouldn’t be here.”
“Or maybe you’re just not satisfied yet. But I’m not playing your games anymore. So, leave.”
“I can’t... I tried to keep my distance...”
“Don’t worry, I’m more than willing to give you all the distance you want.”
“I don’t want it.”
“Too late.”
“No. I won’t allow it.” He takes a step forward.
I instinctively take one back.
“And what are you going to do? Was spying on me not enough?”
He doesn’t answer, but takes another step and keeps coming closer, forcing me to retreat.
“No.” I try to stop him, feeling my heart race.
But it’s no use.
The instant I feel my back hit the door, he stops in front of me, putting my entire body on high alert.
I try to keep my breathing under control.
“I just want to protect you,” he says, raising a hand toward my face, but hesitating, stopping before he touches me.
“You have to go.”
“No...” he murmurs, cupping my face in his hands. “Let me fix it.”
I should push him away, but I remain still, as if his touch makes me lose all sense of reason.
I can’t look away.
His lips are too close, and before I can stop him, they press against mine.
Firm and almost gentle, they glide over mine with restraint, yet remain dominant, testing my resistance.
But I don’t surrender.
I lose control, responding hungrily, seeking his tongue as my fingers clutch the fabric over his chest.
Any shred of reason shatters at the taste of him and the heat his tongue sends coursing through my body.
My skin burns as his restraint gives way to hunger, leaving me breathless while his hands grip my hips tightly.
I want him so badly it hurts.
No...
“No,” I murmur, pulling my lips away. “Stop,” I order, breathless, using my hands to try to push him away.
“That’s not what you want,” he whispers, breathless.
“Step back,” I demand more firmly, overcome with shame.
He hesitates for a moment, but does as I ask, and I immediately turn to open the door.
“Go,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady as I hold the door open.
“Evangeline...”
“Get out!”
Reluctantly, he remains still for a moment before finally giving in and heading for the door.
But as he passes me, he stops.
“I’ll fix it,” he says before walking out the door.