What If Someone Sees You

Alexander had no time to process the chaotic thoughts swirling in his mind.

A vicious kick sent Julian flying across the room. His body slammed against the wall with a dull, heavy thud.

Excruciating pain exploded through Julian's frame. A guttural, shattered cry escaped him before darkness consumed his vision.

Alexander dropped to his knees, his hands reaching for Evelyn. He gathered her carefully into his arms. Her hair was a mess, her clothes disheveled. "Evelyn," he whispered, his voice tight. "Can you hear me?"

A wave of crushing regret tightened around his heart as he looked at her pale, still face.

Her vision was fading, the edges blurring into nothingness. But seeing Alexander's face brought a profound sense of relief.

As her consciousness wavered, the strange, burning heat coiled deep within her suddenly broke free—savage and uncontrollable. A sharp, involuntary gasp parted her lips.

Was this real? Or just another desperate hallucination born from terror?

Her fingers shook as she lifted a hand, reaching tentatively for Alexander's cheek. The movement was hesitant, fearful that touching him might cause the illusion to dissolve.

"Alexander..." Her voice was a raw, strained whisper, barely audible. "You're here... finally..."

A faint, fleeting smile touched her lips before her last vestige of strength vanished. Her eyelids fluttered closed as she surrendered to the welcoming darkness.

"Evelyn!" Panic sharpened his tone, cutting through the silence.

Then he felt it. The unnatural, feverish heat radiating from her skin. The flush on her cheeks deepened to an alarming crimson. Her body was a furnace in his arms.

Alexander's eyes darkened instantly, the pupils contracting. The realization struck him with brutal force. Evelyn had been drugged.

He acted without a second thought, scooping her up and holding her securely against his chest.

"Mr. Blackwood," one of his subordinates spoke cautiously, casting a nervous glance at Julian's unconscious form. "What are your orders for him?"

Alexander's head snapped up, his bloodshot eyes locking onto Julian with pure, undilated fury.

"Give him the same thing he gave Evelyn," he commanded, his voice dangerously low and icy. "But keep him alive. Just barely. Make sure he experiences what it means to beg for a mercy that never comes."

The subordinate stiffened, a cold shiver tracing his spine. He immediately bowed his head. "Understood, sir."

For the entire journey, Alexander held Evelyn close. His embrace was firm, unyielding.

Evelyn remained completely unresponsive. No matter how many times he murmured her name, she gave no sign of hearing him.

They arrived at the hospital. Alexander moved with single-minded purpose, carrying her directly into the private examination room.

Benjamin Carter was already there, leaning against a cabinet with his arms crossed, a look of mild impatience on his face. Hearing the door, he sighed without turning. "Alexander, this had better be good. I was on a plane for my vacation. One call from you and I'm back."

He finally glanced over, and his words died in his throat. Alexander was carefully settling Evelyn onto the hospital bed, his movements surprisingly gentle despite the tempest raging in his eyes.

Benjamin's breath caught. "Have you lost your mind? What if someone sees you?"

As one of Alexander's few confidants, Benjamin knew the truth—the wheelchair, the public frailty, it was all an elaborate act.

If that secret was exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Benjamin strode quickly to the door. He peered out into the hallway, his pulse quickening as he scanned for any observers. Only after confirming they were alone did he let out a tense breath and shut the door firmly. He turned back, his expression stern with disapproval.

"Alexander, I've told you—I can't guarantee this place is completely secure. What if someone recognizes you?"

His voice was laced with frustration, but it quickly became apparent that Alexander wasn't listening.

Benjamin stopped short, his own concerns fading as he saw the deep worry etched on Alexander's face.

A flicker of disbelief passed through Benjamin's eyes as he followed Alexander's intense gaze to the woman on the bed.

A woman.

It was always about a woman.