I Want To Be In Charge

Evelyn's gaze was hazy from the wine, yet it remained locked on Alexander. Her voice was a soft, pleading murmur. "Don't go. Stay here. With me."

Her words sent a jolt through Alexander, a dangerous mix of raw want and simmering frustration. His eyes narrowed to slits. His voice dropped to a low, gravelly whisper.

"Evelyn," he said, each word measured. "Do you have any idea what you're asking for?"

His hand shot out, capturing her wrist. His fingers brushed against the delicate skin. "You need to stop this. You're not in your right mind."

Evelyn, still swimming in the alcohol's embrace, paused. Her brow furrowed slightly as if trying to piece together his meaning through a fog.

Then, with an expression of utter seriousness, she declared, "I am completely sober."

Alexander's breath caught in his throat. He lowered his head, his warm palm gently cupping her cheek.

"Evelyn," he whispered, the question hanging between them. "Tell me. Who am I?"

The moment the words escaped, a wave of pure anxiety crashed over him.

For one terrifying heartbeat, he was certain she would say another man's name.

Alexander refused to consider what he might do if that happened.

The silence stretched, each second feeling like an hour as he waited.

Finally, a slow smile spread across Evelyn's lips. Her dimples appeared, her cheeks flushed a charming pink.

"Alexander," she teased, her voice light and playful as she patted his face. "Have you been the one drinking? You're Alexander, of course."

His grip on her hand tightened instantly. A powerful surge of relief and something hotter, more primal, flooded his veins.

"And who am I to you?" he pressed, his intense gaze searching the depths of her eyes.

In that moment, the truth of his own feelings became undeniable.

He could look at her for a lifetime and it would never be enough.

Evelyn giggled, looping her arms around his neck. Her warm breath tickled his ear as she whispered, "You, Alexander Blackwood, are my husband. So asking you to stay with me tonight is my absolute right!"

She giggled again, the sound both playful and fiercely determined. "You have no grounds for refusal. And I won't allow it."

Alexander's eyes darkened with pure desire. He closed the small distance between them until their breaths mingled.

"Do you truly mean that, Evelyn?" he asked, his voice husky with warning. "If you say yes, there is no turning back from this."

Evelyn shook her head, her resolve clear. "I won't regret it," she whispered firmly.

The moment the words left her lips, Alexander captured her mouth in a deep, claiming kiss.

Evelyn gasped in surprise but quickly surrendered, her eyes fluttering shut as she melted against him.

Within moments, they were both breathless, hearts pounding.

Evelyn had effortlessly shattered Alexander's famous, iron-clad self-control.

"Evelyn..." he groaned, his voice thick with need. "I need you."

But suddenly, Evelyn turned her head away, halting his advance. "Wait," she said.

A frown creased Alexander's brow. He feared she was changing her mind.

Before he could speak, however, Evelyn surprised him. With unexpected strength, she pushed him backward onto the bed.

Alexander landed on the mattress, momentarily stunned. Even drunk, her strength was surprising.

He looked up to find her grinning down at him, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes as she straddled his hips. "What are you doing?" he asked, a hint of amusement coloring his voice.

Evelyn leaned down, her expression turning deadly serious as she grasped his tie. "I'm in charge tonight," she declared.