What Happened?

Alexander's lips were so close to Evelyn's he could feel her warm breath.

His fists clenched the sheets, his knuckles turning white.

He drew a sharp, ragged breath, fighting for control.

He pushed himself up and away from her in one swift motion.

Evelyn murmured in her sleep, turning over.

Her hand slid from his arm as she moved.

He used the moment to gently free his other hand.

He sat on the edge of the bed, his breathing harsh and uneven.

Her perfume filled the air, an intoxicating scent that clouded his judgment.

His self-control, usually iron-clad, was dissolving.

How could she have this effect on him?

He didn't understand it. He couldn't stay.

He had to leave. Now.

He stood up, his movements sharp and silent.

He left the room without a backward glance, leaving her sleeping peacefully.

Back in his own room, he went straight to the bathroom.

He turned on the shower, stepping under the icy spray.

The cold water hit his skin like a shock.

He ran a hand through his wet hair, squeezing his eyes shut.

For a fleeting moment, he saw her smile. He remembered the softness of her lips.

Her sweet scent seemed to cling to him still.

His eyes snapped open, wide with disbelief.

He looked down at his own body, a wave of self-loathing crashing over him.

Was he going insane? Was he really that weak?

The water ran until it turned cold, then he shut it off.

The only sound in the room was his own ragged breathing.

The shrill ring of her phone tore Evelyn from sleep the next morning.

She opened her eyes, a dull throb pounding in her temples.

She groaned, fumbling for her phone to silence the alarm.

"First day at work," the screen read.

She sat bolt upright, adrenaline cutting through the fog of sleep.

She had set that reminder after leaving Aethelgard Industries.

She could not be late.

She massaged her temples, trying to remember coming home last night.

The memories were a blur.

No time to dwell. She rushed into the bathroom for a quick, hot shower.

Then she hurried downstairs for breakfast.

Alexander was already at the dining table.

"Alexander, when did you get home last night?" she asked, sliding into a chair.

She tore a piece of bread, completely oblivious to the dark look that crossed his face.

His expression tightened.

"You don't remember anything from last night?" he asked, his voice laced with a sharp edge.

The question surprised her. She paused, the bread halfway to her mouth.

She looked at him, her eyes full of genuine confusion. She remembered nothing.

"What exactly happened last night?" she asked, her head still pounding.

The headache had wiped her memory clean from the moment she returned to Serenity Oaks.

Alexander hadn't expected such a complete blackout.

Frustration boiled inside him.

For the first time in years, a woman had gotten under his skin, and she didn't even remember.