You Weren't So Shy Last Night

Alexander's chest heaved with contained fury.

His jaw was a hard, tight line.

"I want to know who that man is," he demanded, his voice dangerously low. "Find out everything. Now."

Evelyn froze at the venom in his tone.

Her pulse began to race.

Was he this angry because of her?

The thought sent a cold wave of dread washing over her. He still cared. He still wanted her.

A bitter, acidic jealousy twisted in Isabella's gut. "That woman will not win," she thought, her resolve hardening.

Her eyes glinted with dark intent. If Evelyn was brazen enough to play two men, she deserved to be humiliated.

And with any luck, that mysterious man would see her for the fraud she was and discard her immediately.

Inside the car, Evelyn's mind replayed the mall encounter.

Bumping into Julian and Isabella was unexpected.

But Alexander had a right to know.

He was her husband, after all.

She took a steadying breath and turned to him. "Alexander-"

The car jerked to a violent, sudden halt.

The force threw her forward.

A gasp escaped her as she braced for impact.

But a strong, secure arm snapped around her waist, yanking her back.

She was pulled firmly against a solid chest. Alexander's chest.

"Be careful," his deep, calm voice rumbled near her ear.

She went completely still.

Then it registered. She was pressed tightly against him.

She inhaled his scent. Clean, sharp, like a frosty morning in a pine forest.

It was strangely calming.

Yet, her heart hammered against her ribs, a wild, frantic drumbeat echoing in her ears.

Alexander's voice cut through the silence. "Report. Why did we stop?"

The driver, sounding tense, answered quickly. "A cat, sir. It ran into the road. I avoided it."

Evelyn blinked, still trying to catch her breath within his embrace.

"I see. Proceed," Alexander said, his tone even.

"Understood, sir."

The car began to move again.

A heavy quiet filled the space.

It was broken by Alexander's low murmur above her head.

"Evelyn, do you plan on staying there all day?"

She sucked in a sharp breath and scrambled away, her face burning.

Only then did she realize her fingers were clenched tightly in his shirt.

She released the fabric as if burned.

Heat flooded her cheeks. She fumbled for words, anything to break the tension.

"Julian," she finally blurted out, "your driving was excellent. You saved that cat. Very impressive."

From the front seat, Julian Fletcher glanced briefly in the rearview mirror at his employer's impassive face.

He offered a polite chuckle. "Thank you, Mrs. Blackwood. Years of practice, that's all."

Evelyn forced a light laugh, trying to dispel the awkwardness.

Alexander lifted his head slightly. "Julian. Eyes on the road."

"Of course, sir," Julian replied instantly.

Evelyn bit her lip, mortified.

She turned to stare out the window, pretending to be fascinated by the passing city.

Alexander was not deceived. He knew exactly what she was thinking.

A soft, knowing chuckle escaped him.

He drawled, his voice laced with amusement. "Feeling shy now? You weren't so shy last night."