Why Are You So Nervous

Evelyn spun around, startled by the sound of Alexander's voice.

"Alexander, what are you doing out here?"

Even seated in his wheelchair, his approach commanded the space around him.

A flicker of amusement shone in Alexander's eyes at her reaction.

He arched a brow, his tone deliberately slow. "You insisted I take better care of my health. I decided you were right, so I came out for breakfast. Do you have an issue with that?"

Heat flooded Evelyn's cheeks as memories of the study rushed back.

Noticing her discomfort, the butler spoke first. He looked at Alexander apologetically. "Mr. Blackwood, my earlier comments were inappropriate. I hope you can overlook them."

Alexander wasn't truly concerned with the butler's words.

He was unsettled by the possibility of Evelyn learning too much about his past.

He had no intention of allowing that.

"It's fine," he dismissed coolly.

Meeting his gaze, Evelyn's mind flashed back to the study.

She pressed her lips together. "I'll go prepare your breakfast."

He had listened to her and come out.

She felt obligated to keep her promise.

But as she turned, Alexander's hand shot out, firmly capturing her wrist.

"Let the staff handle it," he said.

She froze for a second. "But I promised. It won't take long."

Before she could protest further, he pulled her forward with surprising strength.

She found herself seated on his lap.

His presence enveloped her.

His warmth, his strength, it was overwhelming.

Startled, she tried to stand immediately.

Alexander's arm tightened around her waist, locking her in place.

The realization that the butler was still there sent a fresh wave of embarrassment through her.

She pressed her palms against his chest, pushing lightly.

Sitting on his lap in broad daylight—what would people think?

Not that it would be any more acceptable at night.

Her face burned.

Were they even on terms for this kind of intimacy?

This was entirely unfamiliar territory for her.

Her entire body tensed, unsure how to react.

"Stay still," Alexander commanded, his voice calm but leaving no room for argument.

He felt her hesitation, her resistance.

He had no plan to relent.

She bit her lip, lowering her gaze, debating what to say.

His hand pressed lightly against her back as he leaned closer.

His deep voice brushed against her ear. "Be good."

Her heart hammered so loudly she was sure he could hear it.

His words sent another wave of heat through her, leaving her utterly flustered.

The butler, observing their obvious closeness, felt a quiet satisfaction.

A knowing smile touched his lips as he quickly devised an excuse. "The breakfast has gone cold. I'll have it reheated."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and left briskly, granting them privacy.

Seeing such affection, he thought it wouldn't be long before preparations for an heir began.

With the butler gone, the room fell silent.

Only Evelyn and Alexander remained.

They wouldn't be disturbed now.

Alexander held her close, acutely aware of her softness in his arms.

She felt so delicate, he momentarily worried she might break.

His gaze drifted down, landing on her lips, slightly swollen from her biting.

"You hit my chin earlier. Does it still hurt?" he murmured.

Her eyes darted away. "I'm fine..." she whispered, barely audible.

He caught her reaction, her obvious shyness, and found it intriguing.

She'd had a five-year relationship with her ex. Surely she'd experienced more intimacy than this?

"Why are you so nervous?" His gaze locked onto hers, his tone deliberate. "Don't tell me you've never kissed a man before."