I Won't Make Things Harder For You

Alexander's hand remained firm.

The warmth of his palm anchored Evelyn.

His fingers rested lightly against her wrist.

Beneath his touch, her pulse fluttered.

It was unsteady, but it was alive.

"You're wearing makeup. Don't move," he murmured, his voice a low command.

Evelyn froze.

Her breath hitched as their eyes locked.

The weight of the moment pressed on her chest.

It made movement impossible.

Her lips parted, but no sound emerged.

A sheen of unshed tears glistened on her lashes.

They caught the dim light.

Something unreadable flickered in Alexander's gaze.

She looked so fragile.

So small.

It made his own chest constrict.

He released a slow, controlled breath.

He reached up.

His calloused fingers brushed away the dampness gathering at the corners of her eyes.

His touch was precise.

Intentional.

"I just want to know if you like the dress. No falsehoods," Alexander said, his tone even.

Surprise flashed across Evelyn's features.

For a heartbeat, her heart stumbled.

Then it surged forward.

Warmth flooded her veins.

"I..." The single syllable barely escaped before fading into silence.

"Hmm?" A quiet hum vibrated from Alexander.

His own patience surprised him.

Answers didn't come easily from her.

Yet, he found a strange satisfaction in waiting.

Evelyn's breath caught.

Then she finally spoke, her voice delicate but earnest. "I love it. Every word was true."

After a beat, she confessed, "Marrying you... it's something I will always be thankful for."

The moment the words left her lips, something shifted inside him.

A feeling too potent to ignore.

Though his face remained a mask of composure, his next words held undeniable gravity. "Why? What makes someone like me worthy of your thanks?"

Doubt lurked beneath the surface.

A silent craving for confirmation gnawed at him.

But in the end, he held back.

He didn't push.

Before she could formulate a reply, he tossed something toward her. "Catch."

Instinct took over.

Her hand shot out, her fingers closing around the object before her mind registered it.

How could she not be grateful?

He had exceeded every expectation she'd ever dared to have.

Evelyn looked down, blinking at the handkerchief now in her possession. She was momentarily disoriented.

"Don't get carried away," Alexander said, a thread of amusement weaving through his tone. "Save your tears for later. When you get there with me, you'll have a genuine reason to cry."

She hesitated, then ventured, "Are you concerned they'll target you? Do you believe I would ever be ashamed of you?"

His movements stilled.

His focus returned to her, sharp and complete.

The hesitation in her expression had vanished.

It was replaced by pure resolve.

Alexander's eyes narrowed, his voice betraying no emotion. "Say that again."

His reaction only fortified her determination.

She lifted her chin, her voice firm. "Alexander, I would never be embarrassed because of you. I will defend you. And if anyone causes you trouble, I will ensure they regret it."

One of Alexander's eyebrows arched upward. Amusement glittered in his eyes. "You? Make them regret it?"

"Without a doubt. I am capable of more than just talk. If necessary, I will not shy away from more forceful measures. But don't worry," Evelyn stated with unwavering conviction. "I won't be rash. I won't make things harder for you."

A soft chuckle escaped Alexander.

Amusement danced in his gaze.

She had to be jesting.

The memory of her tear-streaked face was still vivid in his mind.

If those tears returned, he wasn't certain he would know how to stop them.