Chapter 417

"I'm completely sober."

Evelyn Roland's whisper ignited the air like a spark.

The private room's soundproofing swallowed all noise, leaving only their interwoven breaths. Sebastian Valdemar's chest heaved violently, his Adam's apple bobbing as he fought for control.

His knuckles turned white.

He abruptly released her wrist and stepped back.

Evelyn advanced instead, her stilettos sinking soundlessly into the plush carpet. Tilting her chin up, she parted her crimson lips. "What are you afraid of, Mr. Valdemar?"

"Don't play with fire." His voice was gravel-rough.

"What if I refuse?"

Rising onto her toes, she enveloped him in the scent of roses. Sebastian's pupils contracted—the last thread of his restraint snapping.

His arm banded around her waist.

Heat seared through fabric to brand her skin. His other hand gripped her jaw, thumb grinding against her lower lip.

"You'll regret this."

The warning dissolved against her mouth as he claimed her in a savage kiss. It was all teeth and desperation, a caged beast finally unleashed.

Evelyn laughed into his mouth.

Her arms twined around his neck, feeling every muscle in his body lock. The response shattered Sebastian completely. He cradled her skull, deepening the kiss with ruthless intent.

Breaths tangled.

The clash of lips and tongues turned punishing. Sebastian kissed like he wanted to devour her whole. Pinned between the cold wall and his scorching body, Evelyn arched against him.

A gasp escaped her as oxygen dwindled. Instinct made her bite down. Sebastian groaned—not in pain, but dark exhilaration. He wrenched both wrists above her head, knee forcing her thighs apart.

"Too late to stop now."

His voice dripped with predatory hunger. The collar of his shirt gaped open, revealing the sharp lines of his collarbones. This feral version of Sebastian made Evelyn's pulse stutter.

Beneath that polished exterior lurked a primal predator.

His mouth trailed fire down her neck, branding her collarbone with crimson marks. Evelyn tipped her head back, feeling the coiled tension in his frame—a volcano on the verge of eruption.

"That hurts—"

Her breathy protest earned tighter restraint. Sebastian's heated exhale scorched her ear. "We're just getting started."