Chapter 418

"Sebastian!"

Evelyn suddenly grasped the man's wandering hand, her fingertips trembling slightly. She tilted her head up to meet his lust-darkened gaze. "Look at me. Who am I?"

"Evelyn..." His voice was rough, his Adam's apple bobbing.

Before he could finish, his lips crashed down on hers, searing and possessive. The strap of her dress slipped off her shoulder, revealing skin like polished pearls in the dim light.

"I love you..." Sebastian murmured against her neck, leaving a trail of red marks in his wake.

Evelyn's eyes grew damp, her nails digging into his back. Wave after wave of pleasure crashed over her, leaving her clinging to him like he was her only lifeline.

At two in the morning, the storm finally subsided.

Exhausted, Evelyn couldn't even lift a finger. Half-asleep, she felt someone gently caress her cheek.

"Thank you." Sebastian gazed at her with satiated clarity, his eyes now sober.

When dawn's light crept through the curtains, Evelyn woke to a dull ache in her waist. She tried to turn over but was immediately pulled back by a muscular arm.

Sebastian's sleeping face was inches away, his long lashes casting delicate shadows. Unable to resist, she reached out and lightly brushed his eyelashes.

"Mischief." His eyes flew open, capturing her wandering fingers.

He nuzzled against her like a large, affectionate dog, burying his face in the crook of her neck. "Evelyn..."

"Haven't you called my name enough for one night?"

Suddenly, he propped himself up and looked into her eyes with startling intensity. "Marry me."

Evelyn arched a brow. "What if I say no?"

"Then I'll keep asking until you say yes."

She deliberately drew out her next words. "And... what if I fall for someone else?"

The air turned to ice.

Sebastian's jaw tightened. After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice raw. "Then I'll let you go." He pulled her closer, pressing his face into her hair. "As long as you're happy."

A sudden breeze parted the curtains, and a beam of sunlight fell across their intertwined fingers—illuminating the diamond ring that glittered between them.