Chapter 437

For a man so inexperienced in romance, he had a way of making even the simplest phrases sound effortlessly smooth.

She stepped aside to let him pass, the beauty mark at the corner of her eye catching the light.

A pair of brand-new navy-blue slippers sat by the entrance. Sebastian's gaze lingered on them for two seconds before her voice cut in with a playful threat. "Walk barefoot if you don't like them."

As he bent to change shoes, a flicker of amusement flashed in his eyes.

"Wait here."

Evelyn disappeared into the kitchen. When the rich aroma of food wafted out, Sebastian instinctively pressed a hand to his stomach.

She emerged with a clay pot, a floral apron tied around her waist, and crooked a finger at him. "Come here."

A steaming bowl of chicken soup waited on the table. Evelyn poured herself a glass of lemon water and tapped the rim of the bowl. "Warm your stomach first."

Sebastian didn't touch the spoon. Instead, he studied her for a long moment. "You noticed?"

"You're pale as a ghost." She propped her chin on one hand, mischief glinting in her eyes. "If you keel over young, I'll just find someone younger and stronger."

Before she could finish, she was yanked into his arms. His teeth grazed her earlobe as he murmured, "I can call you big sister too." The warmth of his breath sent a flush creeping up her neck.

She nearly knocked over her water glass pulling away, shooting him a glare. "Eat!"

The clink of the spoon against porcelain filled the quiet space. Then his thumb brushed the corner of her mouth. "Taste test." The next second, his lips were on hers.

Evelyn froze.

The kiss carried the savory richness of the soup. A sudden laugh escaped her, her eyes shimmering with unspoken allure.

They fell into an easy rhythm—her tapping away at her tablet, him eating in silence. Only the occasional clink of cutlery broke the stillness.

At the sink, water soaked through Sebastian's white shirt, the fabric clinging to the defined muscles of his back. Under the light, his lashes cast delicate shadows across his pale face, turning him into a sculpture carved from jade.

Evelyn leaned against the doorframe, admiring the view. Droplets slid down the prominent bones of his wrists, splashing against the tiles in tiny bursts.