116 Alexander, Stop It!

Evelyn's heart was racing wildly.

Her voice came out as a shaky whisper. "Does it... does it have to be right now? I'm... I'm not prepared."

Alexander frowned slightly, a look of genuine confusion on his face. "What exactly do you need to prepare for?"

A deep blush instantly spread across her pale cheeks.

She looked away, her fingers nervously twisting the fabric of her pajama top. "I've never been with anyone before," she murmured. "I need a moment to... to get used to the idea."

Alexander went still for a second, his expression unreadable. Watching her flustered and timid state, he suddenly understood her misunderstanding.

He tried to keep a straight face, but a low chuckle escaped his lips. It was a rare, warm sound that broke his usual composed demeanor.

Evelyn stared at him, confused and a little hurt. "Why are you laughing?" she asked, her voice fragile.

How could he laugh at her anxiety?

He quickly schooled his features, though his eyes still sparkled with amusement.

He moved his wheelchair closer to her side of the bed. He held up the tube of ointment. "Evelyn," he said, his tone gentle but teasing. "What did you think was happening? I just need you to take off your top so I can apply this."

As his deliberate words sank in, Evelyn's eyes widened in shock.

Her gaze locked with his, filled with utter mortification.

She had completely misread the situation. Alexander hadn't meant that at all!

Time seemed to freeze. Her cheeks burned a brilliant crimson, making her look unexpectedly adorable.

He watched her, captivated by her embarrassment. His resistance crumbled, and he chuckled softly again, his eyes glinting with mischief.

Evelyn sank deeper into her humiliation. She wished the floor would swallow her whole.

Why did she always make such a fool of herself in front of him?

Shame washed over her, but it was quickly replaced by irritation. Annoyed, she stomped over, clamped her hand over his mouth, and exclaimed, "Alexander, stop it!"

To her, it sounded stern. To him, she looked like a feisty kitten trying to be fierce. Her attempt at severity only made her more endearing.

Still laughing softly, he caught her wrist and gave a playful tug, pulling her into his lap.

"Evelyn," he teased, his voice a mix of surprise and mischief. "Are you really that eager to sleep with me?"

Sitting in his wheelchair, he held her wrist firmly but gently. His other hand rested lightly on her back. Despite the gentle hold, she felt completely trapped by his presence.

A rare, playful smirk touched his lips. His eyes held an uncharacteristic boldness. "So that's what you were thinking about? I had no idea you wanted me that way," he murmured. His warm breath brushed her neck, sending shivers down her spine.

His words made her cheeks burn hotter. Her heart hammered against her ribs. Embarrassment surged, making her eyes glisten, turning them a deeper red.

"I am not eager! Not at all!" She tried to wriggle free, but it was useless. She retorted with feigned indignation. "I'm just worried my charm will be too much for you to handle. I'm worried you'll lose control."

Alexander raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting to thoughtful amusement. "Charming, indeed," he agreed, his voice rich with humor.

She opened her mouth to fire back a sharp retort, her momentary awkwardness forgotten. But his calm, matter-of-fact agreement only made her feel more bashful.

His gaze lingered on her flushed cheeks. He felt a sudden tightness in his throat. An overwhelming urge to kiss her swept over him.