117 Don't Leave Me

Alexander drew a sharp breath.

He fought to control the wild impulse surging within him.

He looked at Evelyn with sincere eyes.

"Your injuries are still healing," he said softly. "I'm not an animal. I can control myself."

He paused, then loosened his grip slightly.

A low chuckle escaped him. "So, your choice? My lap or the bed for the ointment?"

Evelyn snapped out of her daze.

She quickly slid off his lap, turning her back to him.

She chose the bed.

Her cheeks burned with a fierce blush.

She silently removed her pajama top and lay face down.

She tried to calm her racing heart.

The quiet hum of Alexander's wheelchair broke the silence.

It moved closer.

Evelyn couldn't see his face.

Her attention was on the cool touch of the ointment.

He applied it gently with a cotton swab to the wounds on her back.

The room was very still.

Only the soft sound of the ointment jar lid clicking shut broke the quiet.

Soon, he was finished.

"Put your top on. Don't catch a cold," he advised softly, capping the jar. "Try to sleep early."

Evelyn didn't answer.

She quickly pulled her pajama top back on and burrowed under the blanket.

She didn't look back at him.

Her actions were clear.

She didn't want to talk to him.

Alexander watched her stiff back.

He let out a gentle, fond laugh.

He shook his head, a mix of affection and resignation on his face.

He turned his wheelchair and left the room.

Exhausted from the long day, Evelyn finally surrendered to sleep.

She nestled her face into the soft blanket.

A faint, familiar scent surrounded her.

It was Alexander's scent.

It soothed her frayed nerves.

Her eyelids grew heavy.

Her breathing deepened.

She fell into a peaceful slumber.

In the dim room, Alexander was still awake.

He sat at a desk covered in documents.

A pair of lamps cast a warm, amber glow on his solitary figure.

Knowing Evelyn was asleep, he worked quietly.

He handled the papers with care.

But his eyes kept drifting from the documents.

They settled on the sleeping form in the bed.

Evelyn's silhouette was a soft curve under the blanket.

The sight stirred something in him.

After so many lonely nights, her presence was new.

It was comforting.

He never thought someone could sleep so peacefully near him.

Time passed.

Evelyn stirred restlessly.

The blanket slipped away.

Alexander noticed immediately.

He abandoned his papers and moved his chair closer to the bed.

Concern was evident on his face.

He reached her side and paused.

Her expression was pained.

Her eyes were squeezed shut.

Her features were twisted in silent agony.

She was having a nightmare.

A heavy feeling settled in his chest.

He reached out tentatively.

His hand rested lightly on her shoulder.

A silent offer of comfort.

"Don't..." she murmured, her voice thick with fear.

Her fingers found his and gripped them tightly.

"Don't leave me..." she pleaded in a hoarse whisper. "Please, stay."

A shadow of distress crossed his eyes.

He didn't hesitate.

He held her hand.

He carefully moved from his wheelchair onto the bed.

He lay down beside her and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Don't be afraid," he whispered, his lips brushing her forehead. "I will never leave you."

Evelyn's furrowed brow relaxed.

She seemed to hear his promise.

Almost instinctively, her arms wrapped around him.

She pressed her body closer, seeking safety in his hold.

In the tender embrace, her abdomen accidentally brushed against his leg.

Alexander stiffened.

His body tensed instantly.

He fought the urge to pull back.

Evelyn let out a soft, distressed sound when she felt him retreat.

She clung to him more desperately.

She molded her body even tighter against his.

The renewed contact drew a low, hoarse groan from Alexander.

He sucked in a sharp breath.

His darkened eyes fixed on her peaceful, sleeping face.

Her steady breathing was a gentle rhythm.

He couldn't bring himself to wake her.

He was caught in a storm of emotion.

He steeled his will.

He forced the rising desire down.

He closed his eyes and took a deep, steadying breath.

He fought to clear his mind.

That night, Evelyn slept deeply.

Alexander remained awake.

He kept a restless vigil.

A tempest of emotions raged inside him, barely contained.

Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After