You're So Handsome

Evelyn's mind was a fog.

Her vision blurred, the world tilting on its axis.

The men in front of her were just dark, menacing shapes.

A sliver of sober thought screamed they were dangerous.

She scowled, her words thick. "Move. I'm going home."

The thugs exchanged greedy looks and moved closer.

One reached a grimy hand toward her arm.

It never connected.

Another arm, strong and sure, wrapped around Evelyn's waist, pulling her back against a solid chest.

Alexander's voice was ice. "What do you think you're doing?"

The thugs jerked their heads up.

A tall, formidable man held the drunken woman securely.

His aura of power made them hesitate.

But Evelyn was a rare beauty.

They hadn't seen a woman like her in years.

They weren't ready to back down.

He was just one man.

One thug puffed out his chest. "We found her first. Mind your own business."

Alexander's expression turned deadly.

He didn't waste words.

His leg shot out, a swift, brutal kick.

The thug flew backward, crashing onto the pavement.

The others froze, staring in shock.

Alexander's lips curled into a cold smile. "I'm her husband. Leave now, if you value your health."

The thugs finally understood.

They scrambled away, disappearing into the night.

Alexander looked down at the woman in his arms.

Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes heavy-lidded.

"Evelyn," he said, his voice low.

She only frowned and leaned deeper into his embrace, her head lolling.

She was completely drunk.

Anger simmered in his veins.

He'd sent a car to wait for her, planning to intercept her the moment she left.

But she had ignored his warning and drank anyway.

The thought made him furious.

He gripped her chin, his voice sharp. "Evelyn, what was your promise to me? You drank. Do you have any idea what almost happened? If I'd been a minute later..."

He couldn't finish the thought.

He'd been in the car and seen her stumble out, her face a tell-tale red.

One look was all he needed.

He remembered the last time she drank; she remembered nothing the next day.

It was why he was standing here now, his legs fully healed, without the wheelchair.

A sober Evelyn would have been stunned.

Evelyn's eyes fluttered open.

Her gaze was unfocused.

She hadn't processed his words.

She just stared up at his face.

Alexander stilled, a strange warmth creeping up his neck under her intense, hazy scrutiny.

Just as he was about to speak again, she raised a hand.

Her fingers gently cupped his jaw.

"You're so handsome," she whispered, a dreamy sigh escaping her lips.

Alexander was stunned.

He never expected such boldness from the usually reserved Evelyn.

It was a simple, honest compliment, devoid of any guile.

And it made him smile.