Evelyn drew the measuring tape taut across Alexander's broad shoulders. She stretched the flexible ribbon from the cuff of one wrist to the other, noting the number.

"Arms up, just a bit. I need your chest measurement," she instructed, her voice all business.

After recording the number, she brought the tape around, encircling his torso. The tape passed from his sternum to the space between his shoulder blades.

Alexander looked down at the top of her head. His Adam's apple moved in a slow, deliberate swallow. The intensity in his gaze was a physical weight.

Evelyn, completely focused on her task, missed the subtle change in his breathing. She was adjusting the tape, finding the exact midpoint.

Then, a playful impulse seized her. She tilted her head back and gave him a deliberate, flirty wink. "Not bad at all, Mr. Blackwood."

That single, teasing comment made his eyes darken instantly.

His reaction was swift. One strong arm snaked around her waist, pulling her flush against his hard chest.

"Hey!" Evelyn exclaimed, laughing as she instinctively leaned back, evading the kiss she knew was coming.

She suppressed a giggle and placed a firm hand on his jaw, adopting a mock-stern expression. "Patience. I am not finished measuring you yet."

Alexander's eyes were black with pure, unadulterated want. His voice dropped to a low, husky rumble. "Unnecessary. I'll recite the numbers for you."

Evelyn laughed. "You claimed you had no idea what they were five minutes ago."

He captured her hand and pressed a warm kiss to her palm, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. "Your methods are very effective, Evelyn. They jogged my memory."

He leaned in again, their breath mingling in the scant space between them. The air grew thick and warm. "There's a more pressing issue at hand," he murmured, his tone dripping with suggestion. "One that requires your exclusive attention."

Evelyn felt a momentary dizziness, her vision softening at the edges.

"What kind of issue?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"A very personal one," he replied, the implication clear.

He didn't give her a chance to respond. His mouth found hers in a deep, claiming kiss.

The next morning, Evelyn woke feeling pleasantly drowsy. She reached across the bed, only to find the space beside her empty and cool.

Alexander was already gone.

A faint sense of puzzlement flickered through her sleep-addled mind.

Alexander had been recuperating at home these past few days.

Where could he have gone at this early hour?

Puzzled, Evelyn rose from the bed.

She quickly washed up and left the master bedroom.

As she passed the study, she heard Alexander speaking with his assistant.

His tone was low and intense. "You're certain Theodore has purchased a flight leaving the country in one week?"

The assistant's reply was immediate. "Yes, Mr. Blackwood. The information just came in. Theodore has been making preparations for his departure. It appears he has no intention of returning."

Evelyn stopped just outside the door, stunned.

Why was Theodore leaving so abruptly? His shoulder injury had seemed severe.

Could it have healed that fast?

It seemed impossible. Theodore was only human.

She lifted her hand to knock, but the door suddenly swung open.

The assistant stood there, his expression sharp. "Who's there?"

Evelyn flinched, caught off guard.

Recognition dawned on the assistant's face, followed by immediate contrition. "My apologies, Mrs. Blackwood. I didn't realize it was you."

Seeing her, Alexander's stern features softened into a smile. "You're awake early."

"It's alright," Evelyn said to the assistant before stepping into the study.

She walked over to Alexander's desk. "I have to go into the office today. I set an early alarm."

Alexander's eyebrow quirked upward. He picked up a sheet of paper and handed it to her.

"What is this?" Evelyn asked, confused.

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