Come Closer, Evangeline

Evangeline closed the book with a soft thud, placing it back on the table before letting out a weary sigh. "I was curious about what you were reading," she murmured, her eyes briefly meeting Dominic's before darting away. Dominic chuckled under his breath, the sound low and amused.

"Or she's just trying to find something suspicious again," he thought, his eyes gleaming as he moved toward the dressing table. He removed the brush from his hair, setting it down with deliberate care. "You came late... but I'll let it slide this time," he said, his voice cool and measured.

Evangeline blinked, her brows knitting together in confusion. "Late for what? What is this bastard implying?" she thought, clenching her fists at her sides. Dominic, noticing her tense posture, folded his arms and glanced toward the drawer beside the bed. His gaze lingered there for a moment before he recognized the book she had brought with her.

"Did she bring a volume of anniversary records? She's very determined,"he mused with a faint smile of satisfaction. His hand disappeared into the pocket of his robe, and when he pulled it out, he held a small, gleaming object. Evangeline's breath hitched in her throat as she saw the familiar shape of her wedding ring.

Her heart raced. "How did he get this?! I remember throwing it away... only Magdalene knew where it was. Did she give it to him?" Panic flickered in her eyes, but Dominic's smile only widened. Before she could react, he took her wrist, his grip firm but not painful, and slipped the ring back onto her finger with a deliberate slowness.

"You will wear this ring at all times. Don't take it off again," he ordered softly, his voice low and commanding. "Even if you're training with me. And tomorrow, when we go to the hotel—keep it on. We're husband and wife. Or at least, we pretend to be." His eyes bore into hers, their intensity making her feel like she was trapped under his gaze. "We signed a contract to marry" he added.

Evangeline's breath quickened under his scrutiny, her pulse thudding in her ears as he continued to hold her hand.

"Since we got married, I've never taken mine off, no matter how hostile you've been," Dominic continued, his tone softer now but still laced with something unreadable. "Everyone should know that we've settled things as a married couple, that we're working together on state matters. It will silence the baseless rumors."

With that, he released her hand, and Evangeline stared down at the ring now encircling her finger once more. Her fingers trembled as she grabbed the hem of her dress, her thoughts swirling with confusion and frustration. Dominic, seemingly satisfied, ran a hand through his long hair before turning toward the bed. He sat down, his posture languid, and tapped the space beside him, gesturing for her to lie down.

Evangeline exhaled a long, resigned sigh before moving to the other side of the bed. She lay down stiffly, her hair fanning out over the pillow, eyes fixed on the ceiling. Dominic stretched out beside her, his own long hair spilling across the sheets as he stared silently at the ceiling as well.

For a long time, neither spoke. Dominic eventually turned his head toward her, watching her fingers interlace and twist together in nervous thought. She didn't say a word, her face drawn in quiet contemplation, and he made no move to break the silence. The distance between them felt heavy, a gulf that neither seemed ready to cross.

Caleb had just finished making reports and walked out of the office, stretching his arms when he overheard a few servants whispering near the hallway.

"Lady Evangeline is going to spend the night with Master Dominic... tonight," one of the servants said, giggling mischievously. Her peers joined in, covering their mouths as they scurried past Caleb.

He blinked, utterly confused. "What just happened?" he muttered, rubbing his temples before giving himself a facepalm.

"Wait… no… no, no, no. He said they aren't doing the deed, Caleb reminded himself, trying to shake off the mental image. Just some innocent 'training' in the bedroom, right? Ugh, why does that sound even worse?"

Sighing, he closed the office doors behind him and started heading down the hallway toward his quarters. "This is awkward. I really don't need to overthink this" But his mind, of course, was already running wild.

"But what if they're... no, stop. Just stop," he thought, trying to keep a straight face as he walked past more servants. "I should be thinking about sleep, not whatever strange "guidance" Dominic is giving her. Training? In the bedroom? Who even phrases it like that?"

Shaking his head, Caleb picked up his pace. Why did I even hear that? he groaned inwardly. Tomorrow's going to be even more awkward now…"

Back in Dominic's Bedroom

"You're not afraid of me, are you?" Dominic's voice broke the silence, smooth and teasing. His eyes remained closed as he spoke, but Evangeline's head snapped toward him, her brows furrowing.

"Of course not!" she snapped back, though even she knew she didn't fully trust him.

Dominic chuckled, the sound lazy and rich with amusement. "I'm tired..." he sighed, stretching out as if their tense interactions were nothing more than a casual inconvenience.

Evangeline's eyes widened, her blood boiling. "Tired?" she thought, glaring at him with fury. "Isn't this the same man who pointed a gun at me and dragged me away from my grandmother's seat like I was some stray cat?" Her eyes narrowed at him suspiciously as he lay there, eyes closed, looking annoyingly at peace. "He might be beautiful on the outside, but inside he's nothing but a cunning, deceitful monster... And now he's acting like he hasn't done anything wrong! Sleeping!"

She clenched her fists, staring daggers at his annoyingly handsome, relaxed face. "I'll get rid of that pretty face one of these days!" she thought, fuming. He looked too calm, too vulnerable, and it only infuriated her more. She turned away with a huff, crossing her arms." So this is what he looks like after giving me a hard time? Falls asleep like nothing happened? Fine! If he's sleeping, then so will I!" She pouted, closing her eyes, determined to ignore him.

Dominic was asleep, his long hair spilling over the pillow like silk. His face, usually sharp with cunning and control, was softened in sleep, his chiseled jawline relaxed. His lips, which had so often delivered cutting remarks or smooth, teasing words, were now slightly parted, the steady rhythm of his breathing almost peaceful. Even his lashes, thick and dark, cast faint shadows over his high cheekbones, giving him an ethereal, almost angelic look.

The vulnerability of his bare chest rising and falling slowly as he slept made him seem less like the cold, manipulative man Evangeline knew—and more like someone entirely different. She hated that even now, in sleep, his beauty still struck her. It was infuriating.

Evangeline sat up, glaring at him, her fists clenching the blanket as she scowled. "He sleeps like he's done nothing wrong, like he hasn't driven me to the brink of madness!" Her eyes narrowed as they traveled from the softness of his face to the strength of his shoulders. "How can someone so deceitful look so peaceful? So... annoyingly perfect?"

Her mind raced with thoughts of all the ways he'd tormented her—his cold remarks, his infuriating smirks, the way he'd thrown her life into chaos without a care." Yet here he was, sleeping as though none of it mattered. Look at him," she thought, "Even his sleeping face is perfect! It's not fair!"

She gritted her teeth, glaring at his serene expression, wishing she could wipe that calm, beautiful look right off his face. If only everyone could see the monster behind that pretty façade... But for now, Dominic lay there, completely unaware of her inner turmoil, utterly vulnerable in his slumber.

But just as she was about to drift off, Dominic's voice, soft and drowsy, made her flinch.

"Evangeline... come closer. I want the whole bed warm, not just the edge," he murmured, sounding half-asleep.

Her eyes snapped open. Son of a—! She gritted her teeth, biting back a sharp retort. "Warm the bed?! What does he think I am, a human blanket?"

"Haven't I warmed it enough? Or are you planning on touching me too?" she spat, her voice full of disdain as she glared at him.

Dominic's eyes fluttered open, a slow, lazy smile tugging at his lips. "Tsk... I'm your husband. You can't deny that, can you?" His smirk deepened, knowing exactly how to get under her skin. "And I didn't quite hear what you said earlier… something about touching?"

Evangeline's face flushed with anger, her glare sharp enough to cut glass. "How dare he?! "she thought, her mind racing as she tried to keep herself from lunging at him. But she knew better than to give him the satisfaction. With an exasperated sigh, she wiggled a bit closer, her movements stiff as she tried to contain her fury.

"Happy now?" she muttered, her voice dripping with annoyance as she moved just close enough to warm the space between them, but kept her body stiff and unyielding. If he thinks I'm getting any closer, he's dreaming!

Dominic chuckled again, clearly amused by her barely controlled temper. But for now, he said nothing more, blinking his eyes lazily with a satisfied smile while Evangeline glared daggers into the darkness, plotting all the ways she'd make him pay for this later.

"Closer..." Dominic murmured, his voice soft yet persistent. Evangeline's patience was wearing thin, but with a huff, she moved a little closer, trying to hold back the irritation bubbling up inside her.

Dominic smiled, his tone clearer but still calm, as if he enjoyed her torment. "Again..." he said.

Evangeline's glare could have pierced through stone. "Isn't that enough?" she snapped, folding her arms, her frustration bubbling over. She was tired, angry, and ready to strangle him if he asked her to move one more inch.

"Don't overthink it, Evangeline. Relax..." His voice was smooth, almost playful, as he dismissed her anger with the wave of a hand. Evangeline scoffed, feeling a rush of annoyance course through her. "Relax?!" she thought, gritting her teeth.

With an exaggerated sigh, she moved closer, practically pressing her side against him now. Dominic smiled in satisfaction, his arm snaking around her waist. Before she could protest, he pulled her against him, her body now facing his. Her breath hitched as he kissed the top of her head, the unexpected gesture making her cheeks flush with warmth.

Evangeline was caught completely off guard. She blinked, her heart racing as she found herself nestled in his arms, her face just inches from his chest. Dominic, however, seemed utterly at peace, his breathing already slowing as he fell back into sleep.

"I guess he's really sleepy now…" she thought, her blush deepening."Tomorrow's a busy day, and I need to focus on those studies." She was about to close her eyes when something made her freeze.

Suddenly, she felt something firm and hard pressing against her thigh—something she definitely wasn't prepared for. Her eyes widened in panic, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of red." What the—?! No, no, no, no! This cannot be happening!"

Dominic, still half-asleep, shifted slightly, his grip around her waist tightening as he let out a soft, lazy groan. His body pressed closer, and Evangeline could feel the unmistakable bulge through the fabric downwards. Her breath caught in her throat, and she instinctively clenched her fists, gripping the material of his robe angrily.

Her teeth gritted together as her mind raced. "Is he even aware of this?! "she thought, her face flushed with both embarrassment and fury. "This man is infuriating even in his sleep!"

The next morning, Dominic woke up to an empty bed, a smirk playing on his lips. "She didn't stay long," he murmured, his voice carrying a lazy amusement. Stretching his arms, he sat up and glanced around the room, his eyes catching the Duke's records on the study table. They had been tampered with.

"Did she read those things? What a stubborn girl..." Dominic thought, shaking his head, a faint chuckle escaping him as he rose to his feet, his movements graceful despite the early hour.

Flashback

Earlier that night, after Dominic had fallen into a deep sleep, his grip around Evangeline had loosened. Seizing the moment, she carefully pulled away from him, her heart racing. She tiptoed back to the study table, her fingers brushing over the pages of the Duke's records as she opened them again, curiosity burning inside her. She scanned the documents, scribbling notes on a few pieces of paper she had found in his drawer.

Unknown to her, Dominic's eyes flickered open in the dim light. His face remained expressionless as he watched her back, silently observing her going through the Duke's records. He shook his head lightly, a mixture of amusement and mild frustration surfacing, but he said nothing, allowing her to continue.

Back to the Present

Dominic walked towards the study table, his bare feet padding softly across the floor. He began to arrange the books, yawning as his gaze shifted to the veranda, where beyond the gates lay the serene riverside. The morning sun cast a soft glow on the water, its peacefulness contrasting with the storm brewing inside him.

He stood there for a moment, staring out at the river, lost in thought. His mind drifted back to Evangeline's face the night before—her stubbornness, her fire. He swallowed, feeling the heat of desire rise within him, but he pushed it down. his handsome face momentarily hardening as he fought the pull of his emotions.

His eyes moved to a piece of paper on the table nearby. It was a prescription from the physician—reminders of Evangeline's mental struggles, notes that dictated how her condition would be managed. Dominic picked up the paper, his jaw tightening. Without hesitation, he lit a candle and brought the prescription to the flame. He held it there, watching the fire eat away at the paper, his cold gaze reflecting the flickering light.

"She won't need that anymore," he thought, the paper crumbling to ash in his hand. "What she needs is something else... something only she knows and love would make her better.." He blew out the candle, the smoke curling in the air, his face illuminated for a brief moment—his beauty striking, yet cold, like a marble statue come to life.

He adjusted his robe, his elegance effortless, before a knock interrupted his thoughts. "Come in," he said smoothly, his voice calm and composed as ever. The door creaked open, and the servants entered, bowing their heads as they came to clean his room.

Dominic nodded in acknowledgment, his expression unreadable as the servants began their work. He glanced once more at the spot where Evangeline had sat the night before, a faint smile curling at the corner of his lips." She's a challenge... and I do love a challenge," he thought, his eyes trailing back to the gates and the river beyond.

Evangeline pushed open the door, her expression tense as she called out, "Richard..." Her voice was soft but carried the weight of frustration. Richard stirred from her bed, rubbing his eyes. When he saw her, he gave her a sleepy smile. "Good morning, my lady..." he greeted, running a hand through his tousled brown hair. Before he could fully wake up, a heavy book landed against his head with a loud thud.

"Ow!" Richard exclaimed, rubbing the spot where the book had hit him. He blinked in surprise as Evangeline glared at him.

"I told you to call me Evangeline, not 'my lady.' Ugh, you know what? Nevermind," she snapped, throwing her hands up in frustration as she walked toward her closet. She yanked open the doors, her fingers resting on her waist as she glared at the array of dresses in front of her, clearly still fuming.

Richard, still recovering from the book assault, watched her, a playful glint in his eyes. "I heard you spent the night with Dominic," he remarked casually as he slid off the bed, his feet hitting the floor softly. He approached her quietly and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, placing a soft kiss on her bare shoulder.

Evangeline flinched at his touch but didn't pull away. "Oh, that..." she muttered, rolling her eyes. "Tch. It was a nightmare. He forced me to sign some ridiculous agreement about 'warming his bed' every night as part of our marriage, just to avoid the rumors. But nothing happened—he just cuddled me, that's all."

"Just cuddled?" Richard asked, a skeptical eyebrow raised. His hands lingered at her waist, and Evangeline felt her cheeks burn as her mind betrayed her, flashing back to the moment in Dominic's room. She remembered the heat of his body pressed against hers, the firmness of his chest... and that other hard thing pressing against her thigh. Her face turned an even deeper shade of red. Clearing her throat awkwardly, she tried to regain composure.

"Ahem. Yes, just cuddled," she said quickly, turning back to the closet. Her fingers fumbled through the hangers, but Richard could sense the way her body trembled slightly. Before he could press the issue further, a knock came at the door.

"Come in," Evangeline called, grateful for the interruption. Richard reluctantly let go of her waist as Magdalene entered the room, bowing her head politely.

"Good morning, Lady Evangeline," Magdalene greeted, her voice formal as always. She glanced at Richard briefly, then back at Evangeline, who was holding a dress on a hanger, trying to hide her flustered state.

Magdalene's eyes flickered with curiosity. "Lady Evangeline spent the night in the master's room... I wonder how she truly felt about it." There was something off about the way Evangeline carried herself this morning—her eyes still sharp with annoyance, her movements more agitated than usual. Magdalene could sense the tension and upsetness lingering behind her gaze.

"Good morning, Magdalene," Evangeline said, her voice calmer but still tinged with frustration. She turned, holding the dress as if it were a shield between herself and the earlier embarrassing memories. "I'll need help with this," she added, handing the dress to Magdalene while trying to shake off her thoughts of Dominic.

As Magdalene nodded heading to prepare her bath, Richard watched silently, his gaze lingering on Evangeline's tense posture. Despite her outward anger and sarcasm, he could sense something deeper had unsettled her from the night before—something more than she was willing to admit.