Thirty minutes later.
Axel erged from the bathroom carrying Evelyn in his arms. She was wrapped in a large towel, her damp hair spilling softly over her shoulders, while he wore nothing but a towel around his hips.
Evelyn hid her face in the curve of his neck, her cheeks warm from embarrassnt.
The steam still clung to their skin, and the faint scent of soap lingered in the air.
She couldn’t believe what had just happened... or how creative this man could get when he set his mind to it.
They try so many positions to make love, even imagining it makes her embarrassed.
"Axel..." she whispered, her voice breathless. "Put down. I can walk."
He chuckled, his tone low and teasing. "I know you can, but you’re still limping, Eve."
Her lips curved into a small smile. "Thanks to you, Mr. Knight. My legs are sore. I want to sleep..."
He smiled, unbothered by her tone, and carried her to the bed. He lay her down gently, brushing his lips against hers in a soft kiss.
"Sleep, yes. But not like that."
She blinked, confused. "Like what?"
He smirked and stood up. "Naked, of course. Or we will never leave this bedroom."
Her eyes widened, and before she could say a word, he disappeared into the walk-in closet.
Evelyn groaned quietly, pulling the blanket over her body.
Her mind was still reeling from the shower; the heat of his hands, his whispered words, the way he’d looked at her like she was the only woman in the world.
When he ca back out, he was already dressed in his usual black shirt and matching trousers, his hair slicked back, still slightly damp.
He looked effortlessly handso, the kind of man who could ruin a woman’s peace with just one look.
"I hope you like my choice," he said, holding up a pile of clothes. Her clothes.
"Axel..." she started, suspiciously. "What are you doing?"
"Helping you." He said while he started to help her.
"I can dress myself," she protested.
His eyes locked with hers. "I know. But let ."
Before she could object again, he gently tugged the towel away from her body and tossed it to the floor, then helped her sit on the edge of the bed.
Evelyn gasped, but the warmth in his gaze made her pulse quicken instead of angering her.
His hand moved slowly, tracing the faint red marks on her skin.
"I’m sorry for this," he murmured, brushing his thumb over a love bite near her collarbone, his voice full of quiet satisfaction. "Your fair skin bruises too easily."
She was speechless. He knew that, but he didn’t stop biting her. "It’s fine. They’ll fade."
He didn’t respond, just smiled faintly and began helping her dress. His touch was careful, almost reverent, as he helped her slip into her clothes.
Evelyn didn’t let him help her with her underwear. Still, she appreciated how he gently guided her arms into the soft beige oversized turtleneck and helped her with her black yoga pants.
Just this tender act of his dressing her made her feel truly cherished. It’s difficult for her to put into words how happy she feels right now.
"Perfect," he said, his voice proud as he stepped back. "You look beautiful."
Evelyn sat there for a mont, staring at him, feeling her heart flutter again.
He held her hand and led her to the dressing table.
She caught their reflection in the mirror; he was standing behind her, tall and confident, with that faint smirk that always made her weak. She smiled at the sight.
"Do you like the style I picked?" he asked, resting both hands on her shoulders.
"I do. It’s comfortable." She smiles.
"Good." He leaned closer, his breath brushing her ear. "Now, sit still."
Before she could grab the hairdryer, he took it from her hand.
"Axel, I can dry my own hair," she said, laughing softly. "You’re going to burn your fingers."
He ignored her, flipping the dryer on and running his fingers through her damp hair, separating the strands with surprising gentleness.
"You promised Oliver pancakes this morning," she reminded him. "If you spend all your ti here, he’ll raid the kitchen himself."
Axel’s reflection smiled faintly.
"Jimmy already prepared the ingredients, including the batter. I just need to cook it. Ten minutes. We still have ti."
She sighed, amused, watching him work through the mirror. His focus was oddly tender, his brows slightly furrowed as if her hair required precision.
She couldn’t help but smile at how eager but gentle he looked.
But the soft smile on her lips faded when she noticed sothing change in his expression.
His gaze drifted, his jaw tightening just slightly. The air in the room seed to shift, heavier sohow.
Evelyn frowned.
"Axel?" she asked gently. "What’s wrong?"
He didn’t answer right away. His movents slowed, and for a few seconds, she saw sothing flash in his eyes; worry, or maybe regret.
Then, as quickly as it appeared, it vanished. He turned off the dryer, his face once again calm.
"Nothing," he said lightly, setting the dryer down.
She wasn’t convinced.
"Axel, don’t lie to . Sothing’s bothering you. I can see it."
He looked at her through the mirror, their eyes eting. The quiet intensity in his gaze sent a strange shiver through her chest.
"Eve," he began, his tone softer now, almost hesitant.
"What?" she asked, turning slightly toward him.
He smiled faintly, that sa small, practiced smile he wore whenever he tried to hide sothing. But his eyes betrayed him... they were distant, conflicted.
"Axel," she pressed. "Tell ."
"I’m sorry," he said quietly. "I lied to you."
Evelyn froze.
The words hit her like a sudden drop of cold water.
Her reflection stared back at her, wide-eyed, the hairdryer on the table, his hands gently resting on her shoulders.
It’s nearly weightless.
Yet the warmth of his touch felt heavier, like ntally pressing her mind.
She turned around slowly, her voice steady. But only barely.
"Axel, what do you an you lied to ?" she asked, as calm and composed as she could.
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