Evaline:
I watched as he lifted his brows at my sudden question... slow, elegant, assessing.
As if he could hear all the unspoken meaning wrapped inside that tiny question.
He didn't respond immediately, which made my stomach twist with nerves.
Then, in that deep, unwavering voice of his, he said, "I will be free for you."
My heart stuttered.
I rushed to add, "I mean... you don't have to rearrange anything. If you have important work-"
"Angel."
That endearment silenced me.
He stepped closer, gaze steady and far too intense for someone who had just gifted me jewels worth more than my entire closet combined.
"I said," he repeated, "I will be free for you tomorrow evening."
Warmth bloomed in my chest... embarrassingly fast, embarrassingly strong.
He didn't say he was free.
He said he would be free.
Meaning he wasn't, but he was choosing to be.
For me.
Before I could react, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
