The moment she heard the subtle procession of footsteps, Evie's fingers froze around the rim of the pot she was polishing.
Her intuition screamed at her. It couldn't be him, could it?
In confirmation, Evie's eyes snapped towards the kitchen door and like a mirage, there he was, leaning against the oak door frame. Unruly strands of his hair, accentuated by the moonlight fell over his face. His dark velvet doublet was unbuttoned at the throat.
Something about him seemed wild and untamed tonight, a stark contest to the icy, reserved Lord she knew.
Snapped out of her trance, Evie hastily dipped into a curtsy, "M-my Lord," she stuttered. "Your supper has already been sent up—"
"I didn't come here for supper," he intercepted, his voice low, rough at the edges.
A shiver traced down her spine when his boots scraped against the stone as he stepped closer. She could feel his warmth, the scent of his intense masculinity and even something darker, invading her defence as he stood before her.
"Look at me, Evie,"
On his lips, her name felt like a forbidden whisper. Slowly, she lifted her gaze to meet his.
His eyes were stormy-grey—hungry, intoxicated, angsty, untamed, reeking of every emotion that kindled within him.
"You've been avoiding me," he stated.
Evidence of guilt flickered in her gaze, "M-my L-lord, our status—"
"Status?" A humourless laughter echoed, "You think I give a damn about the difference in our status?"
His calloused fingers gently brushed against her soft, flour-dusted cheek, lingering just enough to ignite foreign sparks within her.
"You've really undone me, Evie," he trailed, his breath hot against her neck.
"I had thought what I felt for you was merely fleeting because of how connected we became, but it grew into something intense, something undeniable that has left me consumed."
In an instant, his lips crashed against hers. Her world screeched to a halt. Evie's eyes widened as the pot in her hold slipped, clattering to the floor. The kiss was fierce yet passionate, his breath hot against hers
This was it. All his twenty-seven years of sworn celibacy had been shattered in a single night. And there, he uttered those words he had vowed never to say to anyone,
"I love you."