Evelyne was taken aback by his willingness to help her brother and could only watch, moved by his kindness.
Alaric glanced her way. “If you want, you can look through the others. There might be something useful. I’m not sure where to begin, but it can’t hurt to learn more about the land.”
“You would really help me find answers?” she asked softly, her hands trembling at her sides. A sting of tears pressed at her eyes, but she blinked them back before they could fall.
He looked up from his book, like he was startled that she would question such a thing. “Of course, Ev.” His gaze locked intensely on hers, and for a moment, she could only see him.
Gods, he was handsome. The vibrant blue of his eyes seemed to glow against his sun-kissed complexion, holding her captive asthey bored into her. When he looked back down at the book, a strand of dark hair fell over his brows, adding a touch of softness to his striking features.
What had she done to deserve such a friend?
Her attention shifted downward, tracing the contours of his forearms braced against the desk. The sleeves of his gray button-down were rolled neatly to his elbows, revealing the taut strength hidden beneath his clothes. She swallowed hard, her eyes lingering on how his muscles tensed ever so slightly before daring to look back at him.
He caught her staring. He knew she was taking him in. And he let her. Those brilliant eyes remained fixed on her now, watching as her lips parted slightly, her teeth grazing her bottom lip out of nervous habit.
He noticed that, too, because the moment their eyes met, he slowly closed the book and stepped out from behind the desk. His gaze did not waver as he crossed the room toward her.
Her hands still trembled, but not with fear—with anticipation. She wanted him to come closer. He reached out, his hand wrapping gently around her elbow, the warmth of his touch grounding her even as it set her pulse racing. With the softest tug, he urged her forward. She followed without hesitation, drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
His tone deepened to a husky whisper. “There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you, Evelyne. Especially when you look at me like that.”
His eyes dipped to her mouth once more, and she drew in a quiet, shaky breath. She’d never heard him speak to her like this before, and the low, intimate rasp of his voice sent a thrill through her.
Her thoughts scattered as his other hand slowly trailed up the back of her neck, settling to cup her head—a touch so tender and full of desire. She wanted him to know she felt the same, so she tilted her head, her eyes fluttering shut. With one arm now wrapped around her lower back, he drew her close, his lips hovering just over her neck. Her heart poundedfiercely, and she wondered if he could feel the rapid rhythm of her pulse. Then, his lips brushed against her skin, featherlight, before trailing soft kisses down her neck. Her breath hitched, and a low moan escaped her lips.
The sound seemed to ignite something within him. In a swift, fluid motion, he turned her, pressing the back of her legs against the edge of his desk. His hand at her neck tightened slightly, anchoring her as she opened her eyes to meet his. His gaze burned with a vivid, electric-blue intensity, leaving her transfixed. He paused for a heartbeat as if giving her the chance to decide. But she didn’t need time. Her hands were already threading through his hair, pulling him closer.
And then his mouth was on hers, igniting a spark that swept through them both.
She had no idea what she was doing, but everything felt right. Her center heated as he grazed his tongue against her lips, and she opened her mouth slightly to allow it to sweep in. He groaned against her mouth, and it had her tugging firmly at his waist. He gripped her hips and effortlessly lifted her, setting her down atop his desk, then nudged his waist slightly against her knees, a silent request to part for him. Just as he fit his body between her legs, she pulled his head closer to hers to deepen the kiss.
Her body felt like it had been set free, a rush of liberation flooding her veins. For the first time, it felt like she could breathe. Like every stressful thought melted away, swirling into oblivion as his touch grounded her in the moment. All she wanted was to feel—his hands, his lips, his body. To touch, to kiss, to lose herself entirely in him.
He traced his fingers slowly up her waist, sending a trail of chills along her skin, before pressing one hand firmly against her lower back whilethe other cupped her breast. On instinct, she pushed her hips into his and arched against the touch.
The kiss was utterly breathtaking, consuming her like the most intoxicating wine. A heartbeat later, he broke it, lips parting from hers with a soft reluctance as they both struggled to catch their breath.
“Evelyne,” Alaric began, his voice low, but the solemn sincerity in his eyes made her heart stutter.
His expression was so grave that a chill of doubt ran down her spine. He didn’t want this, did he? Panic clawed at her thoughts. Had they crossed a line? What if he didn’t feel the same way she did? She was sure he wanted this—she’d felt it, felt him.
But what he said next sent her reeling, so much so that she almost fell off the edge of the desk.
“Marry me,” he whispered.
The weight of the words hit her like a bolt of lightning, leaving her wholly stunned. “What?” she breathed, her voice still uneven as she tried to steady herself, her heart racing with shock.
But he didn’t falter, gently brushing his fingers against her cheek. “I desire nothing more,” he said quietly, “than to make you my wife.”
A rush of emotion overwhelmed her: dizziness, joy, disbelief. The thought of a lifetime with him, her closest friend, a good and kind man, felt almost too perfect to be real.
Slowly, she shook her head in amazement. “Why?”
He stepped back slightly, his confidence dimming momentarily as vulnerability crept into his expression. “Because it is you I wish to stand by my side, and to love. This is how I have always wished to feel,” he said, swallowing. “To want someone so completely… and to be wanted in return. I would not see this moment end. It is all I ever hoped for.”
Agenuine smile softened his features, and when Evelyne met his gaze, she saw the truth shining in his eyes.
She pushed off the desk and stood slowly, her heart swelling as she held his stare. “I’d love nothing more than to marry my truest friend.”
