The soft silver moonlight filtered through the giant glass windows, wrapping them both in a gentle glow. Evelyn stayed curled in Julian’s lap, her small hands resting flat against his broad chest. She could feel the steady, rapid thumping of his heart underneath her fingers, matching the wild speed of her own.

Julian did not move away. His dark eyes burned with a soft, deep fire as he looked down at her face. Every bit of his usual cold, stern nature had melted into pure tenderness.

"Evelyn," Julian whispered, his low voice smooth and full of raw emotion.

"Yes, Julian?" she replied in a quiet, breathless tone.

Slowly, Julian raised...