Evelyn’s grip tightened against Roman’s shirt. She slowly shook her head, pressing her face against his chest. Roman’s brows drew together in confusion, but he didn’t pull away.

His hand settled at her back, moving in slow, steady circles. “I’m sorry,” he murmured against her hair. “I took longer than I expected. It was an important call.”

“Mmm…” Evelyn murmured faintly, her voice muffled against him.

He let out a quiet hum in response, the sound vibrating through his chest beneath her cheek. For a moment, neither of them moved. Evelyn inhaled slowly, grounding herself in his scent and warmth, and the steady rhythm of his breathing. After a while,...