chapter twenty-eight

The cool night air, laced with the distant scent of blooming gardenias, but it did little to ease the weight pressing against Selene's chest. Each step she took toward Evangeline was deliberate, controlled, masking the apprehension curling in her stomach.

Evangeline stood in the courtyard, speaking with a friend, her golden curls cascading over her shoulder in an effortless display of elegance. Her soft violet eyes sparkled under the lantern light, but as soon as they landed on Selene, they darkened with suspicion.

Selene approached cautiously. "Evangeline, I need to speak with you."

Evangeline arched a delicate brow, barely sparing her a glance. "Now? As you can see, I'm occupied."

"It's important," Selene insisted, keeping her voice calm.

Evangeline exhaled sharply before turning to her friend. "Give us a moment."

The other woman hesitated but eventually stepped away, leaving them alone in the dimly lit courtyard. Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken resentment.

"Say whatever it is you came here for," Evangeline said, arms crossed over her chest.

Selene swallowed, steadying herself. "It's about Keith."

A flicker of something passed through Evangeline's eyes before she quickly masked it with indifference. "What about him?"

"He loves you," Selene said, each word carefully chosen. "More than anything. He's waiting for you, Evangeline. He needs you."

Evangeline scoffed. "And why do you care? I don't recall us being friends, Selene."

Selene clenched her hands into fists at her sides, fighting back the frustration bubbling in her throat. "I know I've made mistakes—"

"Mistakes?" Evangeline's lips curled in mock amusement. "Is that what we're calling it now?"

Selene flinched. "I'm not here to argue with you. I'm here because Keith is hurting. He's been waiting for you all night."

"And what if I don't care?" Evangeline challenged. "What if I don't want to see him?"

Selene's chest tightened. "Please, Evangeline. Just go to him. Hear him out."

Evangeline's gaze turned sharp. "And why should I? Because you, of all people, are asking me to? Do you take me for a fool?"

"I just—"

"Enough." Evangeline's voice was cold. "You've made your plea. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have better things to do."

Selene inhaled deeply, fighting the lump forming in her throat. "At least think about it," she murmured before turning away.

Each step felt heavier than the last as she walked away, Evangeline's words lingering in her mind like an open wound. She had expected resistance, but the sheer cruelty in Evangeline's tone cut deeper than she anticipated.

By the time she reached her chambers, exhaustion settled over her like a thick fog. She peeled off her dress, letting it pool at her feet before stepping into the warm embrace of the bath. Steam curled around her, soothing her tense muscles, but her mind refused to quiet.

Keith.

Would he still be waiting?

Would Evangeline go to him?

The thought of him alone, drinking himself into oblivion, sent a pang of unease through her chest.

By the time she dressed and made her way toward the gardens, the halls were nearly empty, the night stretching deep into silence.

She found him exactly where she feared—alone, slumped against the stone bench, a nearly empty bottle of wine clutched in his hand. The flickering lanterns cast golden light over his disheveled form, his golden eyes half-lidded and unfocused.

Selene hesitated before stepping forward. "Keith," she called softly.

He lifted his gaze, a slow, lazy smile curving his lips. "Selene," he murmured, his voice thick with drink. "Come to pity me?"

She frowned, kneeling beside him. "You shouldn't be drinking like this."

He chuckled, the sound empty. "And why not? It helps dull the ache."

"Keith—" She reached for the glass, but he caught her wrist before she could take it.

His grip was firm, his thumb brushing against her skin in a slow, deliberate caress. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver up her spine.

"You always try so hard," he murmured. "Always putting others before yourself. It's almost… noble."

Selene swallowed, her heart thudding against her ribs. "Keith, let go."

But he didn't.

Instead, his fingers tangled in her dark hair, his gaze burning into hers. "You know what's beautiful?" he mused. "This. Your hair… your eyes… they haunt me."

Her breath hitched.

The air between them thickened, charged with something electric.

"Keith," she whispered, unsure if it was a warning or a plea.

He leaned closer, his breath warm against her cheek. "What if, just this once, I stopped thinking?"

Before she could respond, his lips brushed against hers.

Soft. Tentative.

Selene gasped, but he didn't give her time to protest. His mouth claimed hers in a kiss that was slow yet desperate, filled with an unspoken longing that stole the air from her lungs.

His hand slid to the back of her neck, tilting her head as his tongue teased the seam of her lips. Selene trembled, her body betraying her as she parted her lips, allowing him deeper.

A groan rumbled in his chest as he pulled her against him, the heat of his body seeping into her skin. His fingers tangled in her hair, gripping just enough to make her gasp.

Selene should have stopped this.

She should have pushed him away.

But instead, she melted.

Her hands found his shoulders, then his chest, feeling the firm muscle beneath his clothes. The scent of wine mixed with his natural musk, intoxicating her senses.

Keith kissed her like a man starved, his lips moving against hers with a hunger that left her dizzy. When he pulled away just enough to catch his breath, he whispered, "I want to drown in you."

Selene's heart pounded. "Keith…"

He didn't let her finish. His lips trailed down her jaw, to the curve of her throat, pressing open-mouthed kisses that sent shivers down her spine.

Her fingers tightened in his shirt as warmth coiled in her belly, her body reacting to his every touch.

Then, suddenly, he stilled.

A breath later, his body slumped against hers.

Selene barely caught him, his weight pressing her back onto the cushioned bench.

"Keith?" she whispered, brushing his hair back. He had passed out.

She swallowed hard, her hands trembling as she held him.

From the entrance of the garden, Evangeline stood in the shadows, her fingers curled into fists as she watched them. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the garden, casting Keith and Selene in a scene that made her stomach twist.

She had come here, against her better judgment, to see him—to at least hear him out. But now, as she watched Selene cradle his unconscious form, her fingers grazing his face with a tenderness that spoke volumes, something inside her snapped.

A bitter smile curled her lips.

"I knew it. All that pleading, all those empty words… she was never trying to help me. She wanted him for herself."

Her nails dug into her palms.

"She acts so noble, so self-sacrificing, but in the end, she's just like everyone else—selfish. A liar."

Her gaze darkened as she turned on her heel.

"Fine, Selene. If this is the game you want to play… then I'll make sure you lose."

Selene sat there, Keith's unconscious form pressed against her, her mind a whirlwind of emotions.

She called for his valet, watching as he was carried away.

Then, alone in the empty garden, she pressed her fingers to her lips.

Her body had responded to him.

Even after everything… even after vowing to hide her love for him…

She still wanted him.