Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 99

Knowing when to back down, Evelyn wiped her tears and forced a brave smile. "I understand, Julian. I won't pressure you. We have plenty of time. I can wait until the day you can hold me in the open."

Overcome with guilt, Julian pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on her head. "I'm so sorry, Evelyn."

Evelyn traced her fingers up his spine.

A jolt of electricity shot through Julian, making his body go rigid. His mind flashed back to the frenzy of that night, and his Adam's apple bobbed.

Yet, he couldn't quite remember how it ended. What did it actually feel like?

His eyes darkened. As he looked down at the gentle, compliant woman in his arms, Hazel's face inexplicably flashed through his mind.

Evelyn tilted her head up, slowly offering her lips.

At the very last second, Julian turned his head, dodging the kiss, and pushed her away. The image of Hazel's deeply disappointed gaze surfaced, filling him with a crushing weight. He couldn't do this.

Evelyn sat up and wrapped her arms around him from behind, her cheek against his back. Her voice was coaxing, almost seductive. "I just don't want to let you go, Julian. What's wrong? Did I upset you?"

Julian turned to look at her, his eyes soft. "I don't want to leave either, Evelyn, but I really have to get back."

Evelyn wisely let him go, grabbing his jacket from the bedside to help him put it on. "I know. Let me help you with this."

A fond smile touched Julian's face as he ruffled her hair. He pulled out his phone and transferred thousands of dollars to her account. "Take this for now. Let me know if you need more."

Evelyn glanced at the transfer notification on her screen and shook her head, adopting a resolute, almost insulted tone. "I don't want your money, Julian. You know I'm not with you for the money. If I were, why would I have divorced Sean?"

Julian grabbed her hands firmly. "I earn money specifically to spoil you. If you don't take it, what's the point of me working so hard?"

Evelyn managed a reluctant smile and nodded with a helpless sigh. "Alright, fine."

She walked Julian to the door and watched him step into the elevator. The exact second the metal doors slid shut, the sweet smile melted off her face, replaced by a glacial stare.

If she drained him of his energy, he wouldn't have anything left to give Hazel in bed.

A soft, fond smile spread across Julian's face. He tiptoed inside, sat on the edge of the mattress, and began stripping off his clothes.

Hazel had her back to him, her steady breathing indicating she was sound asleep.

In reality, Hazel had been wide awake the second Julian entered the room.

The nauseating scent of women's perfume cut through the crisp night air, assaulting her senses. She furrowed her brow but remained perfectly still, feigning sleep.

She knew that scent all too well. It was Evelyn's signature perfume—sickeningly sweet, like rotting petals.

She didn't want to think about what Julian and Evelyn had been doing. She closed her eyes, fighting back the bile rising in her throat.

Julian tossed his jacket aside and slid into bed next to her.

The mattress dipped beneath his weight. He pressed his body flush against her back, wrapping an arm around her waist. His fingers settled on her hip, pulling her flush against him.