53. Alexis
CHAPTER 53
Alexis
M y eyes pop open, Evan’s intense stare pulling me from the depths of a deep sleep. A smile curls my lips. “Good morning.”
His answering smile warms my heart. I’ve never seen him look so relaxed and content. “Morning, love.” His gravelly voice sends chills over my body. He chuckles as he captures my lips with his. “No cock for you yet. We have plans today.”
My stomach growls. “Does it involve food?”
He laughs, kissing my cheek before releasing me and rolling out of bed. I groan, a pout forming on my lips.
His arms slide under me, lifting me from the warm bed and carrying me in his arms bridal style. “Shower first, and then food.”
My head falls against his shoulder. “I’m so tired. I didn’t realize how crappy I’d been sleeping until I slept with you.”
“Good. Because you’ll sleep with me every night for the rest of your life.” He kisses my head as he strides inside the massive bathroom. “Is your mattress uncomfortable, or do you feel safer with me?”
The words spill out before I can stop them. “I think it’s my nightmares about Shane and Dr. Huntley.”
Evan freezes, his muscles tensing beneath me. The drowsiness vanishes as I analyze his glowering expression.
“We’re talking about Shane on the way to breakfast. But Huntley? What the fuck has he been doing? And why haven’t you said anything?”
I swallow hard, closing my eyes. “Shit. I should’ve told you, but I feared you’d go after him and get in trouble.”
“Open your eyes.”
I open one and then the other, shocked that he’s not enraged at me.
“I understand you’re trying to protect me. But you don’t need to. I grew up in a different world. I know how to play the game. Prestige and wealth help.” His lips press against mine. “Soon, you’ll be my wife. And you’ll understand.”
“That confident, huh?”
“Are you doubting me?” He smirks.
I shake my head before I plant my lips against his. “As if I’d say no to you.”
He grins and puts me on my feet next to the shower. Reaching in, he turns it on and adjusts the water temperature. He helps me inside before stepping in behind me and closing the glass doors.
“You need to tell me everything Huntley has said and done.” He steers me beneath the spray and grabs my shampoo. “Then we’ll deal with Dwayne before I take you to breakfast.”
“So the tracking device in my necklace only tells you where I am? You can’t hear Huntley insulting or dragging me to his office?”
Evan’s jaw works as he glares down at me. “No, but I sure as fuck am angry you didn’t tell me sooner.”
My palms press against his chest, sliding around his neck. “I was afraid you’d get fired and kicked out of the university if I told you.”
He wraps his arms around me, pulling me against him. “Neither will happen, bellissima. Stop trying to protect me. My job is to protect you.” His lips are on mine, erasing all doubts. “I’ll always protect what’s mine.” He kisses me again before pulling back with a smirk. “But Dwayne’s gonna get it.”
I roll my eyes. “Dwayne’s innocent. He didn’t do anything to you.”
“He exists. You named him.” Evan lifts one shoulder in a shrug. “He needs to meet a fiery demise. Don’t worry. I’ll buy you more, but don’t name them unless you want me to destroy them.” He levels me with a look. “And you only use your toys with me.”
I raise my brows. “You’re ridiculously controlling.”
He chuckles. “You already knew that. And it’s not a loss. When you used Dwayne, you didn’t shatter around that asshole like you did when I used it on you.”
I can’t help the laugh that bursts free. “Oh, now he’s an asshole.”
“Yup. Cause he has a name.” He kisses me before pulling away and dumping some shampoo in his hand. When he massages my scalp with it, I no longer care about saving poor Dwayne.
“I love taking care of you,” he whispers.
“It’s been so long since anyone has.” I practically purr as I lean into his touch, my body limp and under his control. “Sometimes you are so damn sweet. It’s almost like you’re two people.”
He chuckles. “You get to see the real me now. You’ll still see the persona I wear around others.” He puts a sudsy finger on my nose, making me giggle. “I’m very careful who I reveal my authentic self to. It can be dangerous.”
He spins me and begins rinsing my hair. I sigh, enjoying the warm water trailing over my skin.
When he pulls me from beneath it and grabs the conditioner, I run my fingers over his chest. “You know I’m not gonna hurt you, right?”
The genuine grin on his face melts my heart. “I know. I trust you.”
Cocking my head, a flirtatious smile curls my lips. “You know I’m still gonna give you attitude and piss you off.”
“You wouldn’t be Lexi if you didn’t.” He massages the conditioner into my scalp and down the length of my hair.“And I’ll enjoy punishing the hell out of you.”
“Have I told you that I love you?”
His charcoal eyes burn into mine. “You have. But you can tell me all day, and I’ll never tire of it.” Spinning me around, his lips meet mine in the most passionate kiss he’s ever given me.
When he pulls away, his gaze burns into mine. “I love you so fucking much, Lexi. And I’m going to show and tell you every single day.”