Chapter 29
Chapter Twenty-Nine
James
The Sicilian morning air was thick with the scent of wildflowers and sea salt as I drove Evangeline to the veterinary practice for her third day of work.
The previous night had shattered every carefully constructed barrier between us, and now the air in the car crackled with unspoken tension.
She sat beside me, her hair still slightly mussed despite her attempts to tame it, wearing a simple white sundress that made my hands itch to tear it off her body—again.
"You're quiet this morning," her voice holding that slightly husky quality it always had after sleep—or after our frisky evening on the balcony. She made me see stars; that moment is going to be imprinted in my memory forever.
I kept my eyes on the winding coastal road, fighting the urge to pull over and claim her once more. "Just focused on security protocols."
Her laugh was soft, knowing. "Is that what we're calling it now?"
The memory of last night flooded back with vivid intensity—the way she sucked my cock.
Fuck, I've never had such an intense orgasm in my life. Evangeline’s mouth was perfect, and I was growing hard now, thinking about her dripping pussy.
Once the air cleared enough for my brain to function again, I suggested she go back to her bedroom because I knew if she stayed with me, she would not get any restful sleep.
Which would impact her particularly intense day ahead of her tomorrow.
There was no going back now. The moment I'd made her mine, I obliterated whatever professional distance I'd maintained.
"We need to discuss what happened," I said, my voice rougher than intended.
"Do we?" She shifted in her seat, the movement causing her dress to ride up slightly, revealing more of her thighs—thighs I'd kissed and marked only hours before. "Or we just let it be what it was?"
"And what was it?"
She was quiet for a moment, considering. "Inevitable. Hot, and I loved every fucking minute."
Evangeline’s answer sent a jolt straight to my cock. Because she was right—what had happened between us had been inevitable from the moment I first saw her in that Bellavista barn, even before that when I'd studied her photograph and felt something shift inside me.
We arrived at the practice in tense silence. As always, I performed my security sweep while Evangeline gathered her medical supplies. The routine felt different now, charged with new awareness. Every glance she sent my way held heat, promise, challenge.
"Dr. Vitale wants us in the far pasture today," Marcus announced as he approached, his smile as bright as ever. "Signor Rossi's prize bull has been showing signs of lameness."
I watched him gesture animatedly as he explained the situation, noticed how his hand briefly touched Evangeline's shoulder, how his eyes lingered on her face. The possessive surge that rose in response was swift and violent.
"James will need to inspect the location first," Evangeline said smoothly, catching my expression. "Security protocols."
Marco's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "Of course. Though I'm not sure what threats a bull could pose to a bodyguard."
I stepped forward, letting my full height and presence intimidate. "You would be surprised at what can threaten you when you know how to look for it."
The Italian intern swallowed hard, nodding quickly before excusing himself. Evangeline shot me a look that was part amused, part exasperated.
"Was that necessary?"
"Yes," I replied without hesitation. "He touches you too much."
Her eyes flashed with something that might have been pleasing. "Jealous, Mr. Banks?"
"Territorial," I corrected, the honesty surprising us both.
The admission hung between us as we made our way to the distant pasture where the others were already gathered.
I maintained my professional distance whilst they worked, examining the bull's leg, discussing treatment options, and preparing medications.
But I felt her awareness of me like a physical touch, saw how her gaze sought mine whenever Marco stood too close or spoke too familiarly.
By midday, the work was complete—minor inflammation that would heal with rest and anti-inflammatory medication. As the group began packing equipment, Signor Rossi appeared with his usual bottle of wine and infectious enthusiasm.
"Bravissimi!" he declared, clapping his hands together. "My Brutus will dance, again in no time!"
He made his way through the group, offering sips of wine and hearty congratulations. When he reached me, his eyes twinkled with mischief.
"E tu, giovane?"(And you, young man?) he asked in rapid Italian. "Have you considered what we discussed yesterday?"
I glanced towards Evangeline, who was carefully not looking in our direction despite obviously listening. "It's complicated, Signore."
"Pah!" He waved a dismissive hand. "Nothing worth having is simple. My Angela, she was complicated too—daughter of my father's greatest rival. We eloped to Rome and didn't speak to our families for two years."
Despite myself, I found myself drawn into his story. "What happened?"
"Love conquered pride, as it always does when both hearts are brave enough." His weathered hand gripped my shoulder. "But you must act before another takes what you treasure. That Marco, he circles like a hawk."
As if summoned by his name, Marco appeared at Evangeline's side, offering to carry her medical kit, to drive her back to the main clinic, to show her a particularly beautiful vista on the way. Each offer made my jaw clench tighter.
"Perhaps," Signor Rossi continued, noting my expression, "you should remind the principessa who truly protects her."(princess)
The old man's meaning was clear, and despite every professional instinct, I agreed. Evangeline was under my protection—and if I was honest, she belonged with me in ways that went far beyond duty.
As the group began walking back towards the vehicles, I fell into step beside her. "There's an old barn about a kilometre from here," I whispered. "I want to inspect it—potential security concern."
Her steps faltered slightly. "A security concern?"
"The kind that requires your presence," I clarified, my voice dropping to a register that made her breath catch. "To ensure all threats are properly... neutralised."
Understanding dawned in her eyes, followed by a heat that nearly undid my careful control. "Of course. Security is paramount."
I guided her away from the group, informing Dr. Vitale that we would meet them back at the clinic.
The barn I'd mentioned was real—an abandoned stone structure I'd noted during my initial security sweep of the area.
But my motivation for taking her there had nothing to do with threats and everything to do with the need that had been building since our interrupted encounter the night before.
The barn sat in a grove of olive trees, hidden from the main road by rolling hills. Its thick stone walls had weathered centuries of Sicilian summers, the interior cool and dimly lit by shafts of sunlight streaming through gaps in the aged wooden roof.
"James," Evangeline said as soon as we were inside, her voice breathless with anticipation.
"What are we doing?"
Instead of answering, I backed her against the stone wall, my hands braced on either side of her head. The scent of hay and aged wood surrounded us, but all I could focus on was her—vanilla and jasmine and something uniquely her that made my blood burn.
"What we should have done last night," I growled, my mouth finding the sensitive spot below her ear. "What I've been thinking about all morning whilst watching Marcus put his hands on you."
She gasped as I nipped at her throat, her body arching against mine. "He… he was just being helpful—"
"He was marking territory that isn't his," I interrupted, pulling back to look at her. "You belong to me, Evangeline. No one else, now say it."
Her eyes flashed with defiance even as desire darkened her pupils. "Make me."
The challenge in her voice severed the remaining cords of my restraint.
In one motion, I lifted her, carrying her deeper into the barn where thick piles of hay created a makeshift bed.
I set her down, then stepped back, drinking in the sight of her—rumpled white dress, flushed cheeks, lips parted with want.
"Strip," I commanded, my voice rough with need.
She raised an eyebrow at the order but complied slowly, teasingly, letting the sundress slide down her body with deliberate sensuality. She wore only a simple white bra and matching knickers underneath, the cotton innocent yet impossibly erotic in the barn's golden light.
"Fucking superb," I murmured, approaching her like a predator stalking prey. "But I want to hear you say it. Tell me you want this."
"James—" My name passed between her lips, coated with a delicious breathlessness.
My hands twisted in her hair. I silenced her with a kiss that was all heat and possession. I pulled away, leaving her breathing hard, her defiance wavering.
"Say it," I repeated against her lips.
She shook her head, stubborn even in surrender. " Hmmmm hearing you beg me to say those words — it’s poetry. Please continue."
The snarky, taunting response that slithered out of Evangeline’s mouth sent a surge of dark satisfaction through me. If she wanted to play this game, I was more than willing to emerge the victor.
I guided her down onto the hay, the dried grass soft beneath us. Starting at her ankles, I kissed my way up her legs, savouring the way her muscles quivered under my touch. Her skin felt like silk, warm and flushed, and I could taste the salt of her sweat mixed with something uniquely hers.
When I reached the edge of her knickers, I paused, looking up to find her watching me with desperate, dilated eyes. The sight of her—hair spread across the golden hay, chest rising and falling rapidly, lips parted in anticipation—made my cock throb painfully against my jeans.