Chapter 416

Rosalind and Everett were strolling down the corridor when Rosalind suddenly stopped him. "Who was that woman earlier? Why did she take you to a hotel suite?"

Everett jerked his arm away from her grip. "That's none of your business."

Rosalind reached up, pressing her palm against his forehead. "You're scorching hot! Are you running a fever?"

Her delicate fingers against his skin, combined with the subtle floral notes of her perfume, sent Everett's pulse racing.

He swatted her hand away roughly. "Don't touch me."

His tone was icy, laced with irritation that made Rosalind's blue eyes shimmer with unshed tears.

As a sheltered heiress accustomed to adoration, this rejection stung deeply. She searched his face, wondering if he truly despised her.

She hadn't done anything to deserve this.

Her wounded expression made Everett tense, but he remained silent. Without another word, he turned on his heel and strode away.

Yet Rosalind trailed after him like a persistent shadow.

They entered the elevator together - Everett silent, Rosalind matching his quiet intensity.

The doors had just closed when the elevator lurched violently before plummeting downward at a terrifying speed. Rosalind screamed, her body thrown forward by the sudden drop.

Before she could crash into the wall, strong arms yanked her backward into a solid chest.

Everett held her firmly against him. "Malfunction. Stay calm."

Her panic subsided as his warmth enveloped her, sparking an unexpected comfort. Moments ago she'd believed he hated her, yet now she realized his indifference was just a facade. He was protecting her.

Rosalind tilted her head up. "You're burning up. Should we go to the hospital?"

Everett kept one arm secured around her, his voice gravelly. "Not necessary."

"But you're like a furnace!" Her hand drifted to his waist.

The instant her fingers brushed his sensitive skin, Everett's breath caught.

He wasn't normally like this - he'd never even had a girlfriend.

Penelope had been right about one thing - the potent aphrodisiac he'd inhaled was wreaking havoc on his self-control.

Without warning, Everett captured Rosalind's lips in a searing kiss.

Rosalind's eyes flew wide with shock.

Was he actually kissing her?

His mouth moved with desperate urgency, overwhelming her senses. Her knees buckled, but Everett caught her effortlessly, pulling her flush against him.

He broke the kiss, his breath ragged. "I've been drugged."

Rosalind's mind swam. "What?"

Everett searched her eyes. "Can I kiss you?"

Her body trembled with conflicting emotions. Sliding her arms around his neck, she rose on tiptoes to meet his lips again.

Neither was experienced, but their mouths moved together with surprising harmony, like two puzzle pieces finally connecting.

Rosalind's heart pounded wildly. This kiss confirmed what she'd been denying - her feelings for Everett ran deeper than she'd admitted. As the kiss intensified, Everett maneuvered her gently against the corner. His hands began exploring lower.

Blushing furiously, Rosalind buried her face in his chest, whispering breathlessly, "Everett..."