Chapter 512

Rosalind's knees trembled as her arms remained looped around Everett's neck, her petite frame melting against his broad chest.

Everett's grip tightened around her slender waist, lifting her effortlessly until their bodies aligned perfectly.

A deep blush spread across Rosalind's cheeks as she suddenly pushed against his shoulders.

Their lips parted with a soft sound, Everett's dark eyes drinking in her kiss-swollen mouth. "What is it?" he murmured, voice husky.

Rosalind's doe eyes darted downward nervously before flicking back up. "You're... you're..." Her gaze dropped tellingly to his slacks.

Everett went completely still.

To her astonishment, a faint pink tint appeared high on his cheekbones. The usually composed Everett Sinclair was actually blushing.

A mischievous grin curved her lips. "Are you embarrassed?"

"Don't be ridiculous," he muttered, turning his face away.

"Oh, you totally are!" Delighted, she reached up to touch his heated skin.

Everett caught her wrist. "Behave."

Rosalind rose on her toes, her breath warm against his ear. "Should I help you like I did last time?"

Everett's mind flashed to that night - tangled sheets, her curious fingers, the way she'd insisted on watching that educational video together before...

Now she was offering again?

He should refuse. He absolutely should. But then her long lashes fluttered up, revealing those sparkling amber eyes that held equal parts innocence and wickedness. Before he could answer, she pressed closer.

"Rosalind..." Her name came out strangled.

A thrill shot through her. Standing taller, she captured his lips in a teasing kiss. "Hmm?"

Her small hands trailed down his toned chest.

Rosalind adored this - seeing the normally controlled Everett Sinclair unravel beneath her touch, his breathing ragged, his usually perfect hair mussed from her fingers.

This power was intoxicating.

Only she got to see him like this. Each time sent warmth pooling low in her belly.

She was hopelessly in love with him.

"Do you have feelings for me?" The whispered question hung between them in the dim hallway.

Everett buried his face in her silken hair, his arms like steel bands around her.

She needed to hear it. "Yes or no?"

Her teasing voice was his undoing. With a growl, Everett crushed his mouth to hers in a searing kiss that stole her breath.

Outside, Alistair finished his meeting and began searching for Rosalind. After several fruitless minutes, he turned to his assistant.

"Have you seen my daughter?"

The man shook his head. "Not recently, sir."

Alistair frowned. "Rosalind? Rosalind!"

Only silence answered.

Concerned, he organized a search party.

Just then, a familiar voice called, "I'm here, Father."

Alistair turned to see Everett and Rosalind approaching.

Everett had regained his usual composed demeanor, though his eyes remained unusually bright.

Rosalind's cheeks still held a telltale flush, her lips slightly swollen.

"Where have you been?" Alistair demanded.

Rosalind bit her lip. "Just... talking with Everett."

Alistair's sharp gaze shifted to the young man. "Everett."