Axel stood there, motionless, as if rooted to the spot.
He didn't usually linger where emotions tangled themselves into a mess, but tonight was different.
His gaze rested on Evelyn again. He can see her head still tilted in restless sleep. A strand of hair had fallen across her cheek.
For one reckless second, his hand twitched.
He wanted to brush the strand aside, smooth her hair back, if only to convince himself she was really here, safe. But the thought dissolved as quickly as it came.
Axel Knight didn't indulge in such impulses. He buried them deep, where no one could ever see.
At the same time, Evelyn stirred.
Her lashes fluttered slowly and hesitantly, as if her body had finally sensed the air shift. A soft groan escaped her lips as she shifted, reluctantly lifting her head from her armrest.
The first thing her blurry vision caught sight of was Oliver. Still asleep. Still pale. The sight tugged something sharp in her chest.
