SPELLBOUND

Gavriel was helping out in washing off Evie's hands when a knock echoed through the room. However, Gavriel's reaction was to completely ignore it.

His gaze was fixed on Evie as he dried her hands with a fluffy clean cloth before bringing her slightly chilled hands to his lips. "I hope I didn't tire your hand too much," he teased with a roguish grin and Evie's colour deepened once again.

"No, it's… I'm fine." her gaze wandered around when a soft knock echoed again.

"I'm glad to hear that –" Gavriel seemed determined in wanting to ignore the knocks that were coming from outside.

"Someone's… knocking." Evie prompted Gavriel as she cocked her head sideways, gesturing towards the door. She knew that no one would dare disturb him unless there was truly an important issue that needed his attention.

Heaving a sigh, Gavriel turned towards the closed door and spoke. "Stop knocking Samuel. I heard you. Loud. And. Clear." He said. He then sighed again before facing Evie. "I'll have to leave you for a while, wife. I promise I'll come back as soon as I can."

Seeing his seemingly sullen expression, Evie smiled. "It's alright. I understand that you are busy. Please go ahead. I'll stay here and catch up on some sleep."

Gavriel was silent for a moment, just staring at her. But the next moment, he scooped her up and gently tucked her into their bed. After pulling the covers over her, he then sat at the edge of the bed as he tucked the blanket around her, protecting her from the cold.

"Make sure you sleep well because I might be bringing you outside the wall tonight. I'd like to take you around for a change of scenery." He said and Evie smiled brightly, nodding her approval. "Sleep…"

"Mm… please go now. There must be something important you need to settle if they are asking for you. I'll see you soon." She responded when she felt him hesitating to leave.

Suddenly, he bent and captured her lips. Evie was caught off guard, but she could

The impossible heat that was scorching them just a while ago was back in an instant and blazing brighter than before.

"Good Lord… damn…" Gavriel cursed when a knock echoed again. Evie's eyes were still dazed with pleasure as he looked down at her and it took every ounce of restraint he had in him to pull away and stand. "I'll be back, love." He said, planting a quick kiss on her forehead.

The door opened and then closed behind him.

Evie was left staring at the ceiling. Her mind was whirling, filled with thoughts of him. Gavriel's erotic face when she was touching him, his groans, his heat, his kisses and then the surprisingly satiny feel of him in her hand… Evie buried her face in the pillow. She had felt so hot ever since the moment she touched him.

Subconsciously, her hand touched her own sex, and she felt a dampness there. She reddened once again, mortified.

The next time she opened her eyes, what welcomed her was a glorious fallen angel's sleeping face before her. Evie blinked multiple times, taking in the most beautiful morning view she had ever seen. Was she dreaming? She hoped she was not!

She rose and realized that it was already sunset. Returning her gaze to the man lying next to her, Evie nibbled the inside of her lips. Her heart swelling at the fact that she finally has the chance to wake up with him next to her again. He had returned as he promised this time.

Hesitantly, Evie reached out to touch his dark silky hair.

Gavriel was already awake but he decided not open his eyes when he felt her staring at him. He did not know why but he just decided to feign sleep. To his surprise, he felt her warm hands in his hair, playing with the strands. Did she like his hair that much?

He refrained from making any movements until eventually she moved her fingers from his hair down to trace his brows and then to lightly brush over his lashes. It was hard for him to keep still and continue feigning sleep when she was touching him. Even though her touches were light as feathers, the heat of her fingertips were enough to reopen the floodgates. Did she even know what was she doing to him?

"How could your lashes be much more beautiful than any girl's lashes?" he heard her mumble and he failed to stop himself from frowning. "Yours is even much more beautiful than mine…"

"Absolutely not!" he said suddenly as his eyes flew opened.

Evie froze in her ministrations as she was taken aback, obviously surprised at his sudden outburst. "I'm sorry for waking you up." She apologized and Gavriel ran his fingers through his dark hair as he rose.

"Did you sleep well?" he asked and she nodded. His gaze fixed on her lashes and without a warning, his lips were kissing them. "To me, your lashes are the most beautiful." He smiled and then he climbed off the bed.

It was then that Evie realized he was half naked. His chiselled body and perfect physique were just breathtakingly awesome to behold. And suddenly, she felt the impulse in wanting to run her hands all over those taut muscles.

"Would you like to eat here or outside?" he asked as he wore his shirt.

Snapping herself out of her wayward thoughts, Evie's cheeks pinked as she met his gaze and answered. "Outside."

"Alright, wife. I'll go inform Elias. I will come back to get you when you're ready." He bent and kissed her cheek and again, he was gone.

Evie touched her cheek, staring at the closed door. Her heartbeat racing.