Drake's eyes flickered, and his Adam's apple bobbed convulsively along his taut neck, an incredibly alluring sight.
Just as he was about to speak, Evangeline leaned down, her soft, red lips pressing against the most ghastly scar over his heart.
A shiver wracked Drake's body. His long fingers unconsciously tightened on the edge of the bamboo table as an unnameable emotion churned in his eyes.
Julian jerked upright, staring at Evangeline in disbelief, as if her red lips had been branded over his own heart.
"From now on, I'll make sure you never get hurt again."
Evangeline looked up at Drake, her slender fingers gently tracing the sharp contours of his lean face. Her voice was alluringly soft. "I'll protect you."
Drake's lips tightened as he stared at her intently. After a long moment, he reached out, took her by the wrist, and shook his head. His voice was hoarse but firm. "I'm the one who should be protecting you."
