Epilogue

Three weeks passed in a blur. Just like the calmness after a raging storm, everyone got their respective endings. While it was shocking and disastrous for Xander, Evelyn received a happy end but it didn’t include Dylan. She gave priority to her family.

Evelyn returned to her mansion with her parents and Maria. Dylan didn’t stop her but she had seen the pain in her eyes when she decided to part ways. Xander snatched the days she had asked Dylan to figure out her feelings. There was still a small part of her heart that was deterred to accept him. It was still scared of Dylan and there was nothing wrong with that. He has given her enough reasons to back out. Evelyn was grateful to him for saving her mother’s life but she doesn’t want to reward him with her devotion. She still was reluctant in taking such a huge step.

Marriage is a sacred bond that not only relies on love but trust and understanding. And the cornerstone should be respecting each other. Her marriage was a damp squib, Dylan didn’t meet her expectations so what if he disappoints her again? Moreover, now he was a Mafia. Evelyn might be a hypocrite for judging his profession but the point was that will she be able to adjust in his life? Dylan can readily accept her but to accept him, she needs to accept his profession, his people, and also his dark side. A side that he only reveals to his enemy.

Dylan on the other hand engrossed himself in work. Evelyn’s unwillingness was now giving him nightmares. He feared losing her but he knew he can’t force her again. So, he decided to surrender and left the decision to her and was also ready to accept it. But now his own decision was hollowing him from the inside. And that stirred troubles for his staff.

Hunter was worried as Dylan turned extra brooding and merciless. He would get triggered by even small mistakes and would criticize the culprits so harshly that they would leave the room drenched in sweat and faces tear-stained.

His only hope was Evelyn but Dylan had strictly prohibited him from bothering her. Evelyn wanted to return to her normal life and didn’t want any distractions. She resumed her work and started handing her company while Dylan used to watch her from afar with sad, dejected eyes. Hunter knew that even though Dylan was stopping them from disturbing her, he himself couldn’t stay away from his enchantress even a second.

Dylan would secretly watch Evelyn through the hidden cameras he had installed in her home and her company. He was back to being her creepy stalker. It hurts him a lot to see how she was enjoying her life without him. But she can’t be blamed for it. After so many days Evelyn finally reunited with her family. Mrs. Clarke was also recovering speedily and the best part was that her parents no longer interfere in her personal life. They respected her decisions and don’t force her to do anything against her wish.

But Maria was worried for Evelyn. She had seen the longing in her eyes for having a partner. She also needed someone to share her grief and joy. Brandon tried many times to cheer her up but Xander’s betrayal effectuated her life so badly that she had built such huge thick walls around her heart that were difficult to barge through. Maria used to see how Evelyn masks her pain and forbade her from divulging her emotions. She keeps things to herself and doesn’t even share them anymore, even with Maria.

Evelyn was slowly falling into a loop of solitude and despair that distressed Maria. She tried to talk with her parents regarding this matter numerous times but couldn’t muster up the courage. Also, she doesn’t want to share it with Brandon because it will only hurt him. And that left her only with Dylan.

So, for her sake, she decided to approach him.

*****

Evelyn was in her cabin, sitting on the chair with her nose buried in files. The creases on her forehead describe that she was busy doing something important. Her eyes were concentrated as they skimmed the file when there was a rap on the door.

“Come in,”

Evelyn spoke without removing the gaze from her file and continued doing her work.

Suddenly goosebumps riddled her skin. A frown settled on her brows as she found the air thickening. Confused, she lifted her gaze when a wisp of pinewood hit her nostrils. Her jaw dropped. Panicked, the pen dropped from her hand and struck the marble floor with a loud sound. Her eyes rounded in surprise when she spotted Dylan in her room.

“You?”

Whispering, Evelyn scraped her chair back and stood up on shaky legs. Her eyes slowly raked over his form which was draped in formal attire with a dark red shirt with the top two buttons undone, black pants, and a black suit. His black hair was combed back perfectly with a single strand falling on his left eye that only added to his charms. Evelyn felt like a fool for ogling him but perhaps, it was because she saw him after so many days that she couldn’t help but admire his rugged hotness with keen eyes. His well-defined cheekbones and that razor-sharp jaw turned her cheeks on fire. His beautiful black pair of eyes stared at her so densely that her heart skipped multiple beats and the way his thin knife-shaped pink lips were pressed in a thin line signaling his displeasure rose her anxiety.

“Why? Were you expecting someone else?” Dylan said and advanced towards her and dipped his left hand in the pocket of his pant.

His thick virile tone turned her giddy. His gaze was so intense and grim that it unexpectedly send her body in a thrill of pleasure. Evelyn fisted the sides of her skirt and watched him with a bated breath as he stalked towards her like a beast on hunt.

“I-I, you didn’t tell me that you were coming. So I was-”

“So, you didn’t get time to escape, huh?” He sneered and rounded to her table before halting in front of her. Evelyn on the other hand was stunned by his words. Her legs remained rooted on the spot, couldn’t find the courage to move back. She looked at him perplexed but a gasp flew through her mouth when Dylan breached her proximity and cupped her chin. A tingling sensation erupted in her belly feeling his cold fingers brushing her soft skin.

“For how long are you planning on torturing yourself, huh? For how long will you keep punishing me? Decide right now because I am losing my mind.” He growled in her face and hovered over her. Evelyn was petrified when he caged her between him and her table as he placed his palms on either of side hers and gazed into her eyes.

Her mouth turned dry as she inhaled his rich cologne which left her dizzy. She opened her mouth to refute but Dylan beat her to it.

“Do you hate me?“, He asked her out of the blue.

Evelyn who was lost in his charms was suddenly kicked to reality, “What? No. Why would I?”

“Then do you love me?” Dylan shot her another question. This time he didn’t earn an answer as Evelyn lowered her eyes. Her silence stabbed his heart. Dylan heaved a low growl and jerked her face up startling her.

“Why? Why can’t you answer? Or you don’t want to answer. How much time do you need Eve? I know you love me, I’ve read your eyes but you are still scared of me. Tell me what should I do to make you forgive me?!!” He pleaded and cupped her face. Tears sprung to her eyes.

“Dylan, I-”

“No, please Eve. You are hurting yourself too. I know it’s been hard for you but you can’t let the past rule your life. Xander’s betrayal dwindled your trust but you need to get over with. Don’t be so harsh on yourself.” He spoke softly.

Her eyes instantly narrowed, “What do you mean? Where did Xander come from?” She asked him sternly.

Dylan sighed, “Maria told me that you’re lost these days. Why don’t you spend some time with your friends and family? Take some day off and clear your mind. Tell me where do you want to go, I will manage everything.” He enthused and leaned closer but Evelyn stopped him as she placed her palm on her chest.

“No, I just. I want some time alone. I want to be with myself. It’s nothing like that.” She blabbered without even thinking. Her mind was a mess. She was close to giving in but again she retreated. Evelyn was in two minds; she wants to accept Dylan and give him a chance but what if this relationship suffers the same fate? Can she afford to take this risk?

But this time her hesitation worsened the situation.

Dylan turned livid. Her reluctance prodded his demons. He had enough. He doesn’t want to force her but looks like she had made up her mind. He had given her enough time yet she couldn’t come to a decision then it’s clear that she doesn’t want him anymore.

Nodding with a clenched jaw, Dylan removed his hands and stepped back. Evelyn bit her lips, she could feel the anger radiating off him, striking her with full force but she kept quiet. Maybe she hurt him a bit too much this time.

Dylan could understand her plight since he has done heinous things to her but he got her consent when they kissed; when she gave her consent and let him caress her forbidden areas where she was never touched before. She trusted him that’s why she let him worship her body then what was stopping her?

“Fine,” he uttered in a dark tone. Evelyn looked at him as he shot her a glare and turned his heels ready to leave the place.

“Where are you going?” Words on their own left her mouth before she could hold her tongue.

Dylan halted but didn’t turn around, “Leaving San Francisco forever.” He spat.

His words sliced her heart into two. Evelyn staggered back, tears filled in her eyes and started falling as her lips parted in shock.

“What?”

Dylan grabbed the door knob but halted when he heard her cracking voice. Despite the searing pain in his chest, he schooled his expression and turned around to face her.

“I came here only for you but when you don’t want me then there’s no point in staying here. My purpose of survival is you but I can’t hold onto this one-sided love forever, Eve. I left everything aside only for you but when you don’t want me anymore then I should also return home, back to my hometown. Don’t worry I will never let any harm come to you or your family but I can’t stay here anymore.” He answered her with a straight face even though it killed him to say those words while looking into her teary eyes. He so badly wanted to hug her and kiss her but he curbed his feelings.

A sob wrenched from her throat. Evelyn covered her mouth but she couldn’t hold on any longer and buried her face in her palms.

Dylan cursed, he wanted to smack himself for hurting her yet he continued.

“Why are you crying, Eve? You don’t want me. It’s clear as a day. I am leaving for good then why your pain is coming through your tears?” He rumbled in his thick voice as he stalked towards her.

Evelyn wiped her tears and shot him an accusatory glare, “I said nothing like that. Don’t assume.” She argued and marched towards him.

“You can’t just leave like that. This is wrong.”

Dylan huffed and rolled his eyes, “Then what do you want me to do? Stay here and watch how you live your life without me. Sorry, but I don’t have that much patience. But I can’t force you to so it’s better I leave-”

Before he could complete it, Evelyn wrapped her arms around his torso. Dylan stiffened but a smile slowly glided onto his lips when he heard her sniffing.

“What are you doing? Come on, get off me.” He faked scolded her and tried to remove her hands but Evelyn shake her head in denial and tightened her hold.

“No, I won’t. I won’t let you leave me. You can’t leave me alone.” She cried and buried her face in his chest.

Dylan stifled his laughter and wrapped his arms around her sobbing figure.

“But why should I? Tell me one good reason why I should stay. Say it and I won’t leave and if you didn’t I’ll-”

“Because you’re my husband.”

She finally said rendering him speechless.

“What did you say?” He hurriedly broke the hug and cupped her face. Evelyn looked into her eyes and answered him in a steady voice.

“You shouldn’t leave me because you’re my husband. Because you’re my man and because I love you,”

No sooner than she completed, Dylan smashed his lips on her and kissed her hungrily. Evelyn also coiled his arms around his neck and reciprocated.

He pressed her body closer and while his other hand glided upwards as he soon proceeded to thread his slick fingers in her locks. Angling her face for better access he devoured her lips, sucking those juicy marshmallows to quench his beast. Evelyn felt her lungs on fire so she opened her mouth and that was enough for him to push his tongue inside.

Their tongues danced in ecstasy. Evelyn was shy while Dylan was dominant as he plundered every corner of her mouth before thrusting it to the back of her throat. Evelyn pushed his chest as she felt lightheaded. Dylan soon pulled off and rested his forehead against hers as they both breathed heavily.

“Say it one more time. I want to hear it from your mouth.” He demanded like a child. He just can’t have enough of her confession. Evelyn smiled with moistened eyes and cupped his face.

“I love you.” She said and pecked her lips.

Dylan smiled, his eyes also turned misty.

But a cold shiver snaked down her spine when he smiled darkly.

“Good, now be ready to moan my name.” He chuckled and scooped her in his arms before she could stop him.