The Day Our Promise Breaks

Charles' dark, mysterious eyes lingered on Evelyn. Her earlobes were so red from blushing that they looked like they might actually bleed. His gaze grew even more intense. He let his eyes wander downwards. Her neck was exposed, a lovely shade of pink spreading across her skin.

Charles' breathing got heavier. He turned Evelyn's face toward him, grasped her chin with his large hand, and leaned in for a passionate kiss.

"Mmph!" Evelyn protested, trying to shake her head free from his kiss.

Charles was determined. No matter how hard Evelyn tried, she couldn't escape. The kiss went on until she was gasping for air, and only then did he release her lips slightly.

Fuming, Evelyn took advantage of her momentary freedom. She bit down hard on the fleshy part of his hand. Her eyes, bloodshot with anger, glared up at him.

Charles let her bite him, acting as if he couldn't feel the pain. He only seemed more resolute.

The car had left the Jenkins family's private drive and was now on the increasingly crowded roads typical of rush hour.

The windows were tinted, making it impossible for anyone outside to see in. However, pressed against the glass, Evelyn often found herself locking eyes with other drivers at stoplights. Even knowing they couldn't actually see her, Evelyn was so tense that her toes curled in her shoes.

Charles gently kissed her sweat-dampened temple, his warm breath brushing her cheek. His lips curved into a smile, but his eyes were cold and sharp, feeling her pulse race beneath her skin.

Charles pressed on, "Still going on those blind dates? Huh?"

Evelyn didn't want to give in.

But Charles... He was a madman. She was genuinely scared he might lose it right there in the car.

finally caved. Through gritted

ear and captured her lips once more with

it ended, he pressed his forehead against hers, his voice husky.

too exhausted to argue. As he released her hands, she leaned back against the car window, breathing

have finally quieted

this calmer version of

spirits. He helped straighten the clothes he'd

Finally, as she had requested earlier, the car came to a

back seat, Evelyn slowly opened her

back, sat up straight, and let her go. Before she stepped out, he warned her in a low voice, "Remember what I

"Slap!"

sound of a slap echoed in the

stewed over it in the car, slapped Charles just before getting out,

it caught Charles completely off guard. It was the second time Evelyn had

with anger, his

swung her bag at his reaching hand. Using the opportunity, she jumped out of the car and

a slap on Charles, Evelyn felt a weight lift off her chest. She

as she walked in, she saw

Only Grace noticed Evelyn's

She came over,

"Evelyn, why didn't