HARRY POV
What the hell just happened?
Does she really think I'm the kind of man who preys on vulnerable women?
Although the image of her undressing is still seared into my mind—her deep, velvety skin, delicate frame, and the rich scent of her freshly washed hair lingering in the air. She was stunning. Distractingly so. But the bruises… they pulled me right back to reality.
Even if a part of me wanted her—craved the comfort of her body like a starving man before a home-cooked meal—there's a line I just can't cross.
"Christ," I muttered under my breath, glancing down with a mix of guilt and frustration. Fantastic. Now I've got a damn hard-on. I needed a cold shower—desperately.
After a few minutes of letting the icy water calm my nerves, I got dressed and tried to settle in for the night. But my thoughts wouldn't leave her. Even with the silk sheets clinging to me like warmth, the bed felt foreign, stiff. I tossed and turned, trying to convince myself sleep would dull everything. It didn't.
She's gotten under my skin.
I've helped women before. Slept with a lot, even. But this… this is different. I don't want Eva to feel like she owes me something. I want her to feel safe. I want her to heal. Something about women who feel helpless makes me want to do something about it. But with Eva it was different. Could it be,is it possible I have fallen for her, could someone fall this fast?
I forced myself to lie still and wait for morning.
⸻
The Next Morning
There was a knock. Persistent and annoyingly early.I groaned, dragging myself to the door.
Unlike most room in the house, which was accessible to staff, I'd had a lock installed on my door when I hit puberty. Privacy was a non-negotiable luxury. I unlocked it, opened it—and there she was. Eva.
Still in the same robe from last night.
"They told me this was your room," she said softly. "Can I come in?"
I stepped aside without a word.
"I wanted to apologize… for last night," she said, her voice low, full of shame. "I've thought about it all night and—I shouldn't have done that. It was stupid.I'm quite embarrassed" she said letting out a nervous laugh.
I didn't know what to say. I just looked at her. She looked so fragile, yet somehow composed. "Did Dr. James check on you and the baby?" I finally managed, clearing my throat.
"Yes," she replied, her voice lightening. "He was really kind. Said we're both fine, just need rest and a few painkillers."
"Good," I nodded, sitting on the edge of my bed.
She followed, taking a seat beside me. "Last night, you said I reminded you of someone. Who was it?" she asked, tilting her head with curiosity. "A girlfriend, maybe?"
I gave a small smile, but shook my head. "Another time."
She grinned. "Okay. But I'm holding you to that."
"Are you hungry?" I asked,. "Come on, let's get you some breakfast."
At the table, with Eva beside me, everything felt… quieter. Calmer. I'd only known her for a day, but she already felt like someone I needed to protect. Her and Naveen.
When we finished eating, I kept my gaze down, trying to mask the growing weight of responsibility in my chest. "The nanny will take you out today. Get whatever you need—clothes, toiletries, formula, anything. No limits"
She didn't respond, just looked at me. I didn't need to look up to know—she was staring right at me. I felt her gaze like sunlight on skin.
Just as I stood to break the tension, the door burst open.
No knock. No warning.
It was my mother.
Of course.
"Is that how you greet your mother, Harry?" she said, sweeping into the room like she owned the very air. She came straight for me, arms wide, ignoring Eva and the baby entirely. Typical. That was her way—ice first, warmth when it suited her.
She hugged me, kissed my cheek, pinched it like I was five again. "My sweet boy. I missed you."
"You didn't tell me you were coming,"I said
"I didn't realize I had to ask permission to return to my own home."
"I would've sent someone to pick you up, that's all."
Then her eyes finally swept the room—and landed on Eva.
"And who is this beautiful lady in a robe? Is that a child?" she asked, voice tight.
"This is Eva. And her son, Naveen. She's my friend and they'll be staying here for a while."
"Friend, hmm?" Her gaze lingered on Eva a little too long. Judging. Measuring. "Well. Welcome, dear. I'm madam Celine and I'm sure my son's made you comfortable."
She offered Eva a smile, but her eyes remained cold.
"I'll be resting now," she said with a pointed glance around the room and then at Eva "I'm sure I'll be seeing more of you. I mean, you are in my house." With a sharp turn, she addressed the staff now lined up in perfect order. "Carry on."
"Mom," I said, trying to ease the tension, "go get some rest. Long flight."
She gave me a final look and disappeared down the hall.
The silence left behind was heavy, and I could feel Eva watching me again. I didn't look at her.
"She doesn't mean anything by it," I finally said,.
"She doesn't like me," Eva replied simply. There was no bitterness in her tone, just a quiet observation.
I turned to her then. "It's not about liking or disliking. My mom's… territorial. She doesn't handle surprises well."
"Neither do I," she said softly. Then she looked away, her fingers brushing Naveen's curls as he dozed in her arms.
I studied her—how she sat perfectly still, as though trying not to occupy too much space.
"You're not going anywhere," I told her. "I don't care what she thinks. You and Naveen are safe here."
She looked up at me, her eyes wide with something between gratitude and disbelief. "Why are you doing this for me, Harrison?"
I didn't have an answer I could say aloud. Because I wanted to protect her. Because the thought of her going back to that bastard made me feel like I'd failed someone.
Instead, I said, "Because I can."
A moment passed. Then two.
Eva stood, steadying Naveen against her hip. "I'll go get ready for the shopping trip."
I nodded, watching her disappear down the hall.