I don't know what came next, the fiery hot spark that seemed to ignite between us the minute our lips touched, or the fierce aggression we both seemed to share. Within seconds of sharing the sweet kiss, Evander backed away for a moment, searching my face… my eyes, and then he swooped in for another, crushing my lips against him and capturing my tongue with his. He pressed my body close to his and dug his fingertips into my hip. I wrapped my arms around his neck and ran my fingers through his hair. Evander grabbed me by the thighs then lifted me up. I instantly wrapped my legs around his waist as he walked us to the destroyed bed. He layed us down gently but the intensity was still steady. Evander's lips moved from my lips to my jaw-line, traveling down my neck and across my collarbone. The pleasure swirling inside me almost became irresistible as I gently tugged him by the hair, moving his lips back to mine. I tore away at the last of his shirt, while he unzipped my own torn dress and slid me out of it. His long, callused hands traveled over my collarbone, over my breasts, and down my body. He slightly caressed my thigh before moving his hands back up. I couldn't help but explore with my own hands, something I've been dying to do since we first met. I felt the rippling muscles in his back and down his arms. My hands roamed his chiseled abs and I felt myself melt inside. Evander's lips traveled down to my neck and he gently bit it, causing a moan to escape me. I heard Evander's low, guttural laugh which also sounded like a husky purr at the same time.

"Evander," I whispered but it came out in a moan. I gulped for air and grabbed Evander by the shoulders. I slightly pushed away. "Evander, we need to slow down."

He shook his head, "I've been a gentleman for too long, Ms. Ashworth. Now you're in my game." He grinned before swooping in for my neck again.

I awoke feeling tired and sore in all the right places. My mind was groggy from the sex-haze, but I couldn't help but nuzzle closer into the neck of the man laying next to me. Things happened so quickly.. but I can't say I wasn't pleased. I looked up at Evander's sleeping face and trailed a finger down his chest. A slight smile fluttered on his lips before he looked down at me.

"You look beautiful, Isabelle." He whispered, his voice deeper than usual from waking up.

"I do doubt that but I'll take the compliment."

"How are you feeling this morning, my bride-to-be?"

"Oh, so now I'm you're fiancé again? Not even asking if I was okay with it.." I said, holding back my smile.

"If I recall correctly," Evander's voice lowered to a whisper, "You were agreeing very loudly, if I might add, last night." A blush creeped on my cheeks.

"Was I that loud?" My whisper matched his now.

Evander nodded, a playful smile on his lips. "Oh yes, screaming loudly-"

"Okay! OKAY! I get it!" I said, loudly. I cleared my throat, "Gods, you weren't kidding about not being a gentleman anymore."

"Oh, I can still be a gentleman, my bride." He said, before getting up. Evander's sudden absence left a cold spot in next to me, which caused me to shiver and cuddle in the blankets. Evander bare back was too me which allowed me to admire his backside before he slipped on red sweatpants. With a sudden movement, Evander threw the blanket off my naked body and hauled me over his shoulder. I couldn't stop the laughter from building.

"Evander! Dammit! I don't care if you're a God, put me down!"

Evander chuckled before walking into the bathroom, turning on the shower, then setting me inside of it. He poked his head in and gave me a sweet, beautiful kiss. With a smile he said, "Enjoy your shower. I'll be waiting in the gym for your training session after you're done. Breakfast is on the bureau." Before he had a chance to leave, I grabbed his hand and pulled his dry body against my damp one and kissed him one last time.

"See you soon." I said and winked at him before shutting the shower door and continuing my shower.

I was sitting at the bureau, enjoying my cheese, onion and beef omelette when Evander walked in with Josef and Darak trailing behind him. Evander looked troubled as he spoke quickly into the phone that was to his ear. He walked over to the bed and took off his shoes before walking to the window and continuing his call.

"You need to put the first-degree guards at the front of the lines! Next, come the second-degrees and so on. How hard is that for you to understand?!" Evander paused and the only sound heard was the crunching of onions. "No. You do not understand, Esteban." Evander closed his eyes, and when he opened them, I swear they flashed red. A cold dread filled the room as I could feel the temperature in the air, and around Evander began to flare with his anger. "Esteban, are you arguing with me?" he said, his voice dangerously low. "Good-bye, Esteban." He said before hanging up. Evander locked eyes with me for a second before standing up and turning to Josaf. "I want Esteban executed. Now. Move Reyes up to the Battle Plan Coordinator." Josaf nodded before dialing something in his phone and walking out of the room.

Darak had a smile across his face as his eyes focused on the bundle of clothes (male and female) next to the closet door. "So it looks like trouble in paradise is over? Assuming from the clothes, the fight is definitely over and—"

"Darak. Out." Evander said, his eyes locking with mine again. He walked towards me and buried his nose in my neck. "You smell wonderful." I put a hand on Evander's shoulder and slightly pushed him away.

"Evander, is it necessary to 'execute' Esteban?"

"Esteban is untrustworthy. I cannot trust him, and he will definitely go tell the Others' the minute I fire him. This is the way our realm works, Isabelle and if you—"

"No… I understand." Enough encounters with the Others' have taught me not to trust anyone who is involved or potentially involved with them.

A smile graced Evander's face and he slowly moved his head down to kiss me lightly. I cupped his cheeks with my hands and lengthened the kiss. Evander moved back and grabbed my hands, he lightly kissed my knuckles.

"Now, do you not have training to do? I promise… I will make it worth your while, my love."