**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
By Sophia Reed
**Chapter 47: Do We Have A Deal?**
In the quiet of the morning, it was clear that Alexander was not burdened with any pressing matters. The sun streamed through the window, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air, yet there was nothing on his agenda that demanded his immediate attention. So, why had he sent Oliver to speak with Evelyn, claiming he was too busy to see her himself?
The truth was, after spending the last few days in Evelyn’s company, he had come to a startling realization: he was developing feelings for her. Feelings that twisted his heart and sent his mind spinning in a whirlwind of confusion.
What was he supposed to do with this revelation? He had meticulously constructed a mental barrier between them, one that had seemed sensible at the time. Yet, as the days unfolded, those reasons began to crumble under the weight of his own emotions.
In his misguided attempt to protect her, he had kept her at arm’s length, believing it was for the best. But Evelyn had proven to be a resilient and tenacious individual, more than deserving of the title of Luna, not just in name but in spirit.
Alexander found himself at a loss, grappling with these burgeoning feelings and the thoughts that accompanied them. Admitting to himself that he was nervous about confronting his emotions was a bitter pill to swallow.
He had opened himself up to the possibility of knowing Evelyn on a deeper level, and he was grateful for it. Their time together, initially centered around learning the intricacies of etiquette, had transformed into something far more enjoyable. He relished her presence, even if the foundation of their meetings had been somewhat formal.
As the days passed, he found himself craving her company more and more. It was bittersweet, knowing that their lessons would not last indefinitely. Evelyn was making remarkable strides in her self-assurance, progressing far beyond where she had started.
He marveled at the way her self-confidence blossomed, a seed he had hoped to plant within her now flourishing beautifully. He cherished the moments when her face lit up with joy at his praise, and he couldn’t deny the tightening sensation in his chest whenever she smiled genuinely.
It was a feeling he had not anticipated. The way her smile could captivate him, drawing him in completely, was both exhilarating and terrifying.
And then there had been that delightful moment during one of their lessons…
**I believe my Luna may have a praise kink.**
The mere thought sent a jolt through him, igniting a mix of excitement and desire. He remembered the way her eyes widened and the rosy hue that spread across her cheeks, making her all the more enchanting.
He hadn’t realized the impact of his words at the time; they had simply slipped out, unguarded. But the reaction he received from her was a delightful surprise—an intoxicating blend of shyness and exhilaration. It felt as if he had unearthed a hidden treasure about his wife, one that he was determined to cherish and nurture.
Yet, beyond all of that, he simply enjoyed being with her. The comfort she brought him was unexpected, a soothing balm to his soul.
**I just wish we could go back to sharing a bedroom.**
But with his feelings evolving at such a rapid pace, he questioned whether merely having her back in the master bedroom would suffice. Her presence was one thing, but what if he found himself yearning for more?
Would she be willing to fulfill that desire?
In the meantime, he was battling restless nights, his sleep disrupted, and he was fairly certain that he had developed a caffeine dependency just to function throughout the day. The result was a jittery disposition that only fueled his irritability.
**Knock. Knock. Knock.**
The sound jolted him from his thoughts, and he instinctively looked up, expecting Oliver to be the one at the door. Yet, Oliver would have barged in without hesitation.
“Come in,” he called out, his voice steady despite the anticipation bubbling within him.
To his astonishment, as the door swung open, it was Evelyn who stepped inside. His heart raced at the sight of her. She wore a cozy cable-knit sweater that accentuated her figure and a pair of jeans that perfectly complemented her silhouette. In her hands, she cradled a large mug, and he felt an inexplicable warmth spread through him.
“Hey,” she greeted him softly, her voice a gentle caress in the otherwise quiet room. “I know you’re busy, and I promise I won’t stay long. I just really wanted to give you this.”


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