The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving novel Chapter 87

Evelyn's mind went blank for a moment. Lucas' breath carried the scent of alcohol as it brushed against her lips. She was completely caught off guard—until she realized he was trying to pry them open.

A jolt of awareness shot through her, and she abruptly pushed him away.

She scrambled to her feet and quickly straightened her disheveled nightgown. Her eyes turned cold. "Lucas, you're drunk. I'm not Tiffany."

Lucas, momentarily stunned by her push, slowly opened his eyes. As he took in her displeased expression, the haze in his deep-set gaze gradually cleared, and his brows drew together.

It seemed he hadn't expected this turn of events, especially not Evelyn's expression. His eyes flicked around the room before he sat up, rubbing his temples. His voice was still slightly hoarse. "What time is it?"

Evelyn's heart was still racing. It had been a long time since she had been this physically close to him, and it felt uncomfortable. More than that, their relationship was no longer one where this should happen.

At that moment, all the humiliation from the night before—the public embarrassment of being asked to change her dress, the frustration of being mistaken for Tiffany, the bitterness of knowing she was nothing more than a substitute—rushed over her in waves.

"Past ten."

"Mm. No need to return the call. Tomorrow will do." Lucas stood up. His tall, commanding presence exuded an undeniable pressure.

He glanced at Evelyn, but he didn't bring up what had just happened. "Get some rest."

With that, he grabbed his coat and strode out the door. His movements were hurried, as if he had something urgent to take care of.

Evelyn thought he was probably upset about mistaking her for Tiffany. Now that he had sobered up, he must have felt guilty toward her.

As for his drunken words—how he missed her—she had never seen Lucas act so needy before. It must be because he and Tiffany were so intimate that it had become second nature to him.

It was unlike his time with her. Even in their most intimate moments, Lucas had never been tender. Once he had fulfilled his needs, he would simply roll over and sleep—never holding her in his arms.

Evelyn pushed the thoughts aside and went to bed.

…

Their return trip was already scheduled. Early in the morning, Maria called. "Evie, are you two up yet?"

Evelyn set down her coffee. "Yes, we're up."