Chapter 82

After stepping out of the lounge, Julian held Evelyn's hand and pulled her straight into the lounge next door. Evelyn didn't resist, just let him lead her. The door clicked shut behind them, and the room was instantly dark. Before she could even think to turn on the lights, she was already wrapped up in a warm embrace. An arm slid gently around her waist. Julian held her close, his other hand cradling the back of her head, guiding her to lean against his chest. "Don't move, just let me hold you for a bit," he murmured, his voice low and soft. From the moment Evelyn had stood up for him earlier, he'd wanted to do this—to pull her into his arms and not let go. That familiar wind-chime scent clung to her, calming him down. Evelyn's stiff shoulders slowly relaxed with his words. She reached forward, returning the hug, her hand patting his back gently. "Touched, huh?" She hadn't said those things earlier to be dramatic. It was just—Bernard's attitude toward Julian really rubbed her the wron