Chapter 32

The man stood against the light, face partly in shadow. The glow softened his usual coldness, making his handsome features look almost unreal. Bold eyebrows like ink strokes, deep eyes that seemed to hold entire oceans, a sharp nose, and those thin, sexy lips—every inch of his face pulled Clara's gaze in like a magnet. She forgot to blink. Her heart was racing like crazy. Lost in the moment, Eugene stepped forward, his long legs moving with ease. He looked down at her, taking in everything. Clara's features were delicate—tiny, well—shaped. Her upturned eyes were striking, with long, curled lashes fluttering like butterfly wings. She had a slight blush on her cheeks, soft and pink under the warm light, adding a gentle loveliness to her face. Eugene felt caught off guard for a second. He first noticed her when he pulled her out of the pool—soaked and disheveled—but he hadn't forgotten the look in her eyes. Scared, but steady. Grateful, yet full of silent attachment. And now it hit him—wa