Chapter 2

The subtle scent of wind chimes lingered around Evelyn—Julian's fragrance. His arms locked tightly around her slim waist as he effortlessly swept her up in a bridal carry. The soft scent clinging to her enveloped him. Julian's fingers brushed the silk of her dress, and a shadow of something dark shifted in his deep-set eyes. Evelyn felt the pressure at her waist tighten slightly. She shoved at his chest, wriggling. "Let… let me go." Julian set her down without resistance, a mischievous smirk playing on his devastatingly handsome face. She straightened, scowling at her wedding dress. Bending over, she pulled off her heels one by one and held them. Julian watched her, still grinning. "So the bride's making a run for it, huh?" The wedding between the Knights and the Andrews had been the talk of Lichester for over a week, thanks to the hype from Nathaniel's side. Naturally, the Everetts had been invited too—Julian tagging along. But unlike his impeccably suited family, he stood out in light blue ripped skinny jeans and a loose pink hoodie, exuding a deliberately casual, youthful air. Memories surfaced. No matter what, Nathaniel was always overshadowed by Julian. It was a constant, bitter frustration. Raising an eyebrow, she gave a wry smile. "So I'm the runaway bride, and you're here to crash the wedding?" Something flickered in Julian's eyes before he casually whistled. "Crashing a wedding? Sounds wild, I admit." Out of nowhere, he leaned in, lifting her chin with one finger. "But if I'm being honest, secret affairs intrigue me far more than public spectacles. What do you say, Miss Knight? Fancy slipping away with me?" In Lichester, everyone knew Evelyn had a thing for the kind of gentlemanly, well-mannered guys like Nathaniel Andrews. As for guys like Julian Everett—the wild, good-for-nothing rich kids—she couldn't be more turned off. A smirk tugged at Evelyn's lips. She reached out and yanked Julian toward her. Their upper bodies pressed tight. Gripping him, she bent slightly, her red lips brushing his ear as she whispered, "So Mr. Everett, care to name the day for our little secret rendezvous?" As she spoke, her lips casually grazed his cheek. The fleeting touch drew a chuckle from Julian. He slipped an arm around her waist and pulled, pressing her flush against him. Evelyn felt the heat radiating off him. Suddenly, her mind flashed back to their only encounter in her past life. Back then, just like now, his eyes had held that same dangerous haze, his arms circling her as he murmured something outrageous. She'd fixed him with an icy glare, but before she could react, Julian had released her with that trademark sly grin. "Just a game of truth or dare, Miss Knight. Hope you didn't mind." Behind them, his friends had whooped and teased. She remembered the contempt she'd swallowed, scoffing as he walked away. "Thing is, Miss Knight," Julian murmured now, gently tilting her chin and snapping her back to the present, "I tend to take these invitations seriously. So…" He leaned in, his gaze locked on hers. They looked like a couple wrapped in passion, moments from a kiss. Julian stopped a breath away from her lips. His fingertip lightly traced her mouth as his voice dropped to a low rasp: "Don't play with me unless you're ready for the consequences." "Who says I—" Before Evelyn could retort, sudden footsteps pounded from the courtyard, followed by panicked shouts. Then came the sharp click of the gate unlocking. Amusement flickered in Julian's eyes, but Evelyn was already moving. Slipping off her heels with one hand, she gripped his with the other. "Run!!!"