---- Chapter 22 Eve went toward the manor's main building. As her high heels clicked against the pavement, the reporters scurried away in haste. She unclasped the sapphire necklace around her neck and played with the expensive jewels as if they were mere glass beads of no value. "Is everything taken care of?" she asked. Her voice carried an unintentional hint of reliance. Samuel had positioned himself half a step behind her before she knew it. His fingertips brushed lightly against the nape of her neck, sending a shiver down Eve's spine. "Everything's arranged. The newspaper editor just texted me an apology and offered to publish a clarifying statement on the front page." Samuel's breath grazed Eve's ear, and she felt a sudden heat creeping up her spine. She quickened her pace and pushed open the heavy bedroom door. Then she turned abruptly and pinned Samuel against the door. "How long were you watching from the terrace?" Eve's fingers traced his Adam's apple with a charming smile. "You let those people insult me without stepping in to defend me?" ---- Samuel remained unmoved and let her empty threats linger. He looked down at Eve, and his gaze lingered on her lips. "| counted them. | had the addresses noted down of those who threatened to kill and humiliate you." As Samuel spoke, he suddenly shifted their positions and trapped her between the door and himself. Eve felt dizzy as they had suddenly shifted positions. The warmth of his breath sprayed on her lips. She should be angry, but she found herself leaning closer to his chest. "They bullied me, and I'm unhappy. | want to make them pay." "I've already sent some people for that," Samuel said. He lowered his head, and his nose brushed past her ear. His breath became hot and heavy. "But, honey, your performance today..." His hand slid down her waistline, and Eve pressed tightly against him, feeling the heat even through her clothes. He continued, "Your performance made my part hard all day." His direct confession made Eve's entire body burn. She ought to slap him, but inexplicably, she tugged at his tie and pulled him closer. "Prove it to me," she said with provocation. ---- In the next moment, Eve was swept off her feet. She exclaimed in surprise. Samuel carried her toward the desk, which quickened her heartbeat. When her back met the cold surface of the desk, he suddenly dropped to one knee and lifted her skirt. Eve gasped sharply, and her fingers trembled as they tangled in his hair. "Samuel." She called his name, and her voice quivered and fragmented. He was feared across the land, but he was now reverently kissing her thigh. Eve had always been composed, but she was now flushed and gripping her husband's hair. Her eyes were filled with fervor. "Stop..." She panted. But her fingers pressed his head even tighter. Samuel chuckled softly, and his warm breath caressed her skin. "You are such a liar." When Samuel lifted his gaze, Eve saw the raw desire in his eyes. It wasn't a hunger for power or wealth, but the purest, most primal urge of possession, directed solely at her. ---- It made her chest tighten when she sensed it. "| want you to prove your loyalty to me tonight." Eve's slender fingers landed on Samuel's belt. Samuel was a little surprised. Then he quickly had a deeper desire. He unbuckled the belt with one hand and discarded it on the floor. "Click." Eve shivered all over. "As you wish, my princess." Samuel whispered against her ear. Many had called her that since she was a little girl, but never had it made her heart race out of control like that. As she had sex with him passionately, she suddenly thought that it was not a difficult thing to spend the rest of her life with Samuel, who could fight for her and bring her a happy time in bed. She might be developing a bit of a crush on Samuel.