The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 352

"Knock, knock!"

Just as their lips were about to meet, a loud rapping on the car window startled them.

Brooks jumped, pulling away from the kiss. He glanced up.

It was Charles, looking none too pleased.

The noise woke Evelyn too. She blinked awake, following the sound with her eyes.

Through the glass, she locked eyes with Charles, who was clearly fuming.

Instantly, Evelyn was wide awake.

"Brooks, you should head home and get some rest," she said calmly, handing him his jacket.

This was her way of telling him to steer clear of the drama between her and Charles. It was a quiet nudge for him to leave.

With that, she opened the car door and stepped out, offering Brooks a small, reassuring smile to signal his exit.

She shut the door behind her and walked straight inside, not even glancing at Charles.

"What were you two doing in the car?" Charles demanded, matching her stride and searching her face for answers.

Evelyn didn’t give him the time of day. She was drained and all she wanted was a hot shower and some shut-eye.

But Charles wasn’t about to let her off the hook so easily.

The moment they were inside, Charles pinned her against the door.

Grabbing her chin, he planted a sudden kiss on her.

Evelyn turned her head, dodging him. Charles’ lips grazed her cheek instead.

Their breaths mingled heavily in the air.

Evelyn was tense all over, her resistance plain as day.

Charles replayed the smile she’d given Brooks and how long the car had stayed parked, and his chest tightened with frustration.

He didn’t push for another kiss. Instead, he backed off slightly.

Evelyn recognized the threat in his words—he was using her mother as leverage again.

Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, nails biting into her palms to drown out the inner turmoil.

With a resigned sigh, she closed her eyes and kissed him.

The kiss was mechanical, more of a bite than a kiss, with the coppery taste of blood seeping in.

Charles’ breathing grew heavier, unable to resist turning passive into active.

Evelyn had no choice but to endure it, her back pressed against the door, her body rigid.

Eventually, Charles released her, not pushing things too far, and headed to the bathroom for a cold shower.

Evelyn went to the sink, picking up her toothbrush and scrubbing away any trace of Charles’ presence.

When Charles came out of the shower, he found Evelyn still brushing her teeth.

His expression darkened, and he stormed over, snatching the toothbrush from her. "That's enough."