Chapter 290

The usually composed Isabella Sinclair couldn't suppress a quiet laugh, covering her lips with her delicate fingers.

Poor Alexander Kingsley, she thought. He's trying so hard to impress Seraphina Lockwood. His usual suave demeanor isn't working, so he's resorting to clumsy attempts—often with hilarious results.

Seraphina wasn't trying to be difficult. She simply noticed Alexander struggling with the bowl and spoon, his movements awkward. Concerned, she leaned forward, parting her soft pink lips to accept the spoonful he offered.

Seeing her eat what he'd prepared, Alexander's eyes crinkled with warmth, an involuntary smile tugging at his lips.

She coughed suddenly, having eaten too quickly.

"Slow down," he chided gently, patting her back. "Even if you're hungry, take your time."

His gaze caught on a stray drop of white liquid at the corner of her mouth. His dark eyes darkened further, his cheeks flushing crimson.

Oatmeal.

How long had it been since he'd indulged himself? Why was something as innocent as oatmeal making his thoughts spiral?

"Alexander, the oatmeal is delicious. I want more," Seraphina murmured, noticing his distracted expression.

"Of course," he answered, his voice rough.

At that moment, the hospital door swung open.

"Alexander! You've got some nerve!"

Startled, Seraphina instinctively threw herself into Alexander's arms, her slender fingers clutching his shirt tightly.

Her sudden embrace made his pulse spike, his body acutely aware of her closeness.

"Don't be scared," he whispered against her ear, his tone soothing. "It's just your sister Evelyn and your brother Thaddeus coming to pick you up."

The Abernathys stormed in, freezing at the sight before them.

"Alexander! Keep your hands off Seraphina!" Evelyn's voice was sharp, her heart pounding at the sight of her sister curled protectively in his arms.

Alexander hadn't moved, but her accusation made him tighten his hold reflexively.

Evelyn exhaled sharply, overwhelmed.

An entire night.

Had Alexander really kept his hands to himself? Even if he wasn't actively pursuing her, could any man resist such temptation?

Believing Alexander would behave like a gentleman was laughable.

Thaddeus's expression was stern. "What happened? Why is Seraphina in the hospital?"

Evelyn's sharp eyes caught the bandage on Seraphina's left ear. She rushed forward. "What's this? What happened to her?"

Thaddeus's chest tightened with concern.

Alexander scoffed internally.

Was Seraphina their sister or their prized possession?

"Seraphina just had surgery. I'll explain everything later," Alexander said, his voice low as he stroked her trembling back.

Evelyn sensed there was more but held back. "Grandfather wants Seraphina to return to the Abernathy mansion in Havenbrook. She'll live with him from now on."

"Really? That's wonderful! She's finally free from that hellhole!"

Seraphina stayed silent, but Alexander's heart swelled with relief.

Thaddeus, however, studied Seraphina's anxious expression and realized something. His lips thinned.

"I won't go!" Seraphina suddenly cried out. "I want to stay with Alexander!"

The room fell silent.

Alexander stared down at the teary-eyed girl in his arms, his throat tight. A single thought consumed him: He wanted to take her home.

Desperately.

"Seraphina, you want to stay with him?" Evelyn was speechless.

Seraphina buried her face against Alexander's chest, her breath warm against his skin. "I want to go home with you."

After her insistence, Evelyn and Thaddeus had no choice but to relent.

Thaddeus pulled Alexander aside to the hospital's smoking area.

"Alexander, what happened to Seraphina's ear?" He offered a cigarette, lighting one for himself.

Alexander's eyes burned with fury. "Isn't it obvious? Your precious sister Glynnis is to blame."

"She's not my sister. Seraphina is the only sister I acknowledge."

Just hearing Glynnis's name made Thaddeus's blood boil. His voice turned icy. "Did Glynnis hurt her?"

Alexander nearly crushed the cigarette in his grip. "Thad, if I retaliate against Glynnis, will you stop me out of loyalty to the Abernathys?"

Thaddeus took a slow drag before answering flatly, "Whatever you tell me today, I never heard."

His stance couldn't be clearer.

Alexander smirked, clapping Thaddeus on the shoulder. "Thanks, brother."

"Teach her a lesson, but don't kill her. I'm thinking about your future."

Thaddeus gave him a pointed look. "If you're serious about Seraphina, you need to clean up your act. Cut ties with other women. Stop the violence. You're a Kingsley, not a thug. I won't let her near you like this."

"Thad, I only see her as a sister. Nothing more," Alexander lied, regret twisting in his chest.

His fingers trembled slightly around the cigarette, betraying him.

Thaddeus studied him before speaking casually. "Don't let my issues with Elspeth affect you. Seraphina might be her daughter, but I've never held that against her. She's a good girl. She deserves happiness."

"Thad—" Alexander's voice cracked, emotion overwhelming him.

"You're far from perfect," Thaddeus continued, exhaling smoke. "But I see sincerity in you when it comes to her. So, I'm willing to give you a chance."

His tone was almost paternal.

Alexander scowled. Since when did Thaddeus act like a father figure?

Thaddeus reached for the cigarette. "Are you smoking that or not?"

Alexander jerked it back. "Since when are you so stingy? You're a billionaire. Can't spare one cigarette?"

"I'm quitting. Down to half a pack a day."

"Why? Turning thirty and suddenly health-conscious?"

"For Evelyn." Thaddeus's expression softened. "She hates the smell. I know it's hard, but I'm trying."

Alexander scoffed. "She hated Acacia too. Why didn't you ditch her back then?"

Thaddeus's face darkened. "I know my past is ugly. You don't need to remind me. But my heart is set now. In this lifetime, Evelyn is the only one for me."

By evening, Seraphina woke to find Alexander had prepared dinner.

"Seraphina," he murmured, sitting on the edge of her bed, his tone teasing. "Were you serious about coming home with me?"

She bit her lip, nodding before shaking her head.

Curled in her oversized hospital gown, her bare feet peeked out, delicate and unconsciously alluring.

Alexander's gaze lingered, heat flaring in his veins.

"I want to live with Grandfather," she admitted softly. "But I want to recover first. I don't want to worry him."

"I understand."

He stroked her hair gently before smirking. "But Seraphina, do you really trust me that much? Do you know how terrible my reputation is? Aren't you afraid you're jumping from the frying pan into the fire?"

She lifted her clear, innocent eyes to his. "I don't care what others say. To me, you're a good person. Like Thaddeus."

Alexander's heart hammered violently. His fingers trailed from her hair to the nape of her neck.

Seeing his silence, she grew nervous. "Did I cause trouble? Do you not want me with you?"

Her confusion was genuine, her words dangerously naive.

Suddenly, her sweet scent enveloped him.

His breath hitched.

Then her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him down.

Her soft lips met his in a clumsy, innocent kiss.

Alexander stiffened, his control fraying as he barely managed to pull back.

Seraphina, eyes closed, recalled their first kiss. Tentatively, her tongue traced his lips, seeking entry.

A jolt of electricity shot through him. He tore away, panting, his eyes dark with desire. "Seraphina, what are you doing?"

She blinked up at him earnestly. "Don't you like this? I want to repay you."

"Repay me?" He was stunned.

"I won't take your kindness for granted. You enjoy this, don't you? I'm not good yet, but I can learn."

Alexander's blood roared in his ears.

"Seraphina," he growled. "Do you have any idea how dangerous you are to a man right now?"

"Dangerous?" She tilted her head, oblivious.

With a low groan, he captured her lips again, his kiss deep and possessive.

Her breath hitched as his hands slid to her waist.

Then, with aching gentleness, he lowered her onto the pristine white sheets.