Evelyn's mind screamed at her to stop, but her body betrayed her, responding to his touch. She kissed him back, her arms wrapping around his neck as she melted into the kiss.

For a brief moment, she let herself get lost in the sensation; the world around them faded away. Nothing else mattered but what she was feeling. All she wanted, in that brief moment, was to forget the past and live a little. But then reality crashed back in.

She couldn't do that. Not with so much at stake. Not when she had to protect Samantha and herself.

She pulled away abruptly, her heart pounding. "I can't do this," she said, her voice filled with regret. "I'm sorry, Derek."

Before he could respond, she turned and hurried back inside the suite. She needed to get away, to clear her head. She grabbed her toiletries and disappeared into the bathroom, locking the door behind her.

Leaning against the door, she took deep, calming breaths. Her lips still tingled from the kiss, and she could feel the lingering warmth of his touch. She shook her head, trying to dispel the memory. She splashed cold water on her face, trying to wash away the confusion and guilt that swirled inside her. She stared at her reflection, searching for some semblance of clarity.

"You can't let this happen," she whispered. "You have to stay focused. Everything will be a mess otherwise."

After a few more moments, she undressed and stepped into the shower, hoping the hot water would soothe her frazzled nerves. As she stood under the spray, she replayed the kiss, wondering how she had allowed herself to do that.

When she finally emerged, she felt somewhat calmer, but the memory of the kiss still lingered. She dressed quickly and returned to the bedroom, determined to keep her distance from Derek for the rest of the night.

She was shocked to find he had pushed the table and sofa closer to the bed; two wine glasses and a bottle of champagne sat on the table. "What's that for?" she asked, frowning. She didn't like the feeling this gave her.

Derek, still in his bathrobe, looked up with a mischievous smile. "I thought we could drink to our last day here together—and perhaps the last day I get to seduce you," he said, holding up the bottle.

He had been pleased by her response to his kiss and was even more assured that she wanted him as much as he wanted her, but was holding back for reasons he intended to discover.

"I don't think there's anything worth drinking to or celebrating about our stay here," Evelyn said. Derek raised an eyebrow.

"Okay. If not for celebration, let's at least have a drink and get to know each other better. I told you about myself; I know nothing about you," Derek said, trying to convince her.

Evelyn hesitated, her mind racing. She knew he was trying to charm her, but she didn't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing she was affected.

"I really just want to get some sleep, Derek," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Just one glass," Derek insisted, pouring the champagne. "I promise, no tricks. I won't do anything you don't want."

She had a problem with his wording. His promise not to do what she didn't want wasn't reassuring, as they both knew she couldn't trust herself.

Every fiber of her being screamed for her to refuse and go to bed, but she found herself taking the offered glass.

"Alright, just one glass," she said, sitting on the bed as Derek sat on the sofa.

Evelyn took a small sip, the bubbles tickling her nose as she eyed him warily. She still couldn't understand why he wanted her.

"So, what's been bothering you lately?" Derek asked. She raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?"

"You seem unusually distracted lately. You always have worry lines between your brows. Is there anything I can help with?" Derek asked, hoping she would open up.

Evelyn shook her head. "It's personal. I don't want to talk about it." Derek looked at her with interest.

"So, you do admit something's bothering you."

"We all have things bothering us. I'm sure you do too," she said, taking another sip.

"The only thing bothering me is getting you to open up to me," Derek said, and she rolled her eyes.

"And was that why you brought me here?" she asked, confronting him directly. "I know you lied about the property owner asking for an in-person visit." Derek chuckled as he leaned back.

"I told you, Eve. Besides wanting to charm you into my bed and have you as my woman, I wanted to get to know you better," he said easily.

"And you think lying to me and tricking me into coming here is the best way to do that?" she challenged. Derek chuckled.

"Yes, I think so. Tell me honestly, Eve, would you have gotten on the plane with me if I'd told you the truth?" Derek asked. She shook her head. "Obviously not."