Chapter 87

The glass refracted cold light under the lamps.

Alexander Kingsley's gaze lingered on the rim, where a single drop of water still glistened.

The crisp scent of lemon hung in the air.

He raised the glass, pressing the rim to his thin lips.

"Lord Alex—" Nathan Carter's protest died in his throat.

Alexander had already swallowed the first sip.

An eerie silence fell over the lounge.

The producer kept checking his watch. Fifteen minutes until the premiere ceremony.

Every eye was fixed on those slender, aristocratic fingers.

Evelyn Sinclair smiled faintly. "How does it taste?"

Alexander's Adam's apple bobbed.

Then he tilted his head back and drained the entire glass of pure lemon juice.

Nathan's eyes widened.

That was undiluted citrus—acidic enough to make grown men weep.

"Passable." Alexander set the glass down with a sharp clink.

The producer nearly dropped to his knees in relief.

"The ceremony—" he ventured cautiously.

Alexander pointed to two large containers in the corner. "One glass each. Then we go."

Staff scrambled to distribute paper cups.

The producer was first in line, taking a hearty gulp.

"Pfft—"

Sour liquid sprayed across the floor.

Alexander sidestepped the mess with a frown. "Not to your liking?"

"D-delicious..." The producer forced down the remainder with tears in his eyes.

Others exchanged uneasy glances before raising their cups.

"Gack—"

"Dear God..."

Gagging sounds echoed through the room.

Isabella Winslow pinched her nose, batting tearful lashes. "Alex, could I possibly—"

"Certainly." Alexander cut her off. "Then you needn't attend the ceremony either."

Her face went sheet-white. Gulping it down while holding her nose, she shot Evelyn a venomous glare—only to find the other woman standing composed, completely unaffected.

......

At the premiere venue, reporters murmured behind raised cameras.

"Why are all the leads massaging their jaws?"

"Their voices keep trembling..."

"Is that...lemon I smell?"

From the fan section came shrieks: "Even his frown is devastatingly handsome!"

......

Only two remained in the lounge.

Evelyn turned to leave when her wrist was seized in a vice grip.

The world spun as she was pinned against the wall.

Cold lips crashed onto hers.

Sour liquid flooded her mouth, making her choke.

Alexander cradled the back of her head, feeding her the lemon juice drop by torturous drop.

Evelyn's eyes watered from the acidity.

Suddenly she rose on tiptoe, twisting the tables as she tangled her tongue with his.

Alexander's pupils contracted sharply.

She stole back every last drop.

When they broke apart, Evelyn gasped for air, the corners of her eyes flushed pink.

"Are you insane?" Her voice shook.

Alexander stared at her glistening lips.

A single bead of juice still clung there.

He swiped it away with his thumb, grazing the soft curve of her mouth.

The beast inside him roared.

He wanted to devour her whole. Now.