Chapter 390
I was tugged toward the door, and as I went, I glanced back at Edward. Edward was watching me, his gaze dark and brooding, like a dangerous tiger lying in wait. A shiver ran down my spine, and I quickened my pace.
Once we stepped out of the villa, I realized the place was on a whole other level. In the dark, I hadn’t noticed how massive and impressive everything was–now, with the sunlight, you could see how thoughtfully designed and grand it all looked. Ryan opened the car door for me. “Get in. Don’t let my uncle’s words mess with your mood. He’s always on my case about this stuff.” I smiled and ducked into the car, with Ryan climbing in right after me.
“So, where do you want to go now?” he asked. “Honestly? I just want to go home and take a shower,” I replied. Ryan told the driver to head out. We’d just pulled up to my apartment building when Ryan’s phone rang. He said grimly, “The guy who attacked you yesterday? It really was that salesman. He’s got a record—he assaulted another girl and did three years in prison.” My heart felt heavy, and for a second, I started questioning everything. Danger really is everywhere. If you’re a single girl, you’ve got to stay sharp and look out for yourself.
Once I got home, I finally felt my tense muscles relax. Ryan plopped down on the couch to rest, while I headed to the bedroom to take a shower and change into fresh clothes. When I came out, Ryan was watching me. My hair was still damp at the ends–it was so thick it never dried quickly–making me look a little lazy and relaxed. I could feel his eyes lingering on me, and for a second, I felt oddly self–conscious. On the drive back, I’d really wanted to ask about the Jennings family, but I knew better. Ryan was part of this massive, secretive family that preferred to stay out of the public eye–definitely not the kind of people who liked outsiders poking around in their business. I couldn’t ask, and honestly, I shouldn’t. And clearly, Ryan wasn’t about to bring it up either.
“Your wound’s still not healed,” Ryan said as he walked over, noticing the scratch on my arm. Against my fair skin, the mark looked even more obvious. I smiled. “I totally forgot about it. It’s already healed up, so it’s no big deal.” Ryan reached out, ruffled my hair, then gently pressed me against his chest. His sudden affection made my whole body tense, but I just didn’t have the willpower to break free from his gentle embrace.
“I’ll give you two months to rest and heal, and then… can we be together?” Ryan whispered in my ear, his voice low and husky. My heart skipped a beat. “I know you can’t just jump into another relationship right away, so I’ll give you time to adjust,” he murmured, his fingers gently stroking my hair, making my scalp tingle with a soft tickle. I thought about how much I owed him for saving my life, and the words to turn him down just died on my lips. “Mm,” I heard myself say, as if I’d just agreed to him. Ryan let out a low chuckle. “How about I get you a female bodyguard? You can bring her on board at your company, and she’ll stick with you wherever you go, keep you safe.” I lifted my head from his chest and looked him in the eye. “No need. I can take care of myself.” Ryan gave a dry laugh. “What, you think I’m just trying to spy on you?” Yeah, that’s pretty much what I was thinking. Sure, I’d just had a close call, but danger’s everywhere. You can’t just stop living because you’re scared. Ryan reached up and gave my cheek a playful squeeze. “For someone I call clueless, you’re actually pretty sharp.” My eyes flicked up, just about to snap back at him, when Ryan suddenly slipped his arm around my waist and pulled me close, lifting me up onto my tiptoes. The next moment, his lips crashed down on mine. He was so tall I had to stretch up just to meet him, our kiss fitting together perfectly. Just as our lips touched, my phone started ringing. “Don’t answer it,” Ryan said with a hint of irritation, his arm still locked tight around my waist. But I was already distracted, my mind wandering away. He kissed me a few more times, almost aggressively chasing after my lips before finally letting go. I grabbed my phone and glanced at the screen–it was Jared. “The police found someone last night who tried something shady with you. Are you okay? Did you get hurt?” Jared’s voice was full of worry. I replied, “Thanks for checking in. I’m fine, just some minor scrapes.” “From now on, make sure you’re off work by eight. Don’t push yourself so hard,” Jared said urgently. “No need, I don’t need any special treatment,” I said, grateful but firm.