Chapter 502

Byron wasn't wrong; Maeve was like a cat. Even her aggressive side felt strangely soft, like a playful swat from a fluffy paw. But no matter how he approached, she recoiled. He saw her as a bristling white British Shorthair, tail fluffed, ready to strike. She spun away, angry. Before she could get far, he caught her shoulder, pulling her back. The scent of cedar enveloped her as he held her close, preventing her escape. He nuzzled her hair, murmuring, "I'm sorry, I was frantic."

Three hours. Three hours she and the children were gone. The agonizing wait had felt like his heart was being roasted alive. Even seeing her unharmed didn't quell the burning rage, the violence barely contained within him. He fought to keep his fear from showing, to keep her from crying.

Her eyes stung. "What's the hurry? You weren't kidnapped," she retorted, stubbornly.

"I wish it had been me," his voice, rough with emotion, brushed against her neck. The warmth, the vibration against her pulse, soothed the fire in her heart. But she couldn't let him off the hook that easily; it felt too…easy.

She sniffed, grabbing his arm. "If you care, say it properly. Why are you so fierce? Am I some mistake-making subordinate?"

"Even if you don't want to hear it," Byron insisted, "you can't go out without bodyguards. How could you survive today?" Those kidnappers had even found smugglers and buyers for illegal goods. If things hadn't changed at the last minute, it could have been far worse.

"Last time I had bodyguards, I ended up at sea," Maeve countered, "And in Erancia, I was kidnapped! So, I figured bodyguards were useless."

Byron was speechless. Just as she thought he was finished, he said softly, "Since you don't trust others, I'll do it. From now on."

"What?" she asked, incredulous. "Be my bodyguard?"

"Yes."

"Are you serious?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?" He turned her, holding her gaze. He wiped her tears. "Consider it a return to my old profession."

The words, seemingly unconnected, sparked something in her. Four years ago, she'd mistaken him for a bodyguard. How could he, a man of privilege, be someone's protector? Yet, here he was…

Her heart fluttered, a chaotic rhythm. Then he added, casually, "But how will you pay me?"

Her mind raced, following his lead. Before she could answer, he said, "I'll ask when I feel like it." Seven conditions remained unpaid. She nodded; the debt didn't matter anymore. She was simply curious. Could he even be her bodyguard, given the McDaniel Group's demands on his time?

Meanwhile, in the VIP ward…

Alexis was listless after surgery. When the police asked about the kidnappers' injuries, he fell silent. A robot had done the damage, controlled by a child. The police didn't know, meaning the twins and their mother were hiding something. Alexis cleared his throat. "It was self-defense. They beat me up."

He was the only victim with the skills to fight back, so the police didn't suspect anything. His injuries were severe enough that the kidnappers' crimes overshadowed any excessive self-defense.

The officer's gaze shifted. As soon as they left, Alexis's agent pressed, "When did you learn to take on five thugs at once?"

"Don't ask," Alexis groaned, hand on his abdomen. "How are the woman and twins?"

"They're fine. But your injuries… Shouldn't you tell your family? You almost died! If the Soar family were protecting you…"

"I didn't get where I am today with their help. Asking them now would be humiliating," Alexis said flatly. His father had disapproved of his career choice. They'd clashed, and he'd cut ties. He wouldn't change that now.

His manager knew his pride, but seeing his injuries, he urged, "At least tell Zephyr. You're close."

Alexis paused. "Later. Zephyr would lecture me." The thought of Zephyr's nagging was enough.

"Should we get a confidentiality agreement from those you saved? This could hurt your reputation."

"They saved me," Alexis corrected, his eyes troubled. "Have you ever seen a fighting robot?"

His agent blinked.

"A robot whose arm extends from two feet to six and a half? A robot that strangles with its own arm, understanding voice commands?" The agent stared, aghast.

Alexis inhaled deeply. "I have."

The agent looked bewildered. "Are you still drugged? Look, how many heads do I have?" Idiot, Alexis thought.