Chapter 317
317:
A silent sorrow swept over Dylan as he watched Christina, sympathizing with the fact that she had poured her heart into a relationship for three years, only to be met with scorn and ridicule instead of the love and respect she deserved. Now that he had finally recognized his own feelings for Christina, all he wanted was to keep her by his side and shield her from any harm.
Dylan vowed quietly, his heart pounding, while Christina remained unaware, only noticing that he seemed to drift off, his expression shifting from regret to stubborn resolve.
“Dylan?” Christina’s voice was gentle, pulling him from his reverie.
Dylan blinked, returning to the moment. “What is it?”
A teasing smile touched Christina’s lips. “Isn’t it my job to take care of Miss Scott? You’re paying me a small fortune, so looking after you is part of the deal too.”
Whatever coldness lingered in Dylan’s eyes slowly faded, replaced by a gentle glow. Softly, he replied, “Your safety means more to me than my own.”
Those words and that unmistakable gentle tone caught Christina off guard—she hadn’t expected tenderness from him, especially given his usual aloofness. For a moment, their eyes met, and an unspoken spark danced between them.
A flutter ran through Christina’s chest, leaving her briefly unsettled. She questioned whether there was something wrong with Dylan’s mind, but quickly reminded herself that it was his chest that had been stitched, not his mind. So why was he suddenly so uncharacteristically gentle?
Christina offered a smile. “Rest assured, nothing is going to happen to me if I stay.”
As Dylan watched her hold firm to her decision, he felt slightly exasperated yet secretly pleased with the chance to spend more time with her. But that happiness was quickly drowned out by worry. Fresh from surgery, he doubted his ability to protect her if danger came knocking again. Still, faced with Christina’s stubborn determination, he knew any protest would be pointless.
He realized that beneath her gentle exterior and soft-spoken words, her resolve was as unbreakable as steel. To him, this was what set her apart. No matter her outward appearance, the fire inside her always managed to shine through, illuminating every room she entered.
Christina noticed Dylan’s quietness and her voice softened. “Please, just let me stay. I promise I won’t be a burden if anything happens. Is that alright?” With each gentle word that left her lips, Dylan felt his defenses crumble. It was almost as if she had cast a spell on him. He found it hard to say no to Christina, and the way she looked at him now could melt even the coldest heart. A fierce desire to claim her as his own suddenly took hold. He couldn’t bear the thought of another man witnessing this side of her. Yet, a wave of frustration washed over him as he realized he wasn’t in a position to entertain such a thought. He wasn’t her boyfriend or husband—not yet, at least.
Forcing those tangled emotions down, Dylan put on his usual distant facade and said, “You can stay, but make sure you don’t wander too far from me.” More than anything, Dylan worried about Christina’s safety. The idea of her getting hurt—even in the slightest—was unbearable. Now that he’d agreed to let her stay, he vowed inwardly that, no matter the risk, he would keep her safe. Anyone who dared to harm her would have to face him first.
Christina’s face lit up at his agreement. “Alright! I promise I’ll behave!” Dylan’s mood lifted instantly. The brightness of her smile and the sound of her cheerful voice eased the lines of concern that had formed on his face.
Soon after, Ralphy entered the room with the doctor and a nurse trailing behind. After the medical staff examined Dylan, Christina poured him a glass of water. “Here you go,” she said, offering the glass. Dylan took it from her and said, his voice softer than before, “Thanks.”
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