Chapter 11
“Keep a close watch on Naomi and Scott, Maverick ordered. “Especially Scott Don’t let him within ten feet of Aurora”
Howard’s brow furrowed in confusion. The suspect controlled Naomi remotely, with no contact with Scott through others. “He’s more important than Naomi But she’s the one with suspicious connections.”
“You’ll understand soon enough” Maverick’s one ended further discussion.
Howard nodded. “I’ll have someone keep close tabs on him.”
With a quiet “hmm,” Maverick winced as beads of cold sweat trickled down his forehead. He leaned back in his chair with deliberate slowness, closing his eyes as he loosened his tie and shrugged off his suit jacket, tossing it aside.
Howard caught the faint metallic scent of blood and looked up to see crimson stains seeping through Maverick’s white shirt.
“Mr. Parker, your wounds have reopened. I’ll get the doctor immediately. Howard said worriedly.
“Don’t let Aurora see,” Maverick ordered sharply.
Howard rushed to summon the specialists. Of course, the injuries had reopened. His boss had forced himself to attend the press conference and Heal with Aurora before properly healing.
Seeing the crisscrossing wounds on Maverick’s body only fueled Howard’s anger. That woman is clearly bad luck, born to destroy Mr. Parker: he thought, deciding it was time to settle the score with Aurora
Downstairs in the kitchen, Aurora caught sight of Howard’s harried expression, her heart skipping a beat. “Is something wrong with Maverick?” she
asked
“He’s fine,” Howard snarled through clenched teeth, his face dark with anger. “Stop trying to curse him.
“I’m just worried,” she stammered.
“Worried?” His laugh held no humor, and he wasn’t about to believe her lies. “If you really cared, you’d stay far away from him”
Aurora remained silent but inwardly rejected the idea completely. Unless Maverick himself pushed her away, she’d never leave his side in this lifetime.
“Don’t think his protection guarantees you’ll become the next Mrs. Parker,” Howard warned. “The Parker family will never accept this marriage.
The Parkers had already disapproved when she’d tried breaking the engagement for a bodyguard. Now, despite proving her innocence, the scandal had still damaged their reputation. They would never accept such a bride.
Aurora understood their likely opposition, but her feelings were genuine this time. She met Howard’s hostile gaze with a serene smile. “As long as he wants me. I’ll marry him, no matter who objects”
in this new life. She wouldn’t hurt him this time
Only she knew the overwhelming emotions she’d felt seeing Maverick again after she woke up in
“Give up while you can,” Howard snapped, unnerved by her calm demeanor. “Behave yourself on this island. Try anything suspicious, and even Mr. Parker’s protection won’t save you. Anyone who hurts him answers to me.”
Whoever dared harm his boss would face his wrath. He would gladly lay down his life to protect him.
Her smile widened. “Underwood”
Howard stared at her like she’d lost her mind before stalking away.
Aurora returned to preparing vegetable soup and easily digestible side dishes. In her past life, she’d been a pampered princess who’d never cooked until learning for Scott, a skill that had helped lead to her downlal.
The memory made her want to tear Naomi and Scott apart.
When the soup finished, she carried everything to Maverick’s room. Finding him asleep, she settled by his bedside, studying his handsome features. How blind had she been before! Not just her eyes, but her heart too, to hurt someone who’d only ever protected her.
She pushed away thoughts of the past, content to simply watch his peaceful face and steally breathing. By his siste, she felt safe from the world’s simrink. Eventually, she drilled off.
Maverick woke to find her curled up beside the bed. Her usually bright eyes were closed, her beautiful face softened in sleep, pink lips slightly pursed, a sundil frown creasing her brow, He reached out instinctively to smooth away her worry lines.
1/2
4.37 PM
Chapter 11
Her previous life had been full of suffering, ending in imprisonment. He’d died not knowing if she’d escaped that final fire, though given her weakened state then, likely not,
The thought of her past pain cut him deep. Thank heaven for this second chance – he’d give her the world just to see her smile.
Gently, he lifted her onto the bed for a more comfortable rest. She made a soft sound in her sleep, lips curving slightly. Amused and touched, he stroked her hair before closing his eyes again. Having her here made everything worthwhile.
Meanwhile, at the Sage mansion, Evelyn rushed to meet Elias. “When is Aurora coming home?”
“I couldn’t reach Maverick,” he replied, handing his coat to a servant as Evelyn quickly moved to hang it up.
“What about Aurora?” she asked.
“She knows what she’s doing. We’ll wait for her return,” Elias replied.
