m's

ghter and give her father a good scare before I bumped into her at the restaurant. Th

pped my shirt tightly. Her sobs echoed in

ly. For a second, I almost felt human, but

ntence. Her voice cracked, and she clung to me even tighter. I didn't think she had it i

m her tear-streaked face as I stared down at her. Those hazel eyes, glassy an

for me. Despite me being here now, comforting her

voice steady, masking the chaos in me. Sh

the police,"

g mine. I softened my tone. "No, Aliya. Whoever sent those men will know we're onto them if

ip as doubt flickered across her fa

knew how comfortable she was getting in the a

ulders, steadying her. "Listen to me. I'll stay here till you fall asleep.

slightly, and she nodde

l asleep. Then I pulled away gently, taking o

, and he picked up at th

ng back tonight, so make sure none of them leave. They didn't follow my

the couch, running a hand through my hair. My plans

er hero. Sorry to say, dear Aliya, I'll bring down your tough-girl wall, and

p. When I woke up, I met a pair of hazel eyes glari

s crossed. I stretched lazily, suppressing a g

she repeated, making me let out a c

was too scared to sleep on her own. I would have joined you on the bed, but I can'

plans have changed, we won't go over the terms of the contract now. We have

ave saved you twice, and not once have I received a thank you." It seems I might h

money you'll receive from this marriage contract-isn't that enough to suppress any thank you

at my watch. It was 9 p.m. only. So much for trying to be the hero, maybe I shou

e. I bought some clothes for you. First, you need a bath. Foll

e a very nagging wife," I teased

small room. Compared to what I usually sleep in, it was almost the

le before heading to the shower. Once I was done, I picked up one of the sophisticated shirts

she was texting so seriously. "I'm ready," I said, announcing my presence. She turned to

he asked and headed outside, causin

I feasted my eyes on them for a while and gulped down hard while she typed so

ere. Maybe it won't be so hard because I see how you're dr

ood at pretending, so try not to actually fall in love with me." I winked, a

wealthy guy, and we've known each other for a year now." Aliya kept explaining to m

h the devil that ruined my family, and