Titan 181
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Yolanda’s body was still weak from the medication. She rested her forehead on lan’s shoulder and said in a husky voice, “What brings you here?”
It was just past five in the morning. ‘Did he really wake up this carly? And even come all the way to this hospital?‘ Yolanda thought to herself.
Ian stiffened all over, his lashes lowering as he paused. “You still remember what happened with Megan’s husband last time?”
Yolanda pressed her lips together and closed her eyes.
Ian pulled her into his arms. “Good thing I got here.”
The fear that had gripped her quietly faded away, and with his familiar scent wrapping around her, Yolanda felt safe. A smile touched her lips. “Ian, I’m not afraid anymore. No matter what happened to me tonight, I wouldn’t blame myself for it. Thank you for coming.”
Ian leaned down, pressing his face into her neck. “But I would blame myself.”
Yolanda felt her heart thump–like a heavy blow softened just for her–but she settled quickly, turning her gaze outside.
The police showed up half an hour later. The young nurse pointed out Eric Long and helped pull the security footage from the hospital cameras.
Yolanda stepped out of the car herself, explained the situation to the police, then looked straight at Eric.
Eric’s face went ghostly pale. He still couldn’t wrap his head around why he’d screwed up. ‘The hospital was deserted at this hour. How did some strong young guy suddenly barge in?‘ Eric thought.
He spat out a mouthful of blood, eyes locked on Yolanda, regret all over his face. “Damn shame. Didn’t get to taste you. I won’t rest easy even in the afterlife. Pretty little thing, what’s your name? Just a glance at you, and you’ve already got me hooked.”
He made no effort to hide anything, even in front of the cops.
The cops all looked sour, and Ian nearly lunged forward in anger.
But Yolanda quickly grabbed his arm. Eric was just some twisted piece of trash–the angrier you got, the stronger he’d think he was.
Best to just ignore him.
She dragged lan back into the car and called out to the officers, “Officer, let me know when there’s an update, alright? I don’t know this guy. Someone must’ve put him up to it.”
Eric licked his lips, eyes fixed on Yolanda like he was trying to bore a hole straight through her.
13:58 Thu, Oct 9
420
366 vouchers
Yolanda showed no sign of discomfort whatsoever–her face utterly calm as she shut the car door with a decisive click.
Ian stared quietly out the window, his gaze fixed on the world outside.
Yolanda reached out, gently covering his eyes with her hand. “Don’t waste your energy on him,” she soothed. “Let me find out who’s really pulling the strings, and we’ll settle it then.”
Ian’s hand closed over hers, his voice low and ragged. “Honestly, right now I’ve got murder on my mind.”
Yolanda felt a sharp ache in her chest but managed a soft smile. “Let’s just head home. I’m really okay–I’ve calmed down already.”
Ian headed up front to drive. “Let me get you home so you can rest.”
He took out his phone and, for the first time, messaged Simone to request leave, saying he was feeling under the weather.
A couple of days ago, Yolanda had actually called in sick for him, not Ian himself.
Simone assumed he still wasn’t back to 100%, and since he’d been working so hard lately, she generously gave him another two days off.
Ian took her home, filled the bathtub with warm water, and carefully helped her settle in.
As the heat seeped into her body, Yolanda finally felt alive again.
Ian sat at the edge of the bath, grabbed some body wash, worked up a soft lather with a bath sponge, then gently took her arm and washed her with quiet care.
Yolanda looked at him in surprise. ‘How does he even know this stuff?‘ she thought.
Ian lowered his gaze, face composed. “I watched a video.”
“You’ve never had a girlfriend before?” Yolanda asked.
Ian’s hand froze for a second, but he didn’t say a word.
Yolanda slid further into the water, beads of sweat gathering on the tip of her nose.
Ian sat quietly by the tub, watching as she closed her eyes, her cheeks flushed rosy from the steam and heat.
Her skin was porcelain pale–just the lightest touch could leave a mark. She was a bit spoiled, really, pampered by the Grant Family to be the perfect bride for a prestigious match. On that front, they really hadn’t spared any expense.
Ian felt his throat tighten and his mouth go dry; if he kept looking at her, he’d end up making a fool of himself.
He averted his gaze, swallowing hard. “You shouldn’t soak for more than fifteen minutes.”
13:58 Thu, Oct 9
AGC68)
Yolanda kept her eyes closed and let out a lazy little hum, making it clear she’d agreed.
Fifteen minutes later, lan scooped her out of the tub and tenderly dried her off with a towel.
Then, cradling her in his arms, he gently laid her on the bed.
Yolanda felt warm all over, and by the time she realized what was happening, she was already tucked snugly under the covers.
Ian pulled the curtains shut, worried the rising sun might bother her.
Yolanda yawned, feeling utterly exhausted. She’d been tired to begin with, and after the scare, now that she was finally relaxing, she felt even more drained. Her voice was heavy with fatigue.
“If the police call, can you answer for me?” she asked.
Ian stood by the bed, his presence quiet and still, as if he were about to blend into the shadows.
If Yolanda had opened her eyes at that moment, she’d realize just how much his gentle, obedient side and those playful moments didn’t match the intense, almost chilling aura he gave off right now.
It wasn’t until ten in the morning that Yolanda finally came to, still half asleep.
Her phone lay next to the bed, screen lit up with a bunch of missed calls–all from Charles.
She instantly felt irritated. After freshening up and flopping back onto the bed, she spotted Ian coming in, carrying a bowl of congee.
Yolanda gave a little chuckle. “I’m not sick, you know. Why go for the tasteless stuff?”
Ian set the bowl down. “Your husband’s bound to call you back soon. They’ve got professional chefs pampering you over there–bet my cooking doesn’t even come close.”
The whole room seemed thick with that sour, jealous vibe.
Yolanda picked up the bowl, leaned against the headboard, and took a taste. “But this is the best soup I’ve ever had.”
Ian sat down on the edge of the bed, watching her in profile. “Are your sweet words free or what?”
Yolanda took her time finishing the soup, feeling her strength return. “You call that sweet talk?”
“So you save your real flirt game for someone else, huh?” Ian teased.
“Ian, I don’t talk this way with Charles. It’s just you,” Yolanda replied.
Ian’s lips twitched into a brief smile, but he turned his head away. “Like I care.”
Yolanda set the bowl on the nightstand, got up, and started digging through the closet for something to wear. “I gotta head back. Charles was with Joelle last night, so he’s probably feeling all kinds of guilty right now. Maybe he can help me dig up whoever put Eric up to this.”
13:58 Thu, Oct 9
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Ian quietly watched her get dressed, her gorgeous figure getting hidden under the clothes, not a single flaw in sight.
Unable to resist, Ian squeezed her waist and teased, “Yolanda, seriously, how did your mom manage to make someone as gorgeous as you?”
‘Man, was her mom a genius or what?‘ Ian couldn’t help thinking.
Yolanda paused, actually pondering for a few seconds. “Funny thing is, I have no idea who my mom even is.”
Ian instantly went quiet, his lashes dropping in a heartbeat.
He stayed sitting on the edge of the bed, pulling her into his embrace. “I’m sorry.”
Yolanda arched an eyebrow, a smirk playing at her lips. ‘Why apologize? Seriously, everyone in Beloris knows
I was adopted from the orphanage by the Grant Family,‘ she thought, totally unbothered.
“Alright, I really should get going,” Yolanda said.
“Yolanda, I hate seeing you leave. Honestly, I’d pamper you every single day if I could, but I’m afraid you’ll start to think I’m some kind of weirdo,” Ian said, half–joking, half–serious.
There was a flash of heat in his eyes, and the warmth of his palm, even through her clothes, seemed to set Yolanda’s whole body ablaze.
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