A cold shiver ran down Natalie’s spine as she recalled Ritchie’s face.
The handsomeness of his face was still there at that time, but there was no denying the fact that he looked like a personification of Satan.
“Sorry that you had to go through all that.I didn’t see your message on time because I was very busy.It won’t happen again.I’ll be quick to save you next time.”
Sebastian stroked her face absentmindedly.He was staring blankly with dim eyes.His mind was filled with thoughts at this time.
“I trust you.” Natalie hugged him tighter and inhaled his scent.
This was the only way she could get solace and a sense of security now that she was afraid.
Sebastian was her rock and she felt safe with him.
“Dearie, you have been through a lot today. You look so tired. How about I take you home so you can rest?”
Sebastian didn’t like seeing her in this weary state, so he wanted to take her home.
Natalie immediately sat up and looked in the direction of the ward.
Shaking her head, she refused, “I don’t want to leave now.There’s nobody by Laney’s side, so I want to stay.At least, until she wakes up.”
“Okay, that’s fine.”
Sebastian kissed her forehead and rested his chin on her head.He decided to respect her decision.
Natalie was indebted to Laney.She thought, ‘Laney saved my life again today. The least I can do is to stay here until she regains consciousness.
After staring at the closed door of Laney’s ward for a while, Natalie buried herself in her husband’s warm embrace again.
A few seconds later, Sebastian felt wet moisture on his chest.
He then heard a very faint sobbing.
Natalie was crying.
“I was so useless today. could do nothing but watch in horror as those men beat Laney.I don’t want to be in such a situation again.Sebastian, do you think I should start taking self-defense classes? At least, I will be able to throw some punches if anyone attacks me in the future.”
In Sebastian’s eyes, Natalie was the smartest woman in the world.
But he couldn’t help but think she was silly sometimes.
“You have a busy job, so you won’t have time for defense classes.Don’t beat up yourself over what happened today.I’m sure
Laney understands why you couldn’t help her.I will pay for her medical bills and hire the best caretaker for her. You heard when the doctor said she would be fine, didn’t you? So, don’t worry.”
Sebastian comforted her affectionately.
Hiring Laney cost a great sum of money.She was the best bodyguard in Seacisco as sure and she had been in many tough fights in her line of work.
Sebastian knew that today’s beating couldn’t be compared to what she had faced in the past, so he was sure she would pull through.
Natalie looked up at him for a while.She then nodded and wiped her tears.
It wasn’t until the next morning that Laney finally woke up.
Natalie had stayed by her bedside throughout the night.
She was so happy when Laney woke up that tears welled up in her eyes.
She held Laney’s hand tightly and said excitedly, “Finally! You are awake.Oh, Laney! You saved my life again. How can I ever repay you?”
Laney forced a smile despite the immense pain she was feeling.
“Don’t be silly, Natalie.We are friends.And friends look out for each other.I’ll always have your back.So, stop talking about payment.”
Laney glanced at Garrett indifferently
“I’m very grateful for your visit, Mr.Harding,” she said, her tone dry.
“You’re always so busy, so I’m honored to receive even a moment of your time.Well, I dare not waste another second of it though.Drive safely on your way back, Mr.Harding Garrett frowned.
He hadn’t intended to stay long in the first place, but he changed his mind after noting how eager this woman was to send him away.She had piqued his interest. He slowly took off his coat and tossed it on a nearby chair before pulling another one to sit by the bed.
“You want me to leave as soon as I arrive, huh? Tell me why you dislike me so much, Miss Garcia.Do you think that I will hurt you?”
A shiver ran down Laney’s spine.
She was inexplicably unsettled by the man’s piercing gaze, She told herself that it was only because he had very attractive, deep-set eyes.
His eyelashes were thick and naturally curled.
In addition to that, there was a faint, red mole under the corner of his eye that seemed to beguile people to look more closely.
Laney found herself thinking that if Garrett had been a woman, he would undoubtedly be a gorgeous one. Realizing that she had wandered far into her own thoughts, she cleared her throat and changed the subject.
“Actually, Mr.Harding, it’s just that I need to use the bathroom.”
“Then go and take care of your business. It doesn’t matter whether I’m here or not, does it? Don’t worry. won’t peep on you.”
Nonplussed, Garrett reached for the tea set on the side table and poured himself a cup.
Laney couldn’t help but glare at him.It looked like he had no plans to leave any time soon.
After a few seconds of hesitation, she gingerly got off the bed.She gritted her teeth the entire time, frustrated that he had to see her in such an embarrassing situation.She didn’t see the way Garrett narrowed his eyes when he heard her suck her breath from exertion.
He strode over in a flash and held out his arm.
“Here, let me help you.”
“No, thanks.I can take care of myself.”
Despite her brave words, Laney struggled to get on her feet.
When she finally did, she couldn’t stiffe a gasp of pain.She might have pulled on her wound just now.
Garrett’s frown deepened.
“Laney,” he said, unaware that his voice had turned gentle.
“You don’t have to pretend to be strong, okay?” She raised her eyes then, and was stunned to see the tender expression on his face.
Laney looked away in a hurry.
When she spoke, her tone was gruff.
“You shouldn’t underestimate us female bodyguards, Mr.Harding. This kind of injury is nothing. If I’m unable to handle this much, then I should have just quit a long time ago.Don’’t forget that I can single-handedly throw you over my shoulder like a sack of potatoes.”
“I wouldn’t dare.I meant no offense, Miss Garcia.I just want to help you.Do you really want to keep arguing with me on this?”
Garrett’s hands clenched into fists.
He knew this was a losing battle; the woman was just too stubborn.He had to retreat for now if he wanted another chance to advance in the future.
Laney felt her face burn, knowing that she was being unreasonable.
For some reason, she always turned into a shrew whenever Garrett was concerned.
In the end, she did allow him to help her into the bathroom.
Garrett waited outside the door and mulled over her words, The way she had spoken about her injuries… Did that mean that she had been in worse conditions in the past?
That was probably normal, given her line of work.
But she looked just like a typical young woman, small and weak.
He couldn’t even begin to imagine what horrors she had suffered before he met her.
Garrett felt a pang of regret on her behalf.
Laney was different from all the women who had surrounded him all his life.
Unlike her, they were meek and cute, and almost always spoiled.
Usually when he developed an interest in a woman, it would start with a crush.
This time, however, he only felt deeply sorry for Laney.
And it had never happened before.
