Chapter 25
The felt completely different from Aurora’s last visit. Her belongings had been added into Maverick’s stark black–and–white world, yet somehow it didn’t seem out of place. It was as if their things were meant to blend together.
As Aurora looked around, her thoughts drifted to Maverick. Did his heart act up again during the wedding? Did he go to the hospital! Can that bullet neat his heart ever be removed? she wondered.
She sighed with relief, thinking. At least time gave me another chance to make things right”
Late that night, Aurora changed into a wine–red silk nightgown that highlighted her elegance.
She waited for hours, but Maverick didn’t return until just after midnight, his car speeding up the driveway.
The bater nuushed out to greet him, but Maverick was already striding into the hall.
“Mr. Parker” The but
butler bowed respectfully.
“Where is she?” Maverick’s voice was ice–cold.
“Mrs. Parker has been waiting for you in your room, sir. You seem to have had a bit to drink–would you like some honey water?” asked the butler.
Maverick strode up confidently, carelessly yanking off his tie. His eyes burned with intense emotion. “No need. Everyone, leave.”
No one dared linger, and the staff q
quietly dispersed.
Maverick opened the bedroom door, and before he could say anything, Aurora approached. “Why did you drink so much! Where were you??
She was startled by the smell of alcohol and wondered if he even cared about his heart condition.
Maverick started to respond, but his expression quickly darkened. “Settling into y your new role fast, Mrs. Parker?”
Aurora’s hand on his arm froze. Maverick tossed his tie aside, then undid his shirt buttons, revealing the sculpted lines of his chest.
Aurora’s cheeks flushed red, heat rushing to her face. “You should go take a shower first.”
you
Maverick ignored her, moving to his belt. “Are you planning to keep watching!”
Aurora stiffened. “It’s not like I haven’t seen it before.
s eyes narrowed. “Oh! And when was that? His tone turned lard, dark thoughts clouding his expression as he wondered if she’d been this
to Scott before.
Aurora’s face burned even more. She stammered, then finally steeled herself, reaching out for his waistband, “You’re my husband. Why can’t I take a
Maverick looked down at her bold expression “Are you sure you want to continue?” His voice carried a hint of warning; if they kept this up, he wasn’t sure he could hold back.
Aurora’s heart raced, but she didn’t back down. “Do you know I waited for you all day. Maverick?”
Something flickered in Maverick’s gaze, though his expression remained guarded. For some reason, despite everything, marrying her hadn’t felt as satisfying as he’d expected.
“Waited for me to do what?” he asked, his tone sharp. “Shouldn’t you be happier and beer without me around? Or have you already come up with an excuse to explain that little stunt you pulled at the wedding?”
Aurora’s eyes turned red with frustration. “Are you still upset? Are you really that petty!”
Maverick’s hands clenched at his sides as he resisted the urge to grab her. “Petty! Aurora, don’t test me.”
Aurora knew his chilly demeanor was aimed right at her. He’d married her, yet he was acting distant and moody-
Maverick was waiting for an explanation. Though they’d agreed to give each other space, he couldn’t help wanting to know the truth
“I don’t care what you’re thinking,” he said, his grip firm around her wrist. “You married me you’re part of the Parker family now and forever.”
He gave her a hand look, his voice dropping to a warning tone. “Tll give you tonight to think it over. Tomorrow, if you lie to me, don’t expect any
kindness from me.”
Chapter 23
With that. Maverick coldly pushed Aurora away, took a gr robe from the closet, and left without another word. He knew he couldn’t stay
ther minute; if he did, be might love control.
Aurora sank onto the bed, staring at the door Maverick had just slammed shut. A whirlwind of emotions–hurt, disappointment, and guilt–swirled
inside her.
She hadn’t expected Maverick to care so much or to feel so insecure. Her guilt deepened, but she was unsure how to explain everything in a way
Should I tell him the truth? Should I tell him that Naomi tried to hurt me” she wondered
On their first wedding night, they slept apart. But bo one would dare gossip about it.
The next morning, when Aurora came downstairs. Maverick was already waiting in the living room for breakfast, his expression hard and unreadable.
He was dressed in casual clothes, but his sharp, cold gaze commanded the room.
He held the morning paper in one hand, and the front page was all about the wedding–no hint of yesterday’s drama. Aurora was his now, and there was no changing that
Even if Aurora loved someone else and married him out of gratitude, he didn’t care. Even if she hadn’t wanted this marriage, it was too late. She was his, and he wasn’t giving her a way out.
Maverick glanced down at the paper, regretting the drinks he’d had last night. He thought he shouldn’t have let her off so easily.
He checked his schedule on his phone. Their honeymoon was arranged, and they’d leave as soon as Aurora was ready. Maybe the trip would clear their minds.
Upstairs, Aurora changed out of her nightgown into her favorite peacock–blue dress. Though she wore no makeup, she radiated natural beauty. She dressed up a bit to make an impression on Maverick.
She’d missed out on so much before–even her wedding night yesterday. She wasn’t going to let herself miss anything more.
When Aurora entered the living room, she saw Maverick, his profile striking in the soft morning light. His sharp features softened, almost surreal.
They sat down together at the table, and Maverick took a bite of his sandwich. “Have you thought it through?” he asked.
Aurora looked at him earnestly. “I wasn’t running away. Whatever you think, I truly wanted to marry you. I’ll never regret it. Her words were like a soleran vow, each one sincere.
Maverick’s hand paused, his grip tightening on the sandwich. His heart stirred, but he kept his expression cold.
“If you’re Mrs. Parker, then you need to act like it,” he said coolly. “I don’t have many rules, but you’d better stay away from that bodyguard of yours. No unclear relationships”
