“God, I would never forgive myself if something happened to you!”

Looking into his eyes, I feel his grip tightening around my hand. My heart swells with warmth. It’s the first time he’s ever spoken with such emotion that his voice cracked. I curl my mouth and reach out to touch his handsome face.

“Why? Did you realize how empty you’d be if I died?”

“Nonsense. Not going to happen.”

I grin as I feel him tense up under my touch. A glint of wariness and fear crosses his eyes.

“Hmmm. How unromantic,” I complain, pouting.

He sighs.

Then, he rises from his seat and lowers his head, planting a gentle kiss on my forehead. His kiss is so tender it feels like a brush of warm summer breeze touching my face. I blink frantically as I feel my cheeks burning. Before I can react, I feel his lips landing on the tip of my nose, my eyes, and my cheeks.

“Your question is invalid. You’re never allowed to leave me in the first place.”

Flustered, I feel my tongue stuck in my throat, my heart racing so hard and loud that I worry he might be able to hear it.

I bite my bottom lip.

What does he mean by not allowed? It’s not like death would seek his permission.

“And if such a thing ever happens, you won’t be alone. I’ll be with you,” he adds, as if reading my thoughts.

I shiver.

You won’t be alone. I’ll be with you.

Those words may not sound sweet and cheery, but they’re more than enough

to unburden all the insecurity that’s been weighing on my heart. He may not utter customary lines about love and yearning, but his declaration of not letting death part us is stronger than any poetic confession.

I smile.

Derik is a man of his word. If he says it, he means it.

“I’d pounce on you here and now if I weren’t broken,” I tease.

For a moment, he fails to conceal the surprise on his face, then quickly composes himself, but I can see his chest rising and falling rapidly.

I click my tongue.

“Too bad.”

“Stop. Your priority is to get better. Understand?”

Derik shoots me a warning look.

I roll my eyes and then pucker my lips.

“Kiss me,” I order.

“I don’t put moves on cripples.”

“Killjoy!”

He smiles and shakes his head, then pecks my mouth before settling back in his seat. Our playful banter continues until the doctor comes in for rounds. Derik attentively listens to his instructions, and I’m relieved to hear that I’ll be able to go home in a week if everything goes well.

When he leaves, Mrs. Lindt comes with a warm bowl of porridge, which Derik quickly takes from her. He insists on feeding me even though my hands are perfectly fine.

It feels good to be cared for by the man I love.

“Something’s bothering me,” I say after finishing the food. My bed is raised so that I’m slightly sitting up, making me a lot more comfortable.

“What?”

“My parents died in a car accident. Do you think it was just a coincidence that I got into one? I mean…” I trail off and fill my lungs with air as ideas come pouring in. “Mason has no motive to kill me. For sure, his goal was only to get rid of me as a rival in the company, right? Besides, my instincts are telling me that the time we spent together and the connection we had was genuine.”

Derik winces.

“What are you saying?”

“I mean, I feel like he really saw me as a friend. It was sincere. He wouldn’t kill me.”

He falls silent for a moment before grunting in response.

“We’ll know soon enough. Don’t think too much. You need to rest.”

“Derik…”

“Don’t worry. I’m here. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

His voice is full of conviction. I trust him. The whole world could turn against me, and I’d still blindly follow him, believing and obeying every word he speaks, because I’ve come to realize over time that his top priority is always my well-being, even over his own.

For the last three years, he’s always done things in my best interest.

There is no one more dependable than my man.

Yes, my man.

Chapter 18

DERIK

“Y ou’re so sexy with your apron on.”

“What about without?” I tease, scratching the tip of my nose as I meet Natalie’s mischievous gaze and put the dishes down on the table.