No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Chapter 842

As I curled up tighter on the couch, Ernest settled beside me, gently taking my hand. "Hey, feeling a little spooked?"

He hadn't really shared anything too terrifying-just some tales of negotiations he'd been part of and how the other side had tried to test him.

But it reminded me of those undercover cop movies, where the protagonist goes deep into enemy territory and has to prove their loyalty.

"Ernest," I murmured, "Can I have a hug?"

Earlier, I'd been a bit distant, so he was cautious, simply holding my hand, not daring to embrace me.

He scooted closer, and I nestled into his arms, wrapping mine around him tightly.

Ernest rubbed his chin on the top of my head, a familiar gesture that reassured me this was indeed my Ernest, not some impostor like Phipps.

My hand found its way under his shirt, roaming over his skin.

"Licia," Ernest's voice was tense, "I'm not hurt."

He knew what I was checking for, but I wanted to be sure. "Let me see."

to check?" he chuckled, his eyes filled

had a little one on the way, so he wouldn't dare

Ernest

eyes, momentarily knocking the purpose of my inspection right

he gently prompted

blush crept up my

body was free of new injuries, save for some old

tracing over his muscles. "The movies make it

texture was just as

a bed, my hands always rested on

felt like ages since I'd last

remained still, letting

charged with a sense of relief at being

worried you'd forget me and chase

considered giving him a piece of my mind. But seeing

learned to handle things without swinging between

make up for it?"