The Heir's Secret Bride

Chapter

555

The joy of regaining what had been lost only heightened the collision of attraction between them. For the first time, Marve abandoned all restraint, taking the initiative with a fervor that let her usual composure behind.

Byron's dark eyes, still hazy from the remnants of unconsciouses, grew even darker. Though momentarily surprised by her sudden display of intimacy, he welcomed it with a wry smile every inch the man who always took everything in stride Slowly, her eager, almost careful kisses awakened something dle within him A restless energy churned in his chest, compelling him to act.

If only his body, drained and weak from recovery, would allow a deliberate care that belied his outward nonchalance. Their breaths mingled, melting together into one,

Instead, he let his lips guide hers, deepening the kiss with

A sudden clatter broke the moment. Something had fallen to the floor, snapping Maeve and Byron out of their embrace like startled actors caught mid-scene.

Maeve turned sharply, her heart in her throat, and found the room's doorway crowded. The attending doctor, a pair of nurses, and Archer stood frozen in place, their faces betraying a mix of embarrassment and shock.

"Mr. Byron, stammered Archer, his boyish face blazing red, "the monitors showed you were awake, so the doctor... uh, came to check on you." His words stumbled over themselves as if tripping on the very scandal he'd just witnessed. Archer hadn't expected to walk into such an electrifying scene.

No wonder the monitors had flagged a racing heart rate. He'd thought it was pain or distress,

He wondered, 'But kissing? Seriously? A kiss, of all things!"

Yes. Byron leaned back, calm as ever, while Maeve looked like she might combust from embarrassment. Her check flamed, her gaze darting everywhere but at him. Meanwhile, Byron's only reaction was mild annoyance at being interrupted Kissing his girlfriend, who'd have the guts to complain about that?

Maeve, on the other hand, was mortified. She scrambled off his lap, ears burning as she shuffled aside to give the doctor space.

The attending physician examined Byron thoroughly, jotting notes into his pad as he spoke. "Your internal injuries are healing steadily, but your legs will take longer. The burns are prone to infection, so your caretaker will need to keep a close eye on them"

He adjusted his glasses and added, "Avoid spicy food, alcohol, and tobacco. Keep the wounds dry. Oh, and you'll need to refrain from, uh, certain activities. Too much strain could cause the wounds to reopen."

Byron took the news without batting an eye, but Maeve? She looked like she wanted to sink through the floor.

The doctor turned to her with a knowing look. Young lady, don't let him sweet-talk you into anything. His injuries need

rest, not... exertion.

shade of red that could

hit her like a

even kiss him?'

one, the others followed, their footsteps soft against the tiled

Chapter 453

in her

her skin.

a low rasp. All shy now? You seemed pretty

hadn't touched her all week,

and make it worse?" Byron's pale lips curved into a faint smirk. "Then I guess it'd

Maeve turned speechless.

better lying

where every word out of his mouth

him derail the conversation. Her worried eyes stayed fixed on his injured leg. Byron glanced down and winced ever so slightly. "Who

"Is this really the time

shifted his thigh. The sharp, slicing pain at his knee hade him frown, cold

his movements: "Don't push yourself! You're not healed yet! You'll just make it

a few degrees. Then, with a teasing glint in his eyes, he looked at her and added, "Don't you think I could still bring you to heaven, even like this?" "Byron!" Maeve's

"Shameless? Who was it that kissed me first? Who was trying to get a

wasn't. Maeve

insistent. Admit it, Maeve. It's been a while. You missed me, didn't

wasn't long, but it wasn't

their reunion, the two had never been apart for such

Maeve within his

as deep and quiet

overwhelming than the kiss earlier. Her hands grew clammy, and she felt utterly at a

she wasn't the only one who had