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.

red that could stop traffic. She stammered,

her like a

I even kiss him?'

one, the others followed, their footsteps soft against the tiled floor. Archer, ever thoughtful, lingered just long enough to close the door

Chapter 453

out a muffled groan and buried her face in her hands

her skin.

All shy now? You seemed pretty eager earlier. Didn't get enough Want another

her

dreaming!" Maeve shot back, refusing tright. "Didn't you hear what the doctor said? What if you tear your stitches and make it worse?" Byron's pale lips curved into a

Maeve turned speechless.

much better lying there, silent and

word out

still hurt?" Maeve wasn't about to let him derail the conversation. Her worried eyes

a loss for words. "Is this really the time to

frown, cold sweat beading at his temples, though not a single sound

was off. She hurriedly stopped his movements: "Don't push yourself! You're not healed yet!

and added, "Don't you think I could still bring you to heaven, even like this?" "Byron!" Maeve's face flushed crimson, caught off guard by the blatant heat in his gaze. "Can you stop being

flustered, Byron leaned back with a lazy smirk. "Shameless? Who was it that kissed me first? Who was trying

I wasn't.

smoothly, his voice softer but no less insistent. Admit it, Maeve. It's been a while. You missed me, didn't

long, but it

never been apart for such a

grown used to keeping Maeve within his sight,

embarrassment fading as her gaze met his. His dark eyes, as deep and quiet as the

earlier. Her hands grew clammy, and she

the only one who had been