Chapter 51 - Ill save you from your own stupidity! (2/2)

”Hmpf ... I think I should start practicing that right now.” He ran his hand through his dark hair and leaned forward, his eyes fixed on hers. Abruptly, Lily stopped in her motion. Her arm stopped moving, with the forks in front of her mouth. Some eggs flakes trickled back onto the plate. Suddenly she had the feeling of being watched by a predator.

”One of my snotty brats got clearly carried away with his actions yesterday. What should I do with him? What punishment do you suggest, Lily?”

She stared guiltily at him.

”I think I remember telling you ... don't wander off alone. But you needed to wander through empty corridors. Alone! Very clever!” His voice grew an octave louder.

”But...”

”Shit Lily! What would you have done if I hadn't come. God, I don't even want to imagine.” Suddenly his eyes became serious. He grabbed her two hands and held them in front of his face. Tenderly his lips touched her fingers. Concern came to light on his otherwise so hard features, mingling with a touch of annoyance. He looked at her. Something seemed to rage in him. ”He had beaten the hell out of you.” His fingertips slid across her forehead as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. Tender.

But then he jumped up. The chair scratched over the floor. His face went dark. ”Eat now ... we still have to see the doctor!” He looked down at her thoughtfully, before he pulled back the chair and sat down. He still held her hands in his. His hands were big and warm. Alexandre looked down at her hands, turned them over and ran his thumb over her palm.

”After all, it doesn't matter.” Alexandre looked up again. ”I'm glad to have been there in time.” In his eyes was this fragility that hit her so unprepared. What had happened to this man that made him feel so vulnerable? The novel did not say much about the past of Alexandre de Valois. It only mentioned his painful love for Elodie. Elodie, who reminded him of his first love. But who was this first love? What happened to her? What had she done to him to be able to hurt such a strong man?

Lily grabbed his hands and pulled him closer, searching for his eyes, which looked at her in wonderment.

”So ... I'm sorry.” She forced herself to smile. ”I was careless and stupid. And I swear, I will never be so careless again. I can also learn from my mistakes. Especially when they're painful.” She laughed sheepishly.

”Yesterday... I admit I did a grave mistake. I didn't think Pascal was such a crazy bastard. But in the future I will take more care ... ”

”Don't worry, love, I'll take care of that!” He did not let her speak.

For a second she sat there frozen, wondering what he meant, as she tilted her head to one side and looked at him.

”I've hired two bodyguards to save you from your own stupidity!”