Chapter 137 - Air Grievances (1/2)

Silence ensued as Maxen pushed his thoughts to the back of his head, hating the feeling that for the first time in his life he felt on edge over a lady because of the presence of another man.

And she was not just any normal lady, but the one and only soul he laid his eyes on. The one who stole his heart away on the first night they met and never returned it—not that he wanted it back anyway.

He was never afraid of death. What he was more afraid of were monsters who walk in Armani suits, ready to steal what didn't belong to them, and the fact that Olivia was in his arms was not enough guarantee that nobody would dare snatch her if an opportunity rose.

And no matter how many times he told himself that he should not worry about trivial things such as a love rival, if Konstantin fits the bill, he could not help the green-eyed monster that was trying to claw out from the pits of his stomach.

Sweeping the loose hair away from her face, he tucked it behind her ear, whilst his eyes scanned the area for unwanted paparazzi hiding in the cloak of the night's darkness.

Seeing her ease up in Konstantin's proximity earlier, he couldn't help but wonder if Olivia felt something for him years ago.

”It doesn't look like it's nothing. Go on, tell me what's wrong with him.” Olivia broke the huge block of ice between them.

She was fiddling with his cufflinks the entire time while Maxen was spacing out, giving him enough time to gather his thoughts so they can sort it out together.

”Did you know that I found out he planted his men in your team?” Maxen pulled back a little but she yanked him, pinning his c.h.e.s.t to her back when a wind blew past, chilling her in her spot.

”What? You know I don't employ men. Those were from the Lins paycheck. Ollie insisted I keep a few on the sidelines after I was introduced as a Lin. He said there's nothing wrong with another barrier of protection, so I just said yes. Anyway, the closest those guys could go near me was what? Fifty meters away? How did you find out?” she replied, glancing up to him.

”I have my sources. Do you want me to look into it?”

”Care to add me in your network, Your Highness?” Olivia beamed, twisting her body to face him. She swept her hand up and down his c.h.e.s.t in a slow sensual manner, stopping an inch above his belt.

”Ha!” Maxen scoffed at her sinful hands, her featherlight touches sent signals to his tower below. ”If you thought I would fall for that, you are right. I mean no.” He cleared his throat, straightening his back. ”But if you insist that I add you to my exclusive network, which we both know is superior to your Pyxis, you know the key: marriage. If you want, we can go straight to the Civil Bureau so we can register our marriage.” His c.h.e.s.t rambled, snorting at how she pouted and shook her head no at his offer.

For a brief second, their gazes met, and the thoughts that plagued him were visible in his eyes. It was as clear as the full moon shining above them.

On normal occasions, Olivia wouldn't jump into conclusions, preferring words more than actions just to know where exactly the boundaries lie, but at that exact moment, she knew that it was safe for her to assume the emotion that broils in his stomach.

”Are you jealous?” She stifled a smile, biting her bottom lip as she watched him scruffle the sole of his shoe against the ground.

”No.”

”Yes, you are.”

Pivoting in her spot, they were now facing each other with her palms planted on his c.h.e.s.t, feeling the muscles that mold against his shirt.

She smiled, but hid it from him. She didn't like him seeing how she loved that he was built twice her size, enough to shield her from harm, and to keep her warm from the chilly nights of Nisia.

”Okay. Okay. I am jealous.” He squeezed her waist, and a corner of his lips tugged up in a smile, infected by the showcase of her pearly whites. ”Happy now? Let's go. Doctor's waiting for you.”

He ushered her inside Olivia's car, shushing her when she started asking questions again.

Inside the car, Uncle Jin pushed a button in his console, sliding the car divider up upon seeing the playful nature of Olivia. He didn't want to intrude the lovers just in case they get into another episode of heat like what happened last time.