Chapter 150:
Makenna’s POV:
The sunlight greeted me as I opened my eyes again.
After days of being trapped in that nightmare, I still half-expected to find myself chained in the darkness, imprisoned by Bryan. Panic washed over me like a tidal wave.
But then I turned, and there was Clayton beside me. My tense body finally began to unwind.
That’s right. Clayton had rescued me, and I was no longer at the mercy of that madman.
“Clayton…” I whispered his name, my eyes tracing the lines of his sleeping face.
Clayton, who was usually so gentle, carried a quiet dignity that commanded respect without ever needing to ask for it. Yet, as he slept, there was a softness to him, an angelic calm that made me want to reach out and touch him.
I couldn’t resist. My hand moved on its own, fingers outlining his features in the air, as if committing them to memory.
He was indeed a remarkable man.
I found myself getting lost in his handsome face, drifting away, until suddenly, a hand caught my wrist.
“Makenna.”
His low, gravelly voice resonated through the quiet room, warm breath brushing against my ear. Startled, I realized that Clayton had been awake, watching me without my knowing.
He gazed at me with a gentle smile dancing in his eyes. Caught in the act, my cheeks flamed with embarrassment.
“I was just…” I stammered, grasping for an explanation, but the words slipped through my fingers like water.
Clayton chuckled, pressing a light kiss to my forehead as he interrupted, “Did you sleep well last night?”
𝙉𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙖𝙩 𝗀ⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀․𝗰𝗼𝗺
His voice, still husky from sleep, was as alluring as a whispered promise in the dark.
My face flushed even more, and my heart began to race, pounding so loudly that I wondered if he could hear it too.
I was so flustered that I couldn’t think straight. I nodded, my eyes darting away from his intense gaze.
Clayton chuckled again, pulling me into his arms, his hand gently stroking my hair. “Do you want to sleep in?” he asked softly.
The warmth of his touch sent my thoughts scattering. I nestled my burning face against his strong chest, wishing I could stay there forever. Just as I was about to say something, my stomach let out a loud growl.
Mortified, I buried my head further, wanting nothing more than to disappear under the covers and never come out.
Why did I always manage to embarrass myself around Clayton?
But Clayton only patted my back, his smile soft as he said, “Alright, go take a shower. I’ll cook for you.”
“What?” I jerked my head up, all thoughts of embarrassment forgotten. “No way!”
He had already done so much for me—how could I let him cook too?
“Why don’t you get some more rest? I’ll make breakfast,” I suggested, trying to reclaim some dignity.
“Be good,” Clayton said gently, easing me back down onto the bed. “You’ve been through a lot. You need to rest. Let me handle this.”
His insistence left me with little choice but to agree.
After he went downstairs to prepare breakfast, I didn’t want to keep him waiting, so I quickly showered, dressed, and hurried after him.
The first floor was eerily quiet, with no one in sight.
Where had all the servants gone?
Just then, Clayton emerged from the kitchen, carrying dishes.
“Where are the servants?” I asked curiously.
“The servants are staying away for now. You need time to recover,” Clayton explained calmly.
He didn’t elaborate, but I understood.
He had sent everyone away because of me.
After escaping Bryan’s clutches, I couldn’t bear the presence of strangers. Now, with just Clayton and me in the villa, I felt a deep sense of relief.
He was always so thoughtful, always thinking of me.
The realization made my eyes sting with unshed tears. “Thank you, Your Highness,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.
He had done so much for me, more than I could ever repay.
“Don’t mention it, silly girl.” Clayton smiled, beckoning me over. “Come on, breakfast is ready.”
“Okay!”
I nodded eagerly and took my seat at the table. But just as I picked up the knife and fork, a sudden commotion erupted outside.
A guard burst in, shouting in panic, “Prince Bryan is here!”