You're seriously carrying her?

Angel fluttered her lashes in disbelief, utterly stunned to hear such unexpected words from Tryson. Her heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, she found herself unable to look him in the eyes.

She lowered her gaze, as if the weight of his words made her feel exposed and vulnerable.

Her teeth found their way to her lower lip, and she gently bit the flesh, trying to hold back the flood of emotions that his words had stirred. 

She hadn't anticipated such direct, sweet affection from him—words that seemed so genuine and earnest.

And strangely enough, despite the shock, Angel could hear her heart pounding loudly in her chest, an undeniable rhythm that matched the intensity of his words. 

Why did he have to be so sweet, so straightforward with her? Did he even realize the effect he was having on her?

Before Angel could respond to Tryson, a sudden knock at the door interrupted their moment, dragging them both back to reality.

They turned their heads toward the door simultaneously, both surprised by the intrusion.

Tryson, ever the gentleman, stood up swiftly from the bed before Angel could even suggest anything. His movements were decisive, almost like he had already expected this interruption.

He opened the door, his towering figure casting a shadow over whoever was on the other side. Angel watched as Tryson tilted his head, his sharp gaze capturing the figure in front of him, and it wasn't long before she recognized Karina standing there.

She had come with news.

Karina bowed her head slightly, the gesture respectful as she spoke in a calm, measured tone, "Sir, the meal has been prepared."

Tryson acknowledged her with a slight nod, his attention never straying from Angel, who still sat on the bed, her expression a mixture of curiosity and confusion.

"Okay then, we'll be there in a minute," Tryson responded, his voice calm but purposeful.

The moment he spoke, his eyes locked on Angel's, the intensity in his gaze sending a shiver down her spine.

It was as if he was studying her, and in that moment, she felt herself growing increasingly self-conscious.

Angel frowned, unable to look away as Tryson's gaze held her captive. His stare was so strong, so unyielding, she felt it seep into her very skin, making her uncomfortable in a way she couldn't explain.

"What are you looking at me for?" Angel asked, her voice a little more defensive than she intended, as she tried to break the tension in the air.

"The meal Karina suggested to give you some relief has already been prepared," Tryson explained smoothly, his voice still calm but with an underlying softness that made Angel's heart race.

"Then why didn't she bring it here?" Angel asked, her brow furrowing slightly, a small pout on her lips as she glanced up at him.

"She could have, but I want you to step out of the room for a while. Besides, Moore must have instructed the person who's delivering the drug to the house soon. So, if you eat at the dining table, you'll be alright," Tryson explained with gentle reassurance.

Angel hesitated, the thought of standing up making her body ache just thinking about it. "But my body is too heavy to even stand on my feet," she protested weakly.

Tryson's expression softened with understanding. "I know that, and that's why I'll be the one to take you to the dining room. Would you be okay with that?" He suggested, his tone patient and kind. 

Angel, though still feeling a little unsure, realized just how weak she was and how much she needed his support.

There was no way she could do this alone.

After a moment of hesitation, she nodded, accepting his offer, though there was still a sense of vulnerability in her acceptance. 

Tryson's smile was one of quiet relief, and before she could say another word, he moved with ease, carefully lifting her into his arms.

Angel instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck for support.

Her proximity to him was overwhelming—she could smell his cologne, a heady mix of cedarwood and leather, and it made her feel even weaker, her senses intoxicated by his presence.

She couldn't help but question his lingering gaze. "Why are you staring at me?" Angel asked, her lips pouting slightly as she tried to hide her discomfort with a bit of humor. 

Tryson chuckled, his voice a low rumble. "Okay, I wouldn't stare at you, but I wonder how you would make me concentrate. Do you know how gorgeous you are?" His teasing tone made Angel's cheeks flush slightly.

Angel blinked, not sure how to respond. "You think I'm gorgeous?" She asked, disbelief lacing her words. "Now you're trying to flirt with me? I'm not your girlfriend, okay? So let's just go on and eat the food Karina made." Her lips curled into a pout as she tried to brush off the comment.

Tryson's smile only grew wider at her words.

She might not see it, but to him, she was the most beautiful person in the room. From her light caramel skin that gleamed like precious stone to her hazel eyes that were filled with warmth and mystery, Angel had an undeniable allure.

Her curly hair, which cascaded down to her shoulders, framed her face so perfectly that Tryson found himself staring at her longer than he intended. Her petite frame, delicate and graceful, felt like something he could hold onto forever.

And her scent—like lilies in a dew-kissed garden—seemed to draw him in, making him feel as though he couldn't escape her presence, even if he wanted to. 

She was unique, irreplaceable.

Even when she wasn't physically around, thoughts of her consumed him. Every moment apart felt like an eternity, and he found himself longing to find ways to bring her back into his life.

The contract they had signed, in a way, had been a blessing, a way for him to get closer to her.

Carefully, Tryson continued to hold Angel as they made their way toward the elevator. The space they entered was serene and luxurious, a beautiful contrast to the chaos of the world outside.

The dining area was set with care, a perfect picture of elegance. A bar sat off to the side, with drinks lined up in a neat rack, but Angel's attention was solely on the meal before her.

Tryson walked her toward the dining table, but before he could help her sit down, a gasp rang out from the other side of the room. They both turned in unison, their eyes landing on the source of the shock.

"Tryson, are you seriously carrying her?" The voice echoed in disbelief as the person gawked at Tryson carrying Angel like a child, his hands steady and strong as he guided her toward a seat.