Loving You All Over Again (Aurora and Maverick)

unharmed"

Before Elias could protest, Maverick land whisked her away, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement. This romantic revelation would eclipse even the Kalnapping scatulal.

The news sent shockwaves through high society: the mysterious hero who had saved Aurora was none other than Maverick himself.

Their impending marriage announcement, coupled with the unmistakable devotion in Maverick's eyes whenever he gazed at Aurora, became the talk of the elite.

On Cloud Island, Aurora kept close to Maverick's side, her pulse racing at her own boldness in leaving with him so publicly. But worry for his injuries outweighed everything else, making her press the issue when he refused to let her examine his wounds,

"At least let a doctor check them," she insisted, ineories of last night's bloodstains haunting her thoughts.

"I'm fine," he said, studying her concerned expression with something like wonder

She chewed her lower lip. Did they reopen? Are you trying to put yourself in harm's way!" Her voice softened. Im going to be your wife. Your re supposed to tell me these things. Or do you want me to wear black to your funeral?"

His brows drew together. "You're pushing your luck, aren't you?"

“Just tell me if they're bleeding," she countered, meeting his gaze steadily.

Mixed emotions stirred in Maverick's heart. After a long moment, he ordered, "Out."noveldrama

"Really?" She blinked up at him. "I'm about to be Mrs. Parker. What's with the sudden shyness? Unless.." Her voice caught. “You don't actually want to marry me? Think I'm damaged goods?"

His intense gaze pinned her in place. "Since you know your future role, remember this as my woman, other men are off limits. No making me a cuckold."

Though the history between her and that lowly bodyguard still grated on him, Maverick's resolve was absolute. This time around, regardless of who might occupy her heart, he would never let her slip away

"Focus on being Mrs Parker, he commanded, his threatening tone somehow making her pulse quicken

*I will." she promised softly. "You be a proper Mr. Parker too. If you won't tell me

me about the injuries, at least let me get a doctor."

Her unusual compliance deepened his frown. This wasn't the fierce, independent Aurora he remembered. The reality of her presence might have felt like a dream if not for the silken brush of her hair against his skin.

As she turned to fetch medical help, he caught her arm. "Why the press

conference! Why clear your name so publicly?"

He remembered that hadn't happened before, in that other life.

She tilted her face up. “You nearly died protecting me, and I'm still pure. I had to prove it. I won't bring shame to the Parker family.

More importantly, this time around she needed her reputation intact to protect both her family and this man who'd sacrificed so much.

His eyes narrowed as his fingers caught her chin. "How exactly did they examine you?"

Heat flooded her face. Perhaps she could avoid answering tut one.

"Male or female doctor he continued to ask...

"Female," the mumbled, blushing deeper.

His expression darkened. Even a female doctor wasn't acceptable. He started toward her with clear intent, only to be interrupted by a sharp knock,

"Mr. Parker, Howard called through the door. "Urgent report"

Maverick halted, irritation clear in his stater. "Corne in"

Under Howard's cold stare, Aurora seized her escape opportunity. Til let you talk lasiness," she murmured, slipping o out. She even thoughtfully pulled the door shut on her way it.

Once her footsteps faded, Howard spoke frankly, "She's a potential threat, Mr. Parker. Her sudden devotion-she must have ulterior motives. You should distance yourself—"

Maverick's glacial glare cut him off mid-sentence. "Never question her again?

Clustened but still loyal, Howard reported his findings. Naomi definitely had powerful backing, but the trail went cold there. The kidnapping's mastermind remained hullen, working only through phone calls and intermediaries, leaving no trace,

Maverick had expected as much. In his previous life, he'd never properly investigated the kidnapping. Only after he traveled back in time, reviewing everything, did he realize how complex the plot truly was.

Last time, the kidnapping had destroyed Aurora's reputation. She'd broken their engagement to marry Scott the moment the woke up. The Sage family had fallen, she'd vanished, and he'd searched for her like a madman.

The memory of Aurora in the past life, married to another man, carrying another's child, ignited a maddening jealousy in his chest.

This time would be different. He'd keep her safe by his side, protected from

anyone who might harm her. No one would take her from him again.