“Why do you ask that?” Dressa managed to say, after an awkward amount of time had flown by. “I mean we can go if that’s what you want…”Maximus didn’t waste anymore time than necessary, he grabbed her by the shoulders and spun her around so that her back was now facing him. It happened so fast that there was no way she could possibly respond.She tried as much as possible to ignore the way her pulse picked up when she felt his hands press against her shoulders.His touch was firm but careful as he worked the sunscreen over her neck, tracing down her spine, his fingers gliding over her toned muscles.The warmth of his palms against her bare skin sent a shock through her, not beacause of the temprature, but because of something else entriely.Her thoughts were going haywire and she couldn’t blame herself, this would geniuinely be the reation of any woman who had hunk of a man touching her in this manner.Maximus continued working, moving down to her lower waist, his thumbs brushing the

After a couple more minutes of waiting, Maximus stepped out of the pillow truck first, his shoes thudding softly against the pavement. Dressa followed close behind, tugging her hoodie down as her eyes scanned the street. But the sharply dress men were nowhere in sight. The street had returned to its normal chaos— honking horns, flashing neon signs and Central City civilians weaving through traffic like it was a game of chance.“They’re gone,” Dressa said quietly, more surprised than relieved.“Yeah,” Maximus muttered, his tone guarded. “For now.”They started walking. Neither of them said much at first, the earlier adrenaline still burning faintly in their blood. But the danger had passed, and in its absence came something else— an awkward silence, humming with unsaid thoughts.After a few blocks, Dressa glanced sideways at him, her eyes wide with realization.“Wait… were close to my place,” she said with a light laugh. “Like, two streets away.”Maximus raised an eyebrow. “That so?”

Maximus sat deep in the back seat of the taxi, one arm slung over the window edge as he watched the nightlife blur by. The city glowed like a sleeping beast, his reflection in the glass looked tired but thoughtful, haloed in a spectrum of colours hovering across his jawline.“Take me to the Central City impound lot,” he told the driver as the car began to pick up acceleration speed.The driver barely grunted in response, jerking the vehicle with more speed. No small talk needed, no nonsense. Just the way Maximus like it.The silence was a kind of music. The hum of the engine, the distant sirens, the muffled thud of bass leaking from a club they passed— it all came together like a lullaby for the sleepless. He leaned his head back and exhaled softly, closing his eyes for a moment.Dressa morgan.His lips tugged into a faint smile.“Hope she fell right asleep…” he muttered, his voice low. The way she’d handled herself tonight, it was bold and graceful, he was happy to see that there was

CHAPTER 58>Steam curled in a gentle wave through the air as Maximus stepped out of the bathroom, his broad frame catching in slow, glistering streaks. Beaded droplets of water ran down his ebony black skin like they were awe of the canvas they touched.His wool like hair was still damp, clung to his forehead and curled tighter at the ends, dripping in rhythmic succession on the marble tiles of the bathroom.He had a pink towel on that was barely doing its job, it hung low on his waist and it was more of an afterthought than a means of coverage as he walked towards the mirror.He stood there for a moment, breathing softly as he glared at his reflection. Water continued to glide down his chest, tracing outlines of defined muscle, mapping out weeks of discipline and recent victories. Then he straightened his posture and cleared his throat.“Ahem…!”“Good evening, Miss Valerie…”He reharsed with an outstretched hand and a cheeky eyebrow. Then he frowned, that sounded too stiff and he nee

CHAPTER 60>The event hall was absolutely dazzling. A huge chandelier hung above everything, spilling golden glow aacross the polished surface of everything and casting long reflections that shimmered with every movement of the attendants.They hadnt taken no more than two steps before a wave of people swept toward them. Hands reached out, voices called valerie’s name, and flashes from the press exploded from every angle, bathing them in a burst of while light.Valerie was very much used to this and straightened up to be poissed and elegant, retuinign each greeting with her flawless social smile, the kind that looked warm, yet never gave too much away. Maximus on the other hand, stiffened uncomfortably. The bright camera lights felt invasive to him, probing deeper than he would like. His jaw cleched slightly as he gave a polite nod and quietly retreated his steps till he left the spotligh for valerie.A passing server in crisp black and white appeared at his side, offereing a silver t