An Ex-Thug Chased by Enchanting Billionaire Women

Chapter 9: Lingering Shadows and New Faces

Samson quickly guided Itari toward the left-wing door of the house, a path rarely used by the other residents. After ensuring the corridor was completely empty, he signaled for her to enter.

"Go inside, Madam. Take a warm shower and get some rest. Forget everything that happened tonight," Samson whispered firmly yet respectfully.

Itari only gave a small nod. "Thank you, Mighty Man," she said, forcing a weak smile.

"You are welcome, Madam."

Itari looked at Samson one last time that night before slipping inside and closing the door softly. Samson himself hurried back to the pavilion, moving as stealthily as a shadow to avoid raising suspicion from his crew, who might have woken up.

Inside her room, Itari didn't go to the shower right away. She leaned her back against the tightly closed door, her heart still racing wildly. It was the first time she had ever felt a sensation quite like that. She looked at her palm, the same one that had touched Samson’s warm, muscular arm earlier.

"That mighty man," she murmured softly.

Her face suddenly flushed red in the dimness of the room. The image of Samson’s stern face as he scolded her for her own good kept playing in her head. For a long time, the men who approached her only wanted her body or to exploit her, but Samson was different. He had looked at her with genuine concern, even risking his job just to save her life.

Itari touched her chest, feeling her pulse thrumming. She remembered how it felt to lean against Samson's sturdy, broad chest while they were hiding behind the plants. The scent of the pool water mixed with his masculine aroma seemed to linger in her senses.

"Why did he have to show up now?" she whispered with a bitter smile, though the blush on her cheeks didn't lie.

Samson returned to the pavilion, intending to shower and rest.

"Boss, where'd you get caught in the rain?" asked Bejo, who had just stepped out of his room.

"It wasn't rain; I just fell into the pool," Samson replied. He decided not to tell his men what had actually happened.

"Wait, what? You went swimming in the middle of the night? Are you for real?" Bejo was genuinely shocked.

"I missed my step; I'm tired," Samson answered shortly, walking toward his room without looking back. He didn't want Bejo to see the lingering traces of nervousness on his face or ask why his shirt carried the faint scent of a woman’s perfume.

"Man, the boss... How can a guy that big just trip into a pool? Must be bad karma from scolding Gopar so much," Bejo muttered, shaking his head before heading back into his room to continue his dream of being a secret agent.

The sun had just begun to peek through, but the atmosphere at the luxury residence was already heating up. Samson stood tall in front of the pavilion, dressed in his crisp, new suit.

"Remember, today is the first day of our assigned duties. Bejo, you handle Ms. Imel. Don't let a single scratch get on her, and more importantly, don't let her work you over until your mental state is scratched," Samson instructed.

"Ready, Boss! I've prepared a double layer of steel-plated patience," Bejo replied, adjusting his slightly crooked tie.

Not long after, a luxury metallic blue sports car roared into the courtyard. It was Rio, Soraya’s son, who had just returned from his nightly agenda. He stepped out of the car wearing sunglasses, looking a bit disheveled but still maintaining his arrogant air.

Rio’s footsteps stopped when he saw Samson standing alert on the path toward the main house. He gave a lopsided smirk and walked closer.

"Well, where did this security come from? It's awfully crowded this morning," Rio sneered, taking off his sunglasses and glancing at Gopar, who was wearing a suit that actually fitted him this time.

"Are you sure Rose didn't make a mistake choosing her bodyguards?" he mocked. He had already heard from his mother that Rose had hired new help.

"Don't bother my bodyguards, Rio!" A firm voice made everyone turn toward the source.

Rose stood elegantly not far from them. She was dressed in her office attire, looking sharp, beautiful, and poised.

"I was just saying hello, Rose," Rio chuckled casually, patting Samson on the shoulder before sauntering away.

Samson remained motionless as Rio’s palm hit his shoulder. He could feel the sharp, scrutinizing gaze from Soraya’s son, but he chose to be a breathing statue. Once Rio disappeared into the house, Rose stepped closer. The fresh scent of her luxury perfume immediately swept over Samson’s senses.

"Good morning, Ms. Rose," Samson greeted.

"Are you all ready?" Rose asked curtly, her eyes scanning each of her bodyguards.

"Ready, Miss," they answered in unison.

"Good. Bejo, Imel will be out shortly. Ensure she reaches school on time and don't let your emotions get triggered if she starts talking nonsense," Rose ordered.

"Understood, Boss. Patience is my ninja way today," Bejo replied with a mock-wise tone.

Just as Bejo walked toward the main porch, the front door swung open. Imel appeared in her neat school uniform, her face already twisted into a sour pout. Behind her followed Itari, dressed in a fresh peach-colored morning gown. Itari’s face looked much more alive, though there was a faint blush on her cheeks when she saw Samson standing tall beside Rose.

"Come on, Ugly Uncle! Why are you just standing there? Carry my bag!" Imel shouted rudely, tossing her backpack, which turned out to be incredibly heavy, right at Bejo’s chest.

"Oof! What’s in here, Miss? Rocks?" Bejo groaned, staggering backward.

Itari walked past them, intentionally passing very close to Samson. Without glancing at him to avoid sparking Rose’s suspicion, she whispered in a very soft voice, "Thank you for the breath I still have this morning, Mighty Man."

Samson could only swallow hard. His Adam's apple bobbed as he heard that whisper. He felt his back go stiff instantly.

"Samson," Rose called out suddenly, her voice sounding cold.

Samson snapped out of it. "Yes, Miss?"

"We’re leaving now. I have an important meeting at nine this morning," she stated calmly.

"Understood, Miss."

Samson opened the car door for Rose, and she stepped inside. Samson quickly got into the front passenger seat, where Rose's personal driver was already waiting at the wheel. Before the door could close, Itari waved at Samson with a charming smile. Samson tried his best to ignore it and shut the door.

Unfortunately, Gopar and Ucok saw the whole thing.

"The flirty madam seems to have a crush on the boss," Gopar whispered.

"Well, the boss's charm is very sexy and alluring, after all," Ucok giggled in response.

"Come on, let's get to work. We'll get scolded if we don't start right away," Gopar said.

"Look at you—one good breakfast and your work spirit is through the roof, huh?" Ucok joked.

"You bet it is," he laughed.

"Par, what do you think of my slicked-back hair? Cool, right? Like the bodyguards in Chinese dramas," Ucok said, smoothing his shiny hair.

"Did you use cooking oil?" Gopar asked.

"Wait, can you actually smell it?" Ucok stopped in his tracks, turning to Gopar with a shocked expression.

"Oh, for heaven's sake... you really used cooking oil?" Gopar shrieked. He had just been guessing, but he was right.

"Shh... trade secret! Don't be a blabbermouth!" Ucok scolded. "Now, let's get to work."

***