Scars of Time

Chapter 58: "Challenge accepted"

Hope's POV

"Blood" I blurted out, as soon as I got back to my senses. I'm pretty sure I didn't cut myself, so why was he giving me that bewildered look when he was the one with blood trickling down?

"Where? Where?"

I grabbed his hand and stopped him so he could see it for himself. He took a breath of relief and wrapped me in his arms.

I didn't know how to react. Why was he so anxious about the possibility of me harming myself? I had always believed that nobody would really care, except for Time, but it would be for the best anyway, as I would take a burden off his shoulders.

I switched off the shower so I could look at his wound, only to be met with a piercing gaze filled with fury.

"We should go disinfect it."

With a burst of anger, he yanked his hand away from me in frustration, quickly washed it, and stormed out of the bathroom without uttering a single word. I had to chase after him because I didn't want him to be mad at me. I was supposed to be the one who was angry.

"Hey" I shouted so I could stop him from walking out of my room. "You don't get to be angry at me. You are the one plotting behind my back with Time."

"Plotting?! How is taking care of you, plotting behind your back?!"

"How many times do I have to say it? I'm not a freaking child! I don't need to be taken care of."I snapped, but his anger only intensified.

"Well, it seems like I'm not so convinced anymore. Now I get why Time hired me. From now on, you're not going anywhere without me. Not even in the bathroom."

"What are you talking about? I need my privacy."

"You lost that privilege. We saw what you did in the bathroom."

"Why are you acting like Time? You're not my brother! You have no right to dictate rules to me."

"Fine. Do you want me to call him?"

"NO" I panicked. If Time found out that I did this again, he would be devastated. I really don't want to see him sad, especially now that Josephine has brought some positivity into his life.

"Don't call him. I'll follow your rules. Now let me dress your wound before it stains my carpet."

Without even bothering to glance in my direction, he extended his hand towards me. I couldn't help but roll my eyes before finally inspecting it. How on earth did he manage to get such a deep cut? It must be excruciatingly painful. Despite diligently performing my duties, he didn't spare me a single glance. It felt as though I was tending to a stranger's hand, not his. I'm sure it caused immense pain, yet he didn't even flinch.

As we got to our feet, I realized it would be wise to dry ourselves off if we wanted to avoid getting sick. Our clothes were sticking to our bodies and I couldn't help but steal a glance at his perfectly sculpted abs. Not wanting him to catch on, I discreetly cleared my throat and said, "I should get dressed. Get out."

"I told you I wouldn't leave you alone from now on."

"What do you mean? Are you going to stand here while I get dressed?"

"Yes. Because I don't trust you."

"Fine" I replied confidently, knowing I had no problem getting naked in front of him. He bound his arms together, his gaze locked onto mine and a clear challenge in his eyes. Well, challenge accepted - I thought to myself.

He was provoking me, but he was about to regret it. As I undressed, the initial item to go was my shirt, yet his eyes remained fixated on me, without moving an inch. However I was determined not to give up. One by one, my pants, socks, and undershirt followed suit, leaving me with nothing but my captivating bra and alluring panties.

"I can't believe how wet I am" I said purposefully, and this time his eyes shifted to the other side as his ears started becoming red.

I put a smirk on my face and started unbuttoning my bra.

After I discarded every piece of clothing, I could sence that he was trying his hardest not to look while I was standing confidently in front of him, knowing for a fact he was not going to be able to resist. It was funny to me how he was not even breathing, while trying to keep himself together.

"Aren't you going to get dressed?"

"Aren't you going to?" I asked and took a step towards him.

"Am I crazy? Why would I get dressed in front of you?"

"What?! But you made me..."

"You were the one challenging me. You could have just asked me to turn around."

"You're a jerk."

....................

Alex's POV

She hurriedly dashed towards her wardrobe to fetch some clothes and I let a breath out attempting to pacify the tumultuous pounding of my heart. Why do I always find myself in this position with her?

She cast a furious gaze upon me as soon as she got dressed, so I had to remove myself from her room before I get murdered.

I ventured into Time's closet and borrowed something from him, certain that he wouldn't mind. Afterwards, I felt compelled to go back and check on her. Although I was angry at her, I knew she couldn't be left alone. What she went thru is not something you could take lightly. And not something you can overcome easily.

If I want to be her bodyguard, first I need to protect her from herself and then from Ian and Evan Astor. I'll make sure she never finds out he is alive.

Without bothering to knock, I entered her room once more, for I had already witnessed everything I needed to see. She lifted her head from the pillow, unsure of how to react, while I casually settled down beside her.

"What are you doing?" she asked, but I chose to close my eyes, disregarding her questions.

"What kind of bodyguard are you?" Her question brought a smile to my face, although I swiftly concealed it. I must have been tired because it didn't take long for my fake sleep to turn into actual slumber. And the only reason I opened my eyes in the morning was because she called out my name; otherwise, I desperately craved more sleep.

"Do you need something?"

"I need to go to the bathroom."

"Huh?"

"I need to go to the bathroom" she repeated while I was trying to pry open my sleepy eyes so I could understand what she was saying. Glancing at my phone. I noticed it was 6:30.

Confused I asked her, "Why are you telling me this?"

"I distinctly recall you assuring me that you'd never leave my side, not even in the bathroom. Well, now's the moment to demonstrate your dedication!"

It hit me that she was intentionally being petty. But it's barely morning. How does she have the energy for this?

"Let's go then" I proclaimed, bounding out of bed and giving my head a vigorous shake so I could wake myself up. Her eyes widened in disbelief, evidently not expecting me to pay any heed to her words. She was just bluffing so she could get back at me.

"Fine. Let's go" she stated, half-expecting me to back down, but I was not going to. As I said, she won't take me seriously otherwise.

With hesitant steps, we made our way inside awkwardly, both of us carrying the weight of regret in our eyes. However, her regret outweighed mine, as she had even roused me from sleep because of this. Now I have to keep my word.

Her eyes scanned the area, pondering whether she should use the bathroom or not. Eventually, she opted to freshen up by brushing her teeth and washing her face first. Then she looked around once more, which made me feel bad and I decided to give up. Even though she was the one who tried to play with me the second she woke up, at least I should try to be the bigger person. Because we were acting like children.

I went to lay back in bed but my sleep was already ruined. I tossed and turned, but soon realized it was a pointless struggle. Frustration consumed me as I impatiently awaited her exit from the bathroom.

Finally, as she stepped out, she glanced at me and casually remarked, "You don't have to tag along today," before disappearing into her closet.

"Why?" I questioned, as if I had any intention of obeying her.

"I have to meet someone."

"Who? Michael again?"

"No. Someone else."

"There is even someone else now?! Wow! And you still claim you're not a player?" I asked without hesitation.

With an eye roll that exuded a hint of annoyance, she carried on with her meticulous outfit planning. The absence of a response only fueled my curiosity further. Who was the mysterious person she was preparing to meet, that warranted such careful consideration of her outfit?