Saved By The Billionaire's Love

Chapter Two: Mirrors and Masks

“Trinity, are you walking alone by yourself at this hour? You're either much more irresponsible or braver than I initially believed.”

I was surprised by the smooth, low voice that broke the stillness of the night. On the cobblestone path that curved through the vast grounds of the family estate, I stopped in my tracks turning to see Max Donovan reclining carelessly on a stone bench, but my breath hitched when the smell of roses blended with the cool night air. His dark suit appeared to disappear into the darkness, yet the moonlight caught his piercing, unblinking eyes.

"What are you doing here?" My voice was sharper than I intended.

He straightened as he came closer, grinning.” “I could ask you the same thing. Most people in your position would be curled up in silk sheets, nursing a bruised ego after a dinner like that.,”

I threw my arms around myself in a fit of rage. "Are you now following me?"

"Following?" He chuckled, the sound low and infuriatingly confident. "I can tell exactly where you're going without having to follow you. You are predictable.”

"Predictable?" My defences flared as the word struck harder than I had anticipated. "You know absolutely nothing about me."

His unwavering look sliced into me like a razor. "Well, I believe I know enough. In front of your family, you put on a brave face, but here? He pointed to the vacant walkway behind me and the gardens. "This is the point at which it breaks."

I started to argue, but I was unable to finish my sentence. The fact that he was correct hurt more than I wanted to acknowledge.

"Max, what do you want?" Finally, with a tired voice, I said.

"Perhaps I simply enjoy a good mystery," he remarked in a tone that was almost light-hearted. "And you are a huge puzzle, Trinity Morgan."

I rolled my eyes and resumed walking. "Go solve a different puzzle. I have no interest in it.”

He walked down next to me, taking leisurely, smooth steps. "You haven't told me to leave yet, even though you say that."

I halted abruptly, turning to face him. "All right.” “Go.”

Max c****d his head, examining me as if I were a unique relic. "That's not what you mean."

A bubble of frustration sprang to the surface. "Why are you concerned? Why have you come here at all? I don't owe you an explanation, and you don't owe me anything.”

In a boring composed tone, he stated, "True." “But I’ve found that people only lash out like this when they’re scared. Well, Trinity, what is it? What's causing your fear?”

The question was like a kick to the stomach. Fear. The anxiety of failing, of being nothing without the Morgan name, of never escaping my father's control was always present, brewing beneath the surface. But telling Max that? Never.

I turned away from him and murmured, "You're unbelievable."

"Perhaps," he murmured, resuming his pace next to me. "But I'm correct, too."

As we ventured more into the gardens, the quiet grew between us. There was a sense of peace due to the tall hedges and blossoming flowers, but Max's presence broke the silence.

"What do you want from me?" Finally, I stopped close to the fountain's edge and enquired. For a minute, it was easier to stare at the reflection than to look at him as the moonlight danced on the rippled lake.

"Honesty," was all he said.

I gave out a sour laugh. “Honesty?” “From a Morgan? That is very rich.”

Max moved in closer, his voice now softer. "You give the impression that no one can see the true you. But, Trinity, I see it. The cracks, the burden you bear. Their expectations are stifling you, and you're finding a way and how to escape.”

My nails dug into my hands as I clinched my fists. "You don't know me, even though you think you do."

His voice was firm as he challenged, "Then show me." "Show me the true you, not the one they have shaped for me."

The rage swelled up again, but it wasn't at him this time. It was at myself—for allowing his comments to touch a raw nerve, for feeling vulnerable in the face of his relentless stare.

"What is your concern?" My voice cracked a little as I asked.

For the first time, his typical smugness vanished from his face as his countenance softened. “Because I’ve been where you are. And trust me, pretending it doesn’t hurt won’t make it go away.”

His words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken truths. I turned my head aside and stared at the edge of the fountain. The desperate need to let someone in, even if only briefly, I fought the urge to push him away.

However, I heard the faint sound of footsteps before I could react. I whirled around, looking around in the dark. Max's stance became stiff as his posture abruptly changed.

"Is anyone else aware that you're out here?" His voice was quiet as he enquired.

"Nobody," I muttered.

The footsteps got closer and louder. Max took hold of my arm and dragged me into a neighbouring hedge for protection. I started to protest, but his palm closed over my mouth and kept me quiet.

His breath was warm against my ear as he whispered, "Remain silent."

I held my breath, my heart pounding in my chest as two figures emerged from the shadows. It was obvious they weren't part of my family. Their dark clothes and purposeful steps shouted professional, but there was something wrong about them.

Max tightened his hold on my arm and murmured under his breath, "They shouldn't be here."

"What's happening?" He looked at the men and shook his head when I murmured.

The men paused by the fountain, discussing in hushed tones. Although I was unable to understand what they were saying, I could tell they were tense.

Max moved slightly, positioning himself between me and the men. "Remain here," he said in a stern tone.

"Hold on—" He was already emerging from the shadows when I began.

His approach caused the men to turn abruptly, and they stopped talking.

"Why are you in this place?" one of them demanded, his tone harsh.

“I could ask you the same thing,” Max said casually, his hands in his pockets.

The other man narrowed his eyes and declared, "This area is private property."

Max grinned, but his smile was cold. “And yet, here you are. Care to explain?”

A shiver went down my spine as the men exchanged glances. There was a problem.

The sound of a phone ringing broke the silence before anyone could say another word. One of the men responded rapidly, muttering something I couldn't hear in a tight voice.

Max turned slightly, his eyes finding mine for a brief time. It was a silent message: *Run.*

Fear and confusion entangled themselves in my chest, preventing me from moving.

Abruptly, the men turned and strode back the way they had come. Max's face was unreadable as he watched them leave. He let out a deep breath and combed through his hair once they were out of sight.

"What was that?" I stepped out of the shadows and demanded.

"Trouble," he said plainly.

"What sort of trouble?"

With a strong tone, he stated, "The kind that's better left unexplained."

I peered at him, my curiosity and frustration fighting for control. "You can't expect me to drop it after you say that."

Max's jaw tensed as he paused. "Let's just say that there are secrets among people besides your family."

He grabbed for his phone before I could ask any more questions, his face growing serious as he read something on the screen.

His voice was anxious as he stated, "We have to leave."

"To Where?" I enquired, my fear increasing.

He said, "Somewhere safe," and started to move.

I hesitated, but there was no arguing with the expression in his eyes. Whatever was going on was greater than both him and me.

I also became aware that I might be in over my head for the first time.

Max stopped suddenly as we were walking back through the gardens, his phone vibrating in his hand. His face hardened as he looked at the screen.

He whispered, his voice hardly audible, "They know."

I scowled. "Who knows what?"

Max faced me with a look of intensity in his eyes that made me shudder. “Trinity, you must have faith in me. This is just the start.”