Pearl blushed so hard that Taggart clutched her in a warm embrace. Taggart was supposed to be a cold, cruel man like he portrayed all the time. But tonight, she felt different. Moreover, he sighed and whispered something soothing and warmed her heart.
"I don't want to see you hurt. I'm so worried that I've been searching your entire night."
Pearl froze and was dazed in his embrace. Unlike the monster from her nightmares, Taggart showed compassion, acting more human. Once he let her off the hold, Taggart put his hand on Pearl's cheek.
"Are you okay?" he murmured. His eyes softened, and it was so dazzling. Pearl couldn't describe it despite her heart thumping hard. There were no men who ever did it to her. Was it still the same hate she felt for him, or was she feeling something else she
