From beside them came Angelicaâs sudden snort of laughter.
Landon was really trying his hardest to take care of Lauren. None of his techniques applicable to other women worked for Lauren, so he had no choice but to try something new.
It was fun to watch.
Meanwhile, Lauren eagerly savored the soup Landon served her. Her motivation wasnât to boast about the experience but to ease Landonâs burden. She just didnât want him to strain his arm by repeatedly lifting the spoon to her lips.
Landonâs eyes narrowed happily the more Lauren ate.
âSlow down now. Donât choke yourself.â He gently patted her back.
sa When he noticed a drop of white at the corner of Laurenâs lips, his breathing hitched inexplicably as surge of heat washed through him.
It was a drop of soup, nothing more.
Landon cursed at himself as he pondered the last time he had taken someone to bed. How could soup make his mind go south that quickly?
âThis is tasty. I want more, Landon,â Lauren exclaimed happily.
âOkay,â Landon said hoarsely.
The ward door was suddenly slammed open, followed by a shriek, âHow dare you, Landon Harper?â
Frightened, Lauren dove into Landonâs arms, wrapping hers around him. Laurenâs action made him realize just how important he was to her.
âDonât worry. Itâs just your sister-in-law and your brother,â he murmured.
Jasper and Alyssa had already marched into the room by now. They were both shocked to their core when they saw Landon and Laurenâs positions âYou! Keep your hands off of her!â Alyssa cried, her heart nearly bursting out from her chest when she saw how close the two were.
âHuh?â Landon blurted out, instinctively holding onto Lauren in a protective stance.
Alyssa was nearly seething with rage and visibly upset.
It had been 12 hours. Could someone like Landon resist helping himself for such a prolonged duration?
Alyssa could never believe Landon could. There was no way in hell that he could!
Jasperâs expression was dark and frigid as he demanded, âWhat is going on? Why is Lauren here?â
âWhat happened to your ear, Lauren?â Alyssa suddenly asked, keen eyes noticing Laurenâs bandaged ear. She hurried to the bedside, asking Landon, âWhat happened to her?â
Jasper walked over to Alyssaâs side, just as worried.
Landon grimaced. Could they have a little more faith in him?
He gently rubbed Laurenâs trembling back, saying slowly, âLauren just came out of surgery. Iâll tell you all about it later.â
Alyssa narrowed her eyes, dropping the matter for now, âGrandpa intends to have Lauren live with him in Crescent Bay, so sheâll be staying with him from now on.â
âReally? Thatâs wonderful news! Laurieâs finally escaped that hellhole!â Landon cried happily.
Jasper noticed how frightened his sister looked and immediately realized something. His lips stretched into a thin line.
âNo! Iâm not going!â Lauren yelled all of a sudden. âI want to stay with Landon!â
Looks of shock flitted across Landon, Jasper, and Alyssaâs faces.