Chapter 196

Chapter: 196

Millie pivoted her gaze towards the distant landscape, cupping her cheeks in contemplation.

Marcus’ patience was wearing thin, and he realized that Millie’s fiery temperament was in part a product of his own tolerance.

With a firm grip, he held Millie’s shoulder and hoisted her up, his voice laden with reproach. “Why the tantrum? Remember, you

kicked someone into the lake! Do you really think it wouldn’t have any consequences?”

The vice-like grip on her shoulder felt painful. Were his hands crafted from iron?

Caught on the back foot, Millie felt compelled to protest, her glossy dark eyes radiating frustration. “| don’t owe you an

explanation. | didn’t invite you here. | let Derek know that | wasn’t hungry, so | planned to skip lunch. What are you still doing

here? Your high and mighty talk seems to be just a cover to torment me until my shoulders crumble.”

Millie’s petite face was contorted by discomfort.

Marcus’ handsome features twitched slightly. The sight of this woman, vehemently arguing with an air of haughty defiance, was

far from what one would consider ladylike behavior.

Perhaps she seemed more refined whenever she wore a mask.

Nevertheless, upon witnessing Millie’s discomfort, his resolve wavered. He eased the pressure on her shoulder and the corners

of his mouth curled slightly.

“So, you've finally decided to speak up. Have you decided to abandon your stubborn silence?”

“You're hurting me! Of course, I’m going to talk. I’m not an idiot,” she countered.

“Do you have a head injury?” Marcus’ gaze zeroed in on the swath of fabric encircling Millie’s head. It was something he had

noted initially but hadn’t received any response to.

“Whether I’m injured or not is none of your concern. Please spare yourself the embarrassment of meddling. Even if | were in

excruciating pain, | wouldn’t accept a penny from you for medication.” Millie lifted her chin, dismissing Marcus with a show of

indifference.

“| said it concerns me, therefore it does. You look like a mess. Let me check if you've been bitten by ants. You’re overreacting,

bandaging yourself with this hideous fabric. Could you look any less displeasing?”

Marcus’ imposing figure leaned forward, his arm assertively drawing Millie against his sturdy chest. Cradling her neck, he held

her head steady while he worked to untie the fabric around her head.

Indeed, the band around her head was in poor taste. She had torn it from a hand-basket meant to protect her from pricks.

“Hands off! I'd rather be repulsive if it means | can embarrass you,” she retorted with indignation. Locked in Marcus’ chest, she

couldn’t escape his strong, masculine scent, which was unfamiliar and overwhelming.

Marcus let a subtle smile creep onto his lips, almost invisible. He found her verbal defiance somewhat entertaining.

However, that amusement vanished when he noticed a damp, blood-stained spot on the band. His dark eyes instantly narrowed,

realizing the severity of Millie’s wound.

His hand carefully traced her scalp until he found the wound hidden under her hair at the back of her head.

His fingers gently probed the injury, revealing the broken skin and swollen area around it, It was concealed well beneath her hair,

escaping immediate notice. His face darkened instantly at the sight.

“Don’t touch me! Who said you could touch me?” Millie stiffened up, her discomfort palpable under Marcus’ gentle touch.