lanâs voice was so loud that Bella could hear him even through
Justinâs phone.
âDr. Fairchild, Iâm busy with something at the moment. I'll get back to you later.â
Bella hung up in a hurry and stared at Justin with bright eyes.
Justin curled his lips and stroked her hair. âWhat changed his mind?â
âWinston was attacked by his cellmate last night. His cellmate drove a toothbrush into his neck, but he was able to resist him
until the patrolling guards arrived, so he managed to survive the attack.â
Justin and Bella exchanged lingering looks. âHow is he doing now?â
lan sneered, âHe was transported out of prison to receive urgent medical care. He clamored to see you and the young madam
whee got up. | guess heâs ready to talk now. His life was threatene days into his jail sentence. How is he supposed to survive the
two decades? He must be hoping that you will help him.â
Overjoyed, Bella got on her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around Justin, and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
As his eyes darkened with yearning, Justin hooked his right arm
around her, lifting her up by her perky butt. His show of strength was
so boyfriend-material.
His free hand slipped behind her head, and they shared a kiss.
His eyes reflected her bashful face.
â| got to give it to you. You figured out your wicked stepmotherâs plan.â Bella prodded her nose against Justinâs and praised him.
â| could have only figured it out with your help, Bella. Without you, Iâm
nothing.â
Justin pecked her lips. âShannon fell for it because you used the
internet to bash her. She needed to silence her enemy before the truth came out. | didnât expect Shannon to work so quickly,
though. Gregory kept her at home, basically grounding her. Even though Harry and Winston are caught, she manages to find
someone to do her dirty work. | guess she must have a lot of people working for her.â
Bella narrowed her eyes. âDonât worry about your sister, Bethany. She beats your stepmother when it comes to ruthlessness.â
â| only have one sister, and thatâs Carrie.â
Justin spoke in a raspy voice, his eyes fixating on his p
assertiveness made her heart race âYou, on the othe
lot of guy friends.â
âWho? Dr. Fairchild?â She curled her lips cheekily. âAre you
Hm?â
âWhat do you think?â
is
Justinâs eyes were red-rimmed. âNo one, except your father, your brothers, and me, would risk their lives for you unless they.had
ulterior motives.â
vea
âSo what? Iâm worth any manâs life.â Bella winked and twirled her hair
Chopper 1006
âIf even Dr. Fairchild can get to you, you'll be in for a rough ride.â
Even though Justin knew Bella was joking, his eyes dimmed with jealousy.
âBut...â Bella stopped teasing him, her breath caressing his ear. Thereâs only one man for me.â
Justinâs heart pounded out of his chest.
The past came to mind.
Justin could not even stand Bellaâs
friend. Yet aioh past three gears,
Bellastayéd! § side while he was
out with another woman.
He teared up, reminded of his past cruelty toward her.
Justin could never change the past.
Even though Bella had forgiven him, he could not forgive himself.
âHey, don't tell me...â Bella was
surprised thane pig Kwde bay!
joking. Why are you crying? Come
on.â
âNo, Iâm okay.â Justin drew a deep breath and beamed.
âGet yourself ready. Weâre going to meet with Ralph and then
Winston.â
Bella tried to leave Justinâs embrace, but he clung harder to her.
âI'm hungry, Bella.â
Justinâs hoarse voice reflected his
urge. He carried Bella intg the O mM
bedroom CFeéd e to give me
energy to work.â
Bella pounded his shoulder. She had no more tears to shed.