Chapter 9
Courtney struggled desperately, clutching the towel wrapped around her body as she glared at Hayden with a mix of fear and anger.
“What’s the point? I’ve already seen you naked, Hayden sneered. He was the type of man who thrived on being mean, and he would bully Courtney for fun. For five long years, he had tortured her.
Courtney slapped Hayden’s face, her whole body trembling.
She had to admit that without Hayden, she wouldn’t have survived the battlefield intact. But the nightmares he had brought into her life were something she could never escape.
“We’ve been together for five years in Weidan, and this is how you greet me! A slap right off the bat?” Hayden said with a mockingly wounded expression
He was undeniably handsome–sharp, chiseled features, standing six–foot–two, broad–shouldered, and exuding an air of danger that commanded attention. There was an intensity about him, a magnetic but menacing presence that made people instinctively wary,
Hayden was the kind of man who stood out no matter where he went. Even in the desolation of the desert, he seemed to glow with a raw, unrelenting charisma,
The first time Courtney saw him, she had been overwhelmed by his imposing aura and striking appearance.
She had demanded to know why he had joined a terrorist organization, and he had said it was all for profit
People all live for profit.
Hayden was a smuggler, wanted by customs authorities. Desperation had driven him to ally with Lucas, the leader of a terrorist group. Lucas trusted Hayden deeply.
Hayden, a master of strategy and warfare, had devised countless plans for Lucas, helping him rise above the other militant factions. He was Lu8,15’s closest advisor, second only to the leader himself.
“Shut up,” Courtney signed with her hands, her gestures sharp and deliberate
Hayden was one of the few people who understood her sign language. With a sigh, he leaned against the wall, raising his hands in mock surrender.
“I just came to bring you a phone. Did your dear husband even notice you don’t have one? Leaving you here without any way to call for help what If something happened!” he said.
word subtly criticizing Austin. He was almost telling Courtney directly that Austin didn’t love
Hayder’s tone was laced with feigned grievance, each wo her anymore
“I don’t need your fake kindness, Courtney signed, her hands trembling as she communicated her defiance.
Hayden reached out and grabbed Courtney’s arm, pulling her closer. “Fake kindness Courtney, do you even have a conscience? If it weren’t for me. would you have survived Lucas
Courtney’s anger flared. She raised her hand to an
hand to slap him again, but he easily caught her wrist.
His hand was large, wrapping around her delicate wrist effortlessly. He held her firmly but cautiously, as if afraid to apply too much pressure, as though her arm might break with the slightest force.
For a brief moment, a flicker of something softer–perhaps guilt or tenderness–flashed in his eyes. But it vanished almost instantly.
Courtney admitted that Hayden was cruel, nasty, and loved bullying her, but he had never truly forced her to do anything against her will. Most of it was just an act to maintain appearances in front of Lucas and his men.
Once, Courtney had asked Hayden why he chose to help her. With his usual smirk, he had replied, “Because you’re beautiful. I want to see when you’ll fall for me and agree to be my wife.”
Courtney had snapped back, furious, “Don’t even think about it. I’m married, and I love my husband deeply”
She had believed that returning home would mean leaving everything behind, finally ridding herself of the nightmare that was Hayden.
But reality had delivered a cruel blow.
“Why are you here? Aren’t you afraid I’ll call the police!” Courtney gestured.
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11:21 AM
Chapter 9
Hayden didn’t answer. Instead, he opened a first–aid kit, pulled out some antiseptic and cotton swabs, and grabbed her wrist to tend to her wounds.
His expression was dark, his anger palpable. After a long silence, he finally asked, “Who did this?”
Back in the chaos of the terrorist camps and battlefields, he had never let Courtney be harmed. Now, freshly returned home, she was already hurt. which infuriated Hayden.
“Mind you own business. Courtney turned her face away as she tried to pull her arm free. But in that moment, the emotions she had been suppressing broke loose, and tears began streaming uncontrollably down her face.
Hayden didn’t let go. Instead, he continued carefully treating her wounds, his movements oddly gentle, as if he truly cherished her.
Courtney couldn’t bring herself to look at Hayden, who was part of a terrorist organization.
She knew that for the past five years, Hayden had been her shield, protecting her time and agam. But she couldn’t spare this terrorist because of
that
“If I have minded my own business, you wouldn’t still be alive. Drop the attitude, Hayden muttered, tossing the used cotton swabs into the trash.
He took out a brand–new phone, inserted a SIM card, and handed it to her. I’ve saved my number in the contact list. If you’re e me. I’m more reliable than that cheated husband of yours.”
ever in danger, call
Courtney’s face flushed with anger. She hated hearing anyone mentioning Austin. Instinctively, she raised her hand to slap him again, but this time, Hayden grabbed her and pinned her onto the bed.
“Courtney, have I been spoiling you too much these past years?” Hayden growled, his brows furrowing. Roughly, he yanked the towel off her, a predatory glint in his eyes as if he was about to devour her whole.
He always scared her like this Courtney broke down, tears streaming uncontrollably. For once, it was Hayden who panicked.
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