A Vow of Deception, A Vow of Revenge novel Chapter 168

But in the very next second, his kiss caught her completely off guard.

Winona's eyes widened in surprise, but soon she let them drift closed. She wrapped her arms around his strong waist, letting herself melt into the kiss.

When it finally ended, Winona opened her eyes to find him watching her, a playful smile in his gaze. She jabbed him squarely in the chest.

"Mr. Rogers, ambushing me like that? That's hardly fair play."

Elvis caught her mischievous finger, his eyes crinkling with laughter. "Then let me make it up to you."

"Who needs your apology?" Winona huffed, feigning annoyance. "Now move, I'm going to bed."

"Alright, alright."

This time, Elvis really stood up and offered her a hand, pulling her up from the couch.

But instead of heading straight to bed, Winona rummaged through her bag and pulled out something soft and fuzzy.

Elvis leaned in for a closer look.

It was that stuffed bear they'd won together at the fair last time.

"You still keep that thing with you?" Elvis chuckled.

"Of course I do," Winona retorted, hugging the teddy bear to her chest with a stubborn pride. "I sleep with it every night now."

Elvis's gaze lingered on the bear.

Winona caught the look and thought there was something almost complicated in his eyes.

Was that… envy?

No way. She must be imagining things.

Elvis didn't press the matter. He just waited until she climbed into bed, then tucked the blanket gently around her.

Sitting by her side, he murmured, "Go on, get some sleep. I'll stay here with you."

"Mm…"

Elvis leaned closer, whispering, "Don't be afraid. I'm right here."

Maybe she heard him, because her brow slowly smoothed, and a faint smile tugged at her lips.

Elvis let out a quiet sigh of relief. He gazed down at her, tenderness filling his eyes.

He knew, no matter what the future brought, he'd always be by her side, always protecting her.

He would never let her get hurt again.

…

At Capital General Hospital, Celia was still fuming that Tyson had abandoned her to fly overseas on his own. Her phone suddenly rang, pulling her out of her sour mood.

She answered it with a huff, only to hear a man's voice, brimming with excitement.

"Celia, I finally have my chance!"