On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 224

George raised a hand, and two bodyguards in black suits seemed to materialize out of thin air. Realizing he was outmatched, Brooks turned to flee. But it was too late. One of the bodyguards caught up to the out-of-shape man in a few strides, kicking his legs out from under him. Brooks crumpled to the floor. The bodyguard grabbed him by the ankle and dragged him toward a dark service corridor across the hall.

Jessica trembled in George’s arms, her soft, fragrant hair brushing against his chest. He could feel the shivers racking her body. She was truly terrified.

His gaze shifted to the corridor where Brooks had vanished, and a murderous rage flared in his eyes, so intense it threatened to break through his iron control.

As the immediate danger passed, Jessica realized how close she was to him and blushed. She tried to stand on her own, but let out an involuntary hiss of pain.

George’s fierce expression vanished in an instant. He looked down at her. “What is it?”

She said nothing.

He knelt, his eyes falling on her legs beneath the hem of her dress. They were covered in angry, new bruises that stood out starkly against her pale skin. His jaw tightened.

Without another word, he scooped her into his arms and carried her, unimpeded, to the top floor of the building, setting her down gently on a plush sofa.

As he stood to leave, Jessica instinctively grabbed his arm. Alone in the vast, empty suite, a flicker of fear returned. She didn't want him to leave her.

George looked down at her hand on his sleeve. Her large, wet eyes shone, and her fair skin was flushed a delicate pink. She didn't look like a mother; she looked like an innocent young girl who had never seen the ugly side of the world.

“I’m getting the first-aid kit,” he explained patiently.

Jessica’s face burned. She quickly let go. “Oh. Okay. I’ll wait for you.”

She swallowed, searching for something to say to break the charged silence. “What are you doing here?”

“Dinner,” he replied.

“By yourself?”

“The others already left.”

“Oh,” she said. “So you were on your way out when you ran into me?”

George looked up, his gaze meeting hers.