Maeve popping up out of nowhere threw Byron for a loop. He’d been on the phone didn’t catch what she said. Frowning, he asked, “Wait, what did just say?” “I asked if you’d think about me,” Maeve said, up all courage. In fact, this wasn’t her first run-in Byron. Just last night, her to drop hangover meds to Jeff, walked by an alley and saw Byron getting chased and beaten up. was covered in blood, lying on the ground. Without a second thought, she in to save him, and he’d also her in return. Worried Byron might think nuts, added, ‘Actually, I saved your life last night. remember?” paused, his eyes as a flicker recognition crossed face. was you?“ “Yup, she confirmed, a quiet sigh relief. “So this is your big ask?” Byron’s gaze turned icy as he studied Maeve’s slightly flushed face. puzzled why she ask for anything that night, but now he it out-she must’ve figured out he realized marrying him was way better than a quick favor. Was all that kindness just a front? What a phony woman! At thought, disdain flickered in his he looked at his expression turning distant. “Are you sure this is what Caught up in her own nerves, Maeve didn’t notice the chill in tone quickly nodded. “Yes,” said she. at the worn and of his suit, Maeve figured he didn’t have going for him. with seen, night, it was clear he was in trouble. She marrying a complete stranger, especially a guy like him, was gamble, but she was really at her wit’s end. On the bright side, Byron was way better looking than Jeff. Just at him feels like a win, she thought. ‘Marrying him doesn’t seem like a loss all. Byron’s long silence started to Maeve uneasy. Just thought about backing out, assuming he was going to turn her Byron finally lifted his chin with a cool shrug “Fine. Let’s go,” said he. his family pushing him get today, it felt like the right move; he needed settle down anyway. At this any girl would do. Maeve, still a bit dazed, blinked and “Where to?” Byron her an impatient look. “Didn’t you say wanted to get married?” Without waiting for a he turned and headed for the entrance of the city hall. “Oh! Right!” Maeve scrambled keep up. Half an hour later, Maeve walked out of the city hall, clutching newly issued marriage license, feeling she in a dlaze. She kept Byron’s sharp profile beside her, barely able believe any of real. This was, hands the wildest thing Maeve had done in years-marrying complete stranger. As Byron, as cold as ice and hadn’t smiled once whole time. Walking next to Byron, Maeve a weird mix of excitement and dread about was coming next. pulled out a spare key to her Now that they were officially married, she figured she should at least make effort. 14:39 Oct 14 · apartment and handed it to him. “Here’s the key my place,” said, keeping Apartments, mumber 1008. Move whenever you’re ready. And since you’re hurt, help with stuff, just let know. Byron narrowed his eyes. “So moving in is part of the deal now? Maeve shrugged. “Look, I don’t know you didn’t go to the hospital after getting hurt that badly. But now we’re I’ll do i best to keep together. You don’t have to do dangerous anymore. She hadn’t been before, but now that he was her she wanted him be safe. expression as thought, trying to control me now? Since when I need a to take care me? a joke! “Let’s get one thing straight, Byron his voice icy. Just because we’re married doesn’t mean you get to interfere in my life. You need to understand that. Maeve flinched at his tone bit stunned. “Alright. Do you need moving your things now?” “No,” Byron cut in sharply. got plans. Without another word, he on his heel and started walking toward street, her glance. He did, however, keep the key she’d given him. Maeve felt there was different about Byron compared to but she couldn’t quite pin it down. She decided not to dwell on it and hailed a cab. As as she plopped down in the backseat, her phone buzzed. It calling. After a quick second of hesitation, she hung up and blocked his number. or not was She’d already said all she needed to in the message sent before heading to city hall. Whether he read it or issue now. With that settled, Maeve glanced the marriage certificate on her lap and smiled, feeling wave of with relief wash over her. It’s be she told herself. Not long after Maeve left, sleek Maybach pulled the curb. A man stepped out from front quickly open back door. please get in,” he said with a respectful to who was lingering by the roadside. Byron slid the backseat, casually crossing his long legs. He looked pale and exhuasted-jumping back into his routine before was fully healed clearly wearing him down. “Call the Anthony,” he ordered. my wound and redressed. Archer Bax, assistant, replied “Anthony’s already on his way. And we’ve managed to Mr. Gilbert McDaniel’s men off your trail-they don’t you’re hurt If Gilbert found out about wouldn’t have rushed his grandson into marriage. But that would also mean that Byron’s injuries would be bare the rest of the McDaniels, putting him at a serious disadvantage. That was why Byron insisted on keeping a secret everyone else. Byron leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes for a quick moment of rest. He tossed the copy of the marriage license to the side, but it ended up slipping to floor anyone noticing.