How splendid that was.

As the car idled outside Dawn Villas, Cristian watched Fernanda prepare to exit. He ventured, “Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?”

“No.” Fernanda shook her head. “Let Robert stew in his own juice. Why should we sweeten his day?”

Robert was seething over her ended engagement with Bobby. If he caught wind of her budding feelings for Cristian, he’d surely revel in it. She refused to let her relationship with Cristian become another pawn in Robert’s games. That would dishonor what they had.

“But I’m worried about you,” Cristian admitted.

The thought of Robert harming Fernanda again was unbearable. If that happened, holding back would be out of the question.

“It won’t happen,” Fernanda reassured him with a comforting smile. “Trust me.”

Fernanda’s words did little to reassure Cristian, as he feared that Robert might harm her.

Robert was unpredictable and threatening; it was hard to determine what drastic action he might take when upset.

As Fernanda stepped into the entrance of Dawn Villas, her slender figure moved with effortless grace. The hem of her coat swayed gently with each step, and her scarf trailed elegantly by her side. Cristian quickly got out of the driver’s seat, catching up to her in a few strides. He grabbed her arm just as she was about to turn.

Before she could ask what was wrong, Cristian’s face was suddenly close to hers. Then, she felt the press of a deep, lingering kiss. Stunned, Fernanda froze, her mind momentarily blank. She stood stiffly, forgetting to respond.

It was a long moment before Cristian pulled back.

He rested his forehead against hers, his voice low and slightly rough. “I want to go in with you.”

Fernanda smiled gently. “How about next time?”

“Sorry, I want now.” Cristian tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, his touch deliberate. “I’m worried about you.”

“Don’t think I’m that weak, okay?” Fernanda chuckled, lightly pushing him away and stepping back to create some distance. “I can handle Robert on my own. He won’t get another chance to hit me. I’ll be more careful.”

She waved lightly. “I’m off. You should head back too.”

The soft glow of the neighborhood’s entrance lights illuminated her features. Her delicate skin had a rosy tint, and her lips now carried a slight flush, likely from the kiss. The faint blush made her look even more radiant.

Cristian swallowed hard, his dark eyes fixed on her retreating figure.

It was… maddening.

He understood why Fernanda didn’t want him to accompany her. He also knew he could step in and resolve any problem she faced.

But he could already picture Robert’s smug grin if he did.

And Fernanda didn’t want Robert to win.

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