Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 209

As she got dressed and headed downstairs, she completely didn't expect to see Randal lounging in the living room.

He was holding a mug of coffee, issuing low-voiced instructions to Mrs. Gable.

Catching the sound of her footsteps, he looked up. His gaze landed on her face, and he paused. "You're awake? Why didn't you sleep in?"

Willa descended the stairs, her tone utterly flat. "Couldn't sleep."

As she drew closer, she caught the faint, lingering scent of tobacco clinging to him.

He had been smoking again, though he had clearly changed his clothes to mask it.

She lowered her eyes, not wanting him to notice the dark, exhausted circles beneath them.

"You look terrible. Did you sleep alright?" He reached out, trying to cup her cheek. "You were already asleep when I got back last night."

"I'm fine." Willa bypassed him and headed straight for the dining room.

She took a seat at the table.

Mrs. Gable brought over a bowl of oatmeal, two plates of light appetizers, and a glass of milk.

Willa picked up her spoon and swallowed a small mouthful, but the moment it hit her stomach, it aggressively threatened to come right back up.

She dropped the spoon and took a deep, steadying breath.

Randal took the seat opposite her, his brow furrowing. "What is it? Are you sick?"

Willa grabbed the milk and took a hurried sip, desperate to suppress the nausea. "Just lost my appetite."

Randal's frown deepened sharply.

She stared down, aimlessly stirring the oatmeal. She forced down a few more mouthfuls, but by the time the bowl was half empty, she literally couldn't stomach another bite and shoved it aside.

"That's all you're going to eat?"

"I'm full." Willa stood up, reaching to carry her dishes to the kitchen.

He instantly stood up and intercepted the bowl from her grip. "I'll take care of it. Go rest."

Willa didn't argue and simply turned on her heel, heading for the living room.

Randal's lips thinned into a tight, hard line, his jaw clenching rigidly as if he were restraining an explosion.

Willa stared right back at him, utterly refusing to back down.

After a tense standoff, he finally surrendered, dropping his domineering facade.

He stepped closer, his fingertips cautiously hooking around hers as they hung by her side.

Seeing she didn't instantly swat him away, he dared to exert a little more pressure, fully wrapping his hand around hers. "Willa, just let me go with you. I swear I won't cause any drama with Martin."

His tone was remarkably soft, gentler than it had ever been.

She tried to yank her hand away, but his grip held firm.

Emboldened, he closed the gap between them, lowering his head to rest his forehead against her shoulder while his arm tentatively sneaked around her waist. "I'll just stand by and watch, alright? I promise I won't say a single word."

As he spoke, his lips intentionally brushed against the shell of her ear.

A helpless shiver wracked her body, a faint numbness spreading through her nerves.