The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 854

The hitman had simply found the perfect window of opportunity and ruthlessly capitalized on it to strike Lucille.

Resting my palm against Ferris's cheek, I cupped his face, leaned in, and initiated a tender kiss on his lips. "Thank you, Ferris."

He had already gone above and beyond. I couldn't blame him; I could only feel immense gratitude.

That kiss was my way of saying thank you.

But I quickly regretted it.

What was meant to be a fleeting, innocent peck instantly spiraled out of control the second my lips touched his. Ferris fiercely seized the reins, turning the moment entirely on its head.

His arms wrapped around me, pulling me impossibly tight. He kissed me until I was completely breathless, forcing me to pound my fists weakly against his shoulders just to make him stop.

Under the glow of the streetlights, a faint flush painted Ferris's face. His breathing was heavy, yet his gaze was unyieldingly resolute. "I swear, I won't make that mistake again. I'm going to protect you, and I'm going to protect the people around you. No one else is going to get hurt."

I gently stroked his cheek.

I believed him, and I trusted the police. They already had Lady Thorne in custody, and I was confident they would force Theodore out of hiding soon enough.

After leaving the station, Ferris didn't head toward the Sterling Estate. I noticed he was taking the route toward Eden Gardens instead.

"I had Eden Gardens fully cleaned and prepped. I humbly invite you to inspect the premises, boss," Ferris joked as we stepped out of the car.

I gave him a light, playful kick. "What kind of boss am I? What exactly am I inspecting?"

Rather than getting annoyed, Ferris just caught my arm to steady me. "You're my boss, honey. Watch your step, it's slippery."

His blatant doting was even worse than during our first year of marriage. Back then, Ferris had only been this affectionate behind closed doors; in public, he maintained a cold, untouchable facade.

But I loved this side of him.