The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 270

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 270: Cash Family Barbeque**

**Judy’s POV**

“You did what??” Gavin’s voice was incredulous, his arms crossed tightly over his chest as he shot me a piercing glare. I sat on his bed, my gaze fixed on the floor, feeling the weight of his disapproval. “Why on earth would you agree to attend that barbeque?”

“Because Irene asked me to,” I replied softly, my voice barely above a whisper. “She’s my friend, Gavin. She needed my support… so I’m going.”

He let out a frustrated sigh, running his fingers through his tousled hair, a gesture that always made my heart flutter.

“Let me come with you,” he insisted after a brief pause, his tone shifting to one of concern.

I rose from the bed, closing the distance between us, and wrapped my arms around his neck, savoring the warmth of his embrace. I appreciated his desire to protect me, but I knew that bringing him along would only cause complications. It would create a scene, drawing attention to our unique bond.

“And how would we explain that?” I questioned him, tilting my head slightly to meet his gaze. “We’d have to come up with some elaborate excuse as to why you’re there defending me, Gavin. I really don’t think it’s a wise decision.”

He sighed deeply, pulling me closer, his arms encircling my waist.

“I get invited every year, you know. But I never actually go,” he murmured, almost as if he were revealing a secret.

His admission caught me off guard. I looked up at him, surprise etched on my face.

“If you feel compelled to attend, then go ahead,” I said gently. “But I need to prove to myself that I can handle this on my own without your intervention. Besides, I doubt Irene would want you there. This is her moment, and your presence might overshadow her.”

He nodded slowly, pressing his forehead against mine in a tender gesture.

“You’re right. I don’t like it, but you’re right. Just promise me, if he gives you any trouble—”

“I’ll call you,” I promised, standing on my toes to plant a soft kiss on his lips. “Mr. Protective.”

He rolled his eyes playfully, but I could see the corners of his mouth twitching into a smile.

“That’s me,” he replied softly. “Always the protector.”

He deepened the kiss, and soon we found ourselves tangled together in his bed, losing ourselves in each other for the rest of the night until sleep finally claimed us.

As morning light seeped through the curtains, I found myself descending the stairs of my house, still basking in the warmth of the previous night. My mother was waiting at the bottom, her brow furrowed in concern.

“Where have you been?” she asked, her voice sharp with curiosity. It was late morning, and I had just returned home a few hours earlier from Gavin’s villa. I had hoped to sneak in unnoticed, but clearly, my mother had been keeping tabs on my whereabouts.

“I just woke up,” I replied, rubbing the remnants of sleep from my eyes, trying to feign innocence.

“You weren’t home all night,” she said, her arms crossing over her chest like a protective barrier. “Don’t think I didn’t hear you slip in early this morning. This has been going on for weeks, Judy. You stay out all night and come back at dawn.”

A flush crept up my cheeks at her words, realizing she had indeed noticed my late-night escapades. I bit my lower lip, glancing down at the floor as she scrutinized me. Her expression shifted, eyes widening with realization.

“Are you seeing someone?” she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

“What? No, of course not,” I replied quickly, trying to dismiss her suspicions.

“Is it Ethan?” she pressed, her tone shifting to something more serious, sending a chill down my spine. Hope danced in her eyes, and I could feel my heart race. “Did you two reconcile?”

“No, Mom,” I said firmly, bursting her bubble. “Ethan’s engaged to someone else… remember?”

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