The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1736

"Boss Bella, we should swing by our safe house first. I'll have someone dress your wounds there."

"No need, just hit the hotel. I've got a first aid kit on me." Arabella was prepared; she always carried an emergency medical kit whenever she went out.

"Okay, then let me at least stop the bleeding for now." Horace fished through the car and found some gauze, efficiently wrapping it around Arabella's bleeding arm to stop the flow.

They were often on assignments, so the car was usually stocked with medical supplies. But this time, they were down to nothing but bandages—the medicine had all been used up.

"Just bear with me, we'll have you patched up in no time." After applying several layers of gauze, Horace make sure it was fastened securely. Throughout the process, Arabella remained silent and stoic, though her complexion was noticeably pale and weary.

"Boss." Horace couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy seeing her like this—and it was well past 2:00 a.m..

Arabella must be exhausted, and likely famished.

"Hand over your jacket."

When Arabella said this, Horace assumed she was chilly and quickly took his off, helping her put it on with care.

But a moment later, something dawned on him, and he exclaimed in shock, "Boss Bella, are you covering up your wound so that Romeo won't see it and worry."

Arabella gave him a look that said: “If you’ve figured it out, why ask?”

Horace zipped his lips, swallowing hard, and at the same time, he couldn't believe that—Boss had changed.

She actually showed a vulnerability now!

Pulling up at the hotel entrance, Arabella gave her orders, "Take some trusted guys and head back to the states. From now on, you’re my right-hand man. I'll head back with Romeo tonight or tomorrow. Head over to Jack's and wait for me."

Horace considered asking if he could join them on their private jet, but then thought better of it—he didn’t want to be the third wheel.

"Boss Bella, make sure you get that wound seen to as soon as you’re up there. Don't wait." he urged instead.

"Sure." Arabella confirmed and headed into the hotel.