Chapter 17
Myra’s hand trembled slightly as she fumbled around in Tony’s pockets. The warmth of his thighs made her feel oddly aware of the situation, but she pushed aside any discomfort and focused on finding the keys. Her face flushed with embarrassment, not knowing whether it was from the fever or the awkwardness of the moment. Despite her careful attempts to avoid touching him, the shape of his muscles was undeniable, and she couldn’t help but feel the heat radiating from him.
The more she searched, the more her shyness overwhelmed her, and her breathing grew shallow. Her cheeks burned, and every touch felt like it heightened her sense of unease. When she finally switched sides to search the other pocket, the angle was awkward, and it took several tries before she found what she was looking for. Just as she retrieved the keys, she noticed Tony’s body tense for a split second. Was it just her imagination, or had he noticed? She exhaled sharply, feeling both flustered and relieved.
With a quick glance at Tony’s sleeping form, Myra couldn’t help but admire his handsome features. Even in sleep, his sharp, rugged face seemed softer, and there was an air of gentleness about him. She muttered to herself, thinking about what Tilly would say if she ever found out about the situation.
“If Tilly knew about tonight, I bet I’ll never hear the end of it.”
She unlocked the door and helped Tony into the apartment. The spacious two-story place was tidy, clean, and plainly decorated. The decor was sleek and modern with a monochrome color palette—clear signs of Tony’s solitary lifestyle. No personal touches were visible, no stray hairs or traces of another woman’s presence. Myra found it a bit surprising, given what she knew of men in his social circle. They often had messy personal lives, like Sean and his friends, but Tony’s place suggested otherwise. It was as though he had kept his life well-contained, free from complications.
She placed Tony on the couch and, after wiping the sweat from her forehead, made her way to the kitchen. The fridge was well-stocked, and without hesitation, Myra quickly prepared some broth. She remembered how, after marrying Sean, she’d made it a point to learn how to cook. Now, in this moment, the familiar motions of preparing food felt oddly comforting.
As she placed the broth on the table, her gaze drifted over Tony once more. He lay on the couch, his closed eyes hiding the sharpness she had grown used to. In sleep, he looked peaceful—so different from the assertive, focused man she often saw in the office. His features were flawlessly sculpted, and Myra couldn’t help but think to herself that it was hard to believe a man like him could ever harbor feelings for someone like her.
Shaking her head, she muttered, “If he were awake, he’d probably never let me help him home.”
After covering Tony with a soft blanket, Myra took a seat on the opposite couch. Fatigue began to set in, and her body ached with exhaustion. She had hoped to rest for a moment before heading back, but as she sat there, her body slowly sank into a comfortable, leaning position, eventually lying down on the couch. The stillness of the room and the rhythmic sound of their breathing seemed to lull her into a peaceful slumber.
Unbeknownst to her, Tony’s eyes fluttered open. He lay silently for a moment, his clear gaze scanning the room. When he saw Myra curled up on the opposite couch, asleep, his expression softened. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he carefully pushed himself off the couch.
The blanket slipped off his body as he stood, and he silently made his way to her side. His eyes immediately noticed the unnatural flush on her cheeks and the unevenness of her breathing. Concerned, he reached out and touched her forehead. The heat radiating from her shocked him, and without thinking, he gently lifted her into his arms.
Myra, still deep in her sleep, instinctively curled into his chest, seeking warmth. “I love you so much… Why can’t you spare me another glance…” she mumbled softly, her words barely audible.
Tony’s heart tightened at the sound of her words. He tightened his grip around her and, with determination, carried her to the bedroom. He placed her gently on the bed, tucking her in before he stood for a moment, gazing down at her.
His thoughts were a whirlwind as he turned and left the room. Pulling out his phone, he dialed a number with urgency. “Hello? It’s me…”