Chapter 8 Why Did You Buy Me A Phone

With her nerves barely in check, Nicole gave an honest reply in a low voice. "I stay on guard around everyone. It isn't something I do just to you."

From his position, Connor took in her appearance-the damp strands clinging to her cheeks, the fabric of her clothes soaked through with rain. Any trace of teasing faded from his face as he lowered his hand and set the toy gun aside. "There's no need to go to such lengths in the future," he noted evenly. "No idiot goes after someone stronger than they are."

A brief hesitation held her in place. Deep down, she figured there was no point expecting courtesy from a man kept under constant confinement.

When it became clear he wasn't angry about the gun, the tightness in her shoulders finally eased. She moved closer and took a seat across from him. "I picked up a phone for you. Do you want to give it a try?"

Connor offered no reply, but his silence felt like consent to her. Taking that as a cue, she opened the box, walked him through the basic functions, and patiently showed him how to use it to pass the time.

After a moment, Nicole glanced up at him and inquired gently, "Do you want to set a fingerprint lock? It'll help keep your privacy safe."

Completely at ease, she seemed unaware that rain-soaked fabric clung to her frame, outlining her silhouette. From Connor's vantage point, the curve of her neckline revealed smooth skin and a full, tempting swell beneath, impossible to miss.

There was usually nothing remarkable to him about a woman's figure, but her innocent, steady eyes made everything about her feel unexpectedly distinct. A quiet jolt ran through him, subtle but undeniable, as if a hidden nerve had been brushed.

There was no reasonable way to tell her to straighten herself, so he turned his eyes aside and stated coolly, deliberately maintaining the act of blindness, "All right. Go ahead and set it up."

Nicole reached for his hand and worked quickly, guiding his finger across the screen to register the print.

Though she'd been drenched moments earlier, her fingertips were warm, faintly damp, and surprisingly soft. Color lingered in her cheeks, a healthy flush that made her seem vividly alive, and the pull of it unsettled him.

Discomfort flickered through his chest at the realization. He'd always despised letting anyone stir his emotions-and he had no intention of allowing it now.

Connor slowly rubbed his fingertips together before speaking in an even, detached tone. "Don't touch me again in the future."

After a brief pause, Nicole gave a small nod, clearly accepting the boundary. "Got it. I'll be more careful next time."

Resting in Connor's palm, the new phone felt unremarkable, yet its weight seemed heavier than expected, burdened by her quiet attentiveness.

With a flat tone, he queried, "Why did you buy me a phone?"

Putting on an air of gentle sincerity, Nicole answered softly, "Since we're married now, your happiness matters to me."

From his position of control, watching others act was entertaining. "That makes sense," he replied casually, his voice laced with indifference. "After all, there are still tens of millions left to be paid."

For a heartbeat, Nicole had no idea how to respond.

...

To return Nicole's thoughtfulness, Connor arranged for dozens of outfits to be delivered, enough to fill the room and give her endless choices. Along with the clothes, he handed her a bank card.

Remembering the three years she had quietly squandered, Nicole accepted it without hesitation and said softly, "Don't worry. I know your money doesn't come easily. I won't be extravagant."

Unmoved by wealth or numbers, Connor responded in a detached tone, "Spend it however you want."

Once she settled into the villa, Nicole took her place seriously, carrying herself with the quiet diligence of a wife determined to do things right.

Most days, Connor was nowhere to be seen, disappearing early in the day to handle affairs under a different identity.

Out of caution, he ordered his people to thoroughly examine the phone Nicole had purchased for him, but the inspection turned up nothing suspicious. Everything pointed to the same conclusion-Nicole truly wanted him to be content.

Seizing the moment, Samuel leaned in with a teasing grin. "Mr. Reed, as a newlywed, maybe it's time to brush up on your husband skills? How about I download some pornographic films for you?"

Without the slightest flicker of emotion, Connor answered in a steady voice, "Sure-but only if you're the one starring in it."

The retort left Samuel choking on his own words, his playfulness vanishing in an instant.

Once the joking faded, however, concern crept into Samuel's voice as he added seriously, "Even if Nicole is not a threat, she's still inexperienced without any skills. Do you really think she can handle the pressure of dealing with the Reed family's sharks?"

Nicole's records offered nothing impressive-no achievements worth highlighting. At a glance, she looked painfully ordinary.

Connor considered quietly before responding with quiet composure, "Turning scraps into a satisfying meal isn't something ordinary."

With a crooked grin, Samuel retorted, "So what? You're not expecting her to cook a feast to stuff the Reed family to death, are you?"

Dryly, Connor shot back, "Then go ahead and find me a superwoman who can wipe out the Reed family in one shot."

That response shut Samuel up instantly.

At that moment, Connor's phone buzzed.

The subordinate who had just finished checking Connor's phone and hadn't logged off yet accidentally tapped the answer button.

Through the speaker came Nicole's soft, careful voice. "Mr. Reed, are you done for the day? I've got dinner ready. Would you like me to come get you?"