Chapter 8 The Henchmen

If Max had concerns about my safety, I wasn't going to argue. I gave a weak nod and said I'd make a list of what I needed.

While I was busy cleaning the kitchen, Max disappeared again. Maybe he'd only come to make me breakfast-only to find I'd already done it myself.

I hummed softly as I tidied every corner of the house. It had been so long since I'd felt this carefree-singing while working, without a single worry.

Sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, casting golden patterns across the tiled floor. I found myself swaying lightly to the rhythm of my own voice, the hum turning into a quiet tune I barely recognized. Maybe it was something from my childhood-one of the lullabies Mom used to sing before everything went dark. I paused for a moment, letting the memory settle before wiping down the last bit of countertop.

Even though the house was small, cleaning it was exhausting. Max must've kept it well-maintained, so I didn't have to work too hard.

"I'm leaving now," Max said, suddenly appearing beside me. I flinched, cursing inwardly-this man really enjoyed startling me.

"But I haven't written my shopping list yet!" I panicked. Earlier, he'd said he wouldn't leave until afternoon.

"Just come with me," he said, and my eyes instantly lit up.

"Isn't that dangerous?" I asked, remembering his earlier warning.

"We'll shop in the next town over-an hour's drive from here," he replied.

"Alright, I'll get ready!" I rushed to my room to change.

To avoid standing out, I chose an oversized T-shirt and jeans. The closet was full of clothes, and just thinking about it made me happy.

I caught my reflection in the mirror-simple, plain, and unremarkable. Yet there was something almost rebellious about the freedom to choose even this. No corsets, no painted lips, no forced smiles. Just me. I ran my fingers through my hair one last time, grinning like a child about to visit a candy store.

"I'm ready!" I said excitedly-I'd never had the freedom to shop for whatever I wanted before.

Max walked over and undid his hair tie. I watched silently, confused, as he reached out and gathered my hair, securing it neatly with his own tie. Then, he placed his cap on my head.

His touch was unexpectedly gentle, as if he'd done this before-though I couldn't imagine for whom. Maybe he had sisters. Or maybe he was just used to fixing his own hair and didn't think twice about doing mine. Either way, my cheeks warmed at the quiet intimacy of the moment.

"This is better," he muttered.

"Stay close to me at all times," he added before turning away. I followed his long strides outside and climbed into his black jeep.

"We're going to a supermarket in the next town. They have everything you'll need," he explained. I nodded, stealing a glance at his profile. His expression was stern, his dark lips slightly parted-Oh no. My chest tightened as last night's memories resurfaced. Stop. Don't think about it.

"The Davis estate is hiring maids. There are plenty of staff there, so your workload won't be heavy," Max said as we drove.

"I'll introduce you as my distant cousin so no one gets suspicious."

"What do you do there?" I asked curiously.

"Whatever they need-driver, bodyguard. It depends," he answered flatly.

"Remember, never reveal that you're the late Mr. Davis's real daughter."

"I'll take you there tomorrow. Hopefully, they'll accept you."

"Some maids live there, but you'll only work mornings to evenings before returning home."

I nodded. Despite his initial refusal, Max had actually found me a job there. My real mission wasn't to work, though-it was to gather information about my parents.

"This is where we'll shop," Max said as a massive building came into view. I pressed my face against the window, awestruck-I'd never seen anything so grand.

People bustled in and out of the wide automatic doors, carts full of color and sound. Everything was loud and alive-a sharp contrast to the silence of the cabin. It felt like I'd just stepped into another world. For a brief second, I forgot why I had to hide.

"Don't leave my side." Max yanked my arm, pulling me close.

"No matter what happens, stay near me." His grip tightened around my hand, as if I were a child who'd vanish if left unattended.

I knew he was worried about Claire's men still searching for me-but we were so far away. Could they really find me here?

Max dragged me forward, his strides too fast for me to keep up. Had he never walked with a woman before?

"Get whatever you need," he said. I grabbed only essentials-groceries, pantry items, some snacks. It felt amazing to choose freely. Occasionally, I'd glance around in wonder.

"Have you never been anywhere before?" Max asked, still gripping my hand.

"My life revolved around Claire's brothel. We never left unless it was urgent-like a severe illness."

"Then consider this your chance to indulge."

I wanted to. I really did. Every aisle was like a mini paradise-soaps that smelled like flowers, chocolate in a dozen shapes, fruits I'd never tasted. But even now, that invisible leash tugged at my mind. Years of being told what I could and couldn't have weren't so easy to silence.

I didn't want to burden Max with too many bags, so I kept it minimal.

"We'll come back in a few weeks, right?" I asked.

"Maybe."

"I don't want to over-shop now, so... can you bring me again if I need something?"

"Yeah." His tone was indifferent, but I didn't care-he'd agreed.

Even at checkout, Max held my hand, only letting go to pay and load the bags into the jeep.

Once inside the car, I smiled, lighter than I'd felt in years. I turned to Max as he settled in, about to thank him-but his cold, unsmiling face made my words die in my throat.

"What's wrong?" I asked when he didn't start the engine.

"Lean back and don't speak," he ordered. His tense expression made me comply instantly.

"Don't move. Stay still." His eyes scanned our surroundings while I struggled to breathe under his command.

Without warning, Max leaned in-so close I felt his breath on my skin.

"Claire's men are nearby. I'm going to kiss you so they think we're just a couple getting intimate in the car."

Wait-kiss? Again?

Before I could process it, his warm lips brushed against mine, soft and deliberate. (*)