Estelle's heart ached as she held him tighter, burying herself in his embrace. "Jonathan, I owe you so much, I know that!"
Jonathan replied softly, "You owe me nothing. It's just that I've fallen for you beyond my control."
Her heart ached even more, "Don't say that, it'll just make me feel more guilty."
Jonathan pulled her close to his chest, whispering, "If feeling guilty means you'll share everything with me from now on, then I can share even more about how I got through these past three days."
Clutching his shirt, Estelle held him tightly. He was her beacon, the strength and courage she needed to move through the darkness!
The anger of Jonathan slowly dissipated as he turned to kiss her temple gently.
"Don't be afraid, I'm here now."
"Mhm," Estelle nodded, her voice laced with dependence and a hint of a choke.
Trapped in a nightmare, her consciousness and life force ebbing away, it was his image she envisioned in the pitch-black night, standing behind her, urging her not to go any further.
That's how she knew it was a dream, and she had to wake up.
After a while, Estelle looked up. "How come Sylvia was with you?"
Jonathan's dark eyes met hers. "You don't know her?"
"I've seen her once at Magdalen's place. Does she have another identity?"
"Sylvia is her code name," Jonathan explained.
Estelle was slightly taken aback. "One of Gab's people?"
She had heard of this Sylvia but had never met her. There were many people in Gab's circle whom she hadn't encountered.
Jonathan nodded. "Sylvia was bought out of a bad situation by your brother when she was eight and kept close for personal training. Unlike you, she was taught to master the art of charming men. But a few years ago, after a mission, something happened. and she left the organization. After several twists and turns, she ended up in J City, starting her own PR firm. Even though she cut off her ties with your brother, she probably kept working for Gab. Now that Gab's gone missing, she's been searching for him too."
Realization dawned on Estelle. "So that’s it."
That he was here in Zion, standing before her, filled her senses with the familiar scent of his presence, it all still felt like a dream.
Jonathan's kiss grew more passionate as he reached to remove her maid's outfit.
Estelle caught his hand. "No, I can't stay long. Raiden might be monitoring my movements."
Jonathan's eyes were dark as the night, his breath warm against her forehead. "Do whatever you need to. I'm here now, and no one will dare touch you again."
Estelle smiled. "Let's not reveal our relationship just yet."
Jonathan paused, then conceded, "I understand."
That's why he had restrained himself when he saw her earlier.
"Even without making it known, I can protect you."
Estelle smiled. "I know, Mr. Alvis! I've always admired the Alvis name. He turned the war-torn and desolate Mystoria Federation into a land of order, strength, and prosperity, where no one dares to cause insult any longer. Just like my brother, he is one of my heroes!"
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