His Shortcake

Chapter 34

Dustyn Franco

To say things are going well would be an understatement.

Once Alec returned, security protocols were tightened beyond what I thought was necessary. He summoned Emil to devise intricate plans to ensure Mara's safety at all costs. The gravity of Alec's warning hung heavily in the air: Emil was to never make the same mistake twice or risk losing his job—permanently.

Now, Mara had to navigate her classes under constant watch, flanked by at least two bodyguards in every room. The hallways became off-limits, and even the bustling cafeteria was a no-go for her. She was monitored relentlessly, a shadow of her former self. I could see the weight of this new reality pressing down on her, the pressure mounting as each day passed.

I wanted to voice my frustrations to Alec, but a part of me understood the urgency of the situation. The Natividads were a wild card, unpredictable in their movements, capable of striking at any moment—just like they had done a week ago, targeting Mara and her friends.

"Dy," Mara said, her voice a mix of surprise and relief as she approached my car, parked a few spaces away. Her hair was pulled back in a tight bun, but the usual sparkle in her gray eyes was noticeably absent, replaced by a dullness that tugged at my heart. She hurried toward me, and when she was close enough, she leaped into my arms, burying her face in my shoulder. "Thank God. I'm going crazy."

I wrapped my arms around her, holding her tightly as the stress radiated off her in waves. I could feel her anxiety coiling within her, a silent storm of emotions. She had kept up appearances all week, plastering on smiles that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm here," I murmured softly, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "I'm sorry, shortcake. All of this is necessary to protect you." I stepped back from the embrace, trying to offer her a reassuring smile. "It'll be over sooner than you think."

"You've been busy, huh?" Mara said, her voice laced with suspicion, an eyebrow raised as she studied me.

"Maybe," I teased, flicking the end of her nose playfully. Her lips curled into a small smile, momentarily dispelling the heaviness around her. "Let's go."

"Wait," she said, her tone shifting as she pulled her hand away. She dashed back to Emil and his entourage of bodyguards. I watched as she animatedly explained her sudden change of plans, pointing in my direction while Emil's expression morphed into one of worry. It was clear he wasn't pleased with the idea of her leaving their protective bubble. With a determined nod, she quickly unloaded her books into their arms before sprinting back to me, a radiant smile lighting up her face. "Ready!"

"Let's go," I replied, feeling a wave of relief at seeing her smile, even if just for a moment. I instinctively stepped in front of her, taking the lead as we made our way out of the parking lot.

"Where are we headed?" she asked, her curiosity piqued as I maneuvered the car onto the road. My eyes darted to the sleek black vehicle trailing us, a reminder that Emil wasn't one to take 'no' for an answer, no matter how much Mara wanted to break free from her constraints.

"We're going to that food tasting for the wedding caterer we canceled," I explained, my tone light. "Clarrisse was able to reschedule the first appointment."

Her eyes widened with excitement. "I get to eat a lot of food?" she exclaimed, the worry lines on her forehead smoothing out as a genuine thrill bubbled within her.

I chuckled at her childlike exuberance. "You're cute," I said, stealing a sideways glance at her.

She shot me a playful glare. "I am not a dog! Don't call me cute," she retorted, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips.