Chapter 52
Chapter 52
“Byron, come on, man,” Zander protested, a flicker of fear crossing his handsome face. “I don’t have time for this. I’ve got scenes to chost.
‘Who pissed him off? Zander wondered frantically. ‘And why’s he taking it out on me?”
Byron scoffed, slinging a heavy arm around Zander’s shoulders. “Won’t take long.”
He practically frog–marched Zander out into the garden, ignoring his protests. Byron tossed his suit jacket onto the railing and rolled up the sleeved of his white dress shirt, revealing toned forearms.
Sunlight highlighted his tall, lean frame. His deep–set eyes narrowed, dark and intense, as he stalked towards Zander.
Byron was convinced Zander was the man who’d slept with his ex–wife, the father of Sylvia’s daughter, Ruby, Zander hadn’t known about his history with Sylvia, Byron conceded that much.
Ignorance wasn’t a crime, and he still valued their friendship, forged back when they served together. But Zander wasn’t getting out of this ass–kicking
Despite Zander being fit from years of working out, he was no match for Byron and was quickly forced back, dodging poorly thrown punches.
“Byron! What the hell is going on? Why are you taking this out on me?” Zander yelled, frustrated. Seeing Byron’s brutal intent, his tone softened slightly “I’ve got filming later! Not the face, man!”
It was completely one–sided.
Just then, Sylvia, wondering where Zander had gone, came looking for him. She stopped short, shocked by the scene. Seeing Byron swing a fist at Zander, she rushed forward, shielding Zander with her body.
“Byron! What do you think you’re doing?” Sylvia demanded.
Byron’s expression shifted. He pulled his punch abruptly. Seeing Sylvia protect another man sent a suffocating tightness through his chest. ‘She’s defending him?‘ he thought, stung.
Zander was terrified she’d get hurt. He quickly turned Sylvia by the shoulders. “Are you okay? Did he hit you?”
“I’m fine.” Sylvia shook her head. Noticing a scrape on Zander’s cheek, she opened her medical kit and gently applied an antiseptic spray. Zander was very close to her, inhaling her light, fresh scent. His heart hammered, and warmth spread across his cheeks.
Byron watched, his eyes cold, a sour knot tightening in his gut. He clenched his jaw, fighting the urge to pull Sylvia away. “Sylvia, this doesn’t concern you. Get out of the way.”
Sylvia turned to face him. “Byron, you’re the one who needs to leave! Touch him again, and you’ll regret it.”
She guessed why Byron was attacking Zander–he mistakenly thought Zander was Ruby’s father. That’s why she had to stop him, protect Zander from taking the blame.
Byron saw only Sylvia’s devotion to Zander, her willingness to defy him for Zander’s sake. The concept of jealousy didn’t even register in his own mind.
Zander knew how domineering Byron could be. Anxious, he urged Sylvia, “Sylvia, maybe you should go. Byron and I go way back. It’s fine.”
Sylvia lifted her chin, staring Byron down. “I’d like to see him try anything else.”
Zander inwardly cursed. Every word from Sylvia was just poking the bear. He started to explain, but Byron just yanked at his tie in frustration and grabbed his jacket off the railing.
“Zander and I are old friends,” Byron said, trying for nonchalance. “We weren’t really fighting. Nothing for you to worry about.” He glanced at Zander. “Did I get you anywhere?”
1/2
Chapter 52
Zander blinked in surprise. ‘Did the Tyrant suddenly grow a conscience? Did Sylvia’s words actually get to him? He sensed an opening different around Sylvia.‘
“Byron’s right,” Zander said, playing along but testing the waters. “Just messing around! Though, that punch to the chest still stings a hat-
Sure enough, Sylvia frowned at Byron. “You call that messing around? Look at him!”
Zander watched discreetly. Byron’s face darkened, but he pressed his lips together, saying nothing, A spark of delighted surprise lit Zander’s eyes, Ske
he’d discovered a new continent.
Someone could actually handle Byron! He couldn’t resist laying it on thick for Sylvia. “Sylvia, he got me good in the chest, and clipped my face tools
“Zander,” Byron growled, his patience snapping, “seems like you’ve forgotten our time in the service. You want a repeat of how I used to thrash your His face contorted with renewed anger, and he stalked forward again.
Sylvia snapped, “What now? Haven’t you done enough?”
‘Does she really think I’m afraid of her?‘ Byron fumed internally. ‘Blaming me again and again? Can’t she see Zander’s playing her?” Despite his thoughts, Byron halted, a vein throbbing in his tightly controlled neck.
Zander was now certain. For some unbelievable reason, Byron was actually holding back because of Sylvia.
Sylvia took some anti–inflammatory pills from her kit and handed them to Zander. After he swallowed them, she helped him toward a nearby stone bench. “Let me help you sit down. I should check your pulse.”
Utterly exasperated, Byron kicked a nearby rock. He couldn’t stand being there another second. The woman whose eyes used to only hold him was now fussing over another man. Especially when that man was supposed to be his friend. It was unbearable.
He stormed off.
Seeing Byron leave, Zander smiled reassuringly at Sylvia. “Sylvia, don’t get the wrong idea about Byron. He just wanted to spar a bit. We’re actually good friends. He was even my CO back in the service.”
He didn’t want Sylvia to misjudge Byron; deep down, Zander considered him one of his best friends.
Sylvia pursed her lips. “Some sparring session. What if he’d seriously hurt you?”
Zander caught the concern in her voice and felt a pleasant warmth, a slight smile playing on his lips. Then he remembered something. “Oh, right! Sylvia, l never properly thanked you for helping my grandfather.
“He’s arranged for a news crew to interview you tomorrow, actually. Just wanted to give you a heads–up so you can prepare.”
Sylvia’s eyes lit up at that. Media coverage would make finding a manufacturer for their medical patch much easier.
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