Chapter 107 Saying the Weakest Words in the Fiercest Tone

• Casper Frost’s face was dark. He sat there like the Great Demon King at the bottom of a pit, a cold, violent air rolling off him. “Dressed like that—where did you go?” His voice was icy. Rhea Wood had rushed out so fast after her shower she hadn’t even changed out of her sleepwear—just threw on a coat and left. “Met a friend,” she said offhand. She was honest by nature and hated lying, but she didn’t want to tell Casper about her tutoring. She was scared he’d do something over the line again, like he did with Mr. Wills and Mrs. Wills, if anything went wrong. Hearing her reply, the violence around Casper seemed to thicken. Where had she gone dressed like that? And who did she meet? Sleepwear after a shower—that was something only the closest person should see. He wouldn’t have cared before. Back then, he only needed her to exist. But now, just picturing Rhea in a nightdress meeting someone else made rage itch under his skin. He rose from the bench, pressure radiating from him as he walked toward her step by step. As he drew close, Rhea backed up two steps. His eyes went darker. Didn’t want to be near him? Or feeling guilty? He closed in, unable to rein in the storm inside, and grabbed her wrist. “Which friend? A man or a woman?” He didn’t even realize how jealous he sounded. Rhea frowned. “You’re hurting me.” His body reacted faster than his thoughts—his hand let go on instinct. There was a time he could choke someone in a rage and not stop; a squeeze on the wrist was nothing. Rhea flexed her hand and said flatly, “A friend you don’t know.” “Rhea, we’re married. You went out to see someone at night and came back this late. Shouldn’t you at least explain?” “You went to see Whitney Thompson and didn’t come home all night. I didn’t ask you to explain.” She’d always compromised with him. Always forgiven him. She’d never stood her ground like this. Casper caught the shift in her attitude. His eyes narrowed a fraction, danger humming off him. She knew he was angry. Casper in a fury was terrifying—like the way he’d handled Fu Jun that day. Even so, Rhea still didn’t want to talk. If he misunderstood again and sent people to bother Ash Silkgrove, that kid’s health was poor and his heart was sensitive. Something real could happen. Rhea met Casper’s gaze, her bright eyes calm and firm. Casper reached for her again. Rhea’s right hand curled into a small fist. Was he going to hit her? If he dared, she would hit back. She’d put up with enough because of him. She had a temper too. The next second, he yanked her into his arms. She slammed into his chest, his breath closing over her. Rhea froze, confused. What was this supposed to mean? Then she heard his cool, mature voice murmur above her head, “Rhea, I’ll go apologize to the couple who sell fish tomorrow.” Her eyes widened a bit. He went on, “I was wrong about that. I won’t do that again. Even if I lose my temper next time, I’ll tell you first.” Casper was sharp. Even if he was stubborn, he caught on fast. Rhea’s change in attitude started the moment she learned he’d smashed that fish stall. It hadn’t meant much to him. But if it mattered to her, he could bend. Hearing him, Rhea’s fingers tightened into his shirt. The wire pulled taut in her chest finally eased. So this was what she needed—his attitude, his awareness that he’d been out of line. She stopped holding herself stiff, tucked her face lightly to his chest, and whispered, “The kid I tutor had something happen. I went to check on him.” Rhea had always responded to kindness, not force. Since Casper was willing to apologize, she wouldn’t keep hammering it. Hearing she’d met a tutoring kid, the bloodthirsty edge in his eyes faded. “Okay. Next time come back earlier. It’s not safe this late. Come on—let me check your left hand and change the dressing.” Rhea nodded, no more pushback. Like a little rabbit, she followed quietly behind him. After they went upstairs, Sean Wilson, crouched in the corner, stared wide-eyed. A lot had gone down today. Mr. Casper had been in the yard, not sleeping at all. If Mr. Casper didn’t sleep, the boss wouldn’t let Sean sleep either. He had to keep watch, in case something happened. So he’d been dozing in the shadows, keeping an eye on the young master. Then Miss Rhea came back. Sleep vanished in a snap. Holy hell, what did he just see? He’d just seen Mr. Casper admit he was wrong! He used the fiercest tone to say the meekest words! The guys always joked Mr. Casper and his wife were like a big bad wolf and a little rabbit. But what kind of little rabbit could make the big bad wolf bow his head and apologize? Sean started doubting life. Right then and there, he swore he’d behave from now on—do what Miss Rhea…no, what Mrs. Frost said! Rhea had no idea Casper’s little stunt had scared their honest bodyguard half to death. They went upstairs. Casper changed Rhea’s dressing. He unwrapped the gauze on her palm. A ten-centimeter gash ran across it, stitched with nine neat sutures. They’d used the best doctor, and the closure didn’t look too bad. Still, every time Casper saw it, a dull ache clenched his heart like a hand. He spoke, voice tight with restraint. “Looks scary now, but in a couple days we can take the stitches out. It won’t leave much of a scar.” “Even if it does, so what? It’s on my hand, not my face,” Rhea said lightly. She’d lived on her own since she was little and got hurt a lot. She truly didn’t care. Casper’s mood felt too heavy. She thought it wasn’t necessary. Staring at her palm, Casper suddenly said, “You’re right. The scar should stay. Every time I see it, I’ll remember what you did for me.” His tone was so obsessive it sent a chill down her spine. She wanted to say something, but when she met his eyes, the words died. Rhea liked Casper—the way a young girl likes a handsome man who treats her well. But Casper’s feelings for her were different. They hadn’t come slow. They hit like a storm, fierce and overwhelming. Like he was ready to give up everything—offer up all he had.