Chapter 666
Karmen made sure the man and his minions were securely in police custody before driving Aisha to her apartment. The silence in the car was heavy, broken only by the swish of the windshield wipers against the snow. He walked her all the way to her door, and when she whispered, “Come in,” he found himself unable to leave her in that state.
He stepped inside, removing his shoes and sliding his feet into the guest slippers. Aisha headed straight for the kitchen, her hands trembling so violently that the glass rattled against the water jar.
Karmen was there in a second, his steady hand covering hers as he took the jar and poured the water for her. She offered a small, breathless thank you and sipped the water slowly, her entire frame still vibrating with the aftershocks of the encounter. When she finally lowered the glass, Karmen gently took it from her and set it aside.
“Thank you for helping me,” Aisha whispered, finally looking up at him. Her eyes were still wide with lingering shock. “But how did you even arrive there? It’s so far from the palace p>
“Coincidentally, I was driving to my home when I saw you, just moments before I heard your scream,” Karmen replied. He sat on the edge of the coffee table, putting himself at eye level with her. “Who was that man, Aisha p>
Aisha looked away, her fingers twisting together. “He’s the son of a high-ranking council member. He thinks his status gives him the right to follow me because I refused his advances p>
“Whose son? Name,” Karmen demanded.
“You don’t need to trouble yourself,” Aisha insisted, her voice small as she tried to pull her woolen cardigan tighter around her shivering frame.
“Just tell me the name,” Karmen said, his voice rising, snapping his usual restraint.
“Lazarus Vayne is the high-ranking council member,” Aisha finally answered, her voice trembling. “His son’s name is Eryx Vayne p>
“How long has he been doing this to you? Did he ever hurt you or p>
“No,” Aisha cut him off immediately, her eyes searching his. “It was the first time he pulled such a stunt. I don’t think he will ever do it again. So, you don’t have to worry yourself with this p>
“Aisha, just stay quiet,” Karmen said sternly, his gaze hardening. “You promised me that you would take care of yourself. You wanted independence, and I was happy to help you find that. Have you forgotten what kind of predatory gaze men like that hold? If he was troubling you, you should have informed your parents or the police. And if not them, you should have told me p>
Aisha looked directly into his eyes, a flash of painful honesty crossing her face. “You know my parents, Karmen. They would have found a way to blame me for rebelling against them. And the police would not have done anything against the son of such a high-ranking alpha. And as for you… I’ve barely heard from you. You ignore me even when we cross paths. How could I ask for your help knowing I’d only be bringing you trouble p>
Karmen felt a sharp sting of guilt at her words. He had been so focused on maintaining his distance to protect his own heart that he had left her vulnerable in the process.
“I will make sure he is punished properly,” Karmen said, his resolve hardening.
“Don’t drag yourself into my mess,” Aisha pleaded, her eyes shimmering with tears. “I have taken advantage of your kindness so many times. If I let you do this, I’ll be doing it again, and it will eat me alive inside because I am unable to do anything for you in return p>
“Then, do it,” Karmen said, taking a step closer to her.
“Huh p>
“You refused to give yourself a chance because you love your late mate. I know you still do,” Karmen began, taking a step closer until he was standing directly over her. He had always been a coward when it came to his feelings for her, hiding behind duty and distance, but the sight of her in danger had shattered his restraint. “However, let me pursue you. Don’t worry about what you can give back. Just… Let me try once. Can you allow that p>
Aisha’s breath hitched. She looked up at him, seeing not the stoic beta, but a man who was finally laying his heart bare.
“Karmen, you deserve someone who isn’t broken,” she whispered.
“I want the woman standing in front of me,” he countered. “I am not asking you to open your heart for me right away,” Karmen said. “However, let me do things for you. Let me protect you, Aisha. What if I hadn’t been there? What if I found out about it when it was already too late? I would never have been able to forgive myself. I would have lived the rest of my life in regret p>
Aisha looked down at her hands, her voice trembling as she spoke of the fear that had kept her away from him. “And even when I won’t be able to reciprocate… What will you do then? I may snatch away your precious time, Karmen. Do you truly think I can move on from the past to be with you? You’re the one person I only want to see shine, and I’m afraid I’ll only cast a shadow over you p>
Karmen reached out, his fingers brushing against her chin to lift her gaze to his. “If you think you are a shadow, then let me be the light that stays with you. My time isn’t ’snatched’ if it’s spent on you. Whether you can move on today, tomorrow, or years from now, that doesn’t change how I feel. I’m not asking for a promise of love. I’m asking for the permission to be the one you turn to p>
Aisha searched his eyes, but this time, it was entirely for her.
“I believe love can sway hearts. That is what I have seen around me. And I truly want to be your man, Aisha. I-I also think if your mate will be seeing you from heaven, he will want the same for you. So, please give us a chance p>
Aisha’s fingers curled up. “Fine. Just for a month. Not more than that, Karmen p>