Travis let out a deep sigh as he watched his uncle slam the door shut. The sound echoed through the office, a stark reminder of the tension between them. This had been his aim ever since he was a child – to take control of the company and prove himself as a worthy leader. He wouldn't let his uncle undermine his authority again.
As he turned to face the couch, his gaze fell upon his greatest weakness – Alice, peacefully asleep. A surge of affection washed over him, and he felt his heart swell with love. He would do anything for her, lay down his life to protect hers. The thought sent a shiver down his spine.
Travis pushed himself up from his wheelchair and began to make his way to the air conditioner, ensuring it wasn't too cold for Alice. As he approached her, he couldn't help but smile at her awkward sleeping position. She was on her side, her neck twisted at an odd angle, and drool trickling down her chin as she let out soft, cute snores. She looked adorable, and Travis's heart melted at the sight.
He gently turned her onto her back, adjusting her position to prevent her neck from hurting when she woke up. As he straightened her limbs, he couldn't resist the urge to brush a strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers grazed her skin, sending a spark of electricity through his body.
"Daniel?" Travis called out, his voice low and smooth.
"Yes, sir?" Daniel's voice crackled through the intercom.
"Please bring a blanket to my office now."
"Yes, sir."
Travis settled back into his wheelchair, his eyes never leaving Alice's peaceful face. Soon, Daniel knocked softly on the door and dropped the blanket onto the table.
"Daniel, my uncle came to my office today," Travis said, his voice laced with a hint of warning.
"Sir, is there anything you would like done?" Daniel asked, his tone serious and professional.
Travis trusted Daniel with his life, and he knew the man would do everything in his power to protect him and Alice.
"I want you to watch him," Travis instructed. "Keep him close. Monitor his meetings, phone calls, and any suspicious moves. Report back to me immediately."
"Yes, sir."
Daniel left, closing the door softly behind him. Travis turned his attention back to Alice, gently covering her with the blanket. She snuggled into the warmth, letting out a soft sigh.
Travis smiled, his heart swelling with love. He wiped away her drool, his fingers tracing the curve of her lips. She was so cute, so vulnerable in her sleep.
As the hours passed, Travis worked tirelessly, making phone calls and signing documents. Time flew by, and soon it was almost time to leave. He rang his driver, carefully lifting Alice into his arms as they made their way down to the car.
The drive home was quiet, with Alice still fast asleep in Travis's arms. As they arrived at the mansion, Travis carried her inside, tucking her into bed with a gentle kiss on her cheeks.
But as he turned to leave, Alice's eyes snapped open, and she was transported back to a nightmare from her past. She found herself in a damp, smelly cell, with Travis hanging from a chain above her. Grant and Octavia stood beside her, their laughter echoing off the walls as Alice screamed and screamed.
"Alice. Alice." A voice cut through the fog in her mind, pulling her back to reality.
But Alice was too far gone, trapped in the horrors of her past. "Don't hurt him. Please leave me alone. Haven't you done enough?" she shouted, her voice hoarse from screaming.
Travis's voice was soft and soothing, but Alice couldn't shake off the fear and panic that gripped her. "Alice, it's just me. You're okay. No one's hurting anyone."
Slowly, Alice's eyes focused, and she saw Travis holding her in his arms, his face etched with concern. She was in their bedroom, surrounded by the opulent furnishings and soft, golden lighting.
As reality set in, Alice's tears flowed freely, and she hugged Travis tightly, her body shaking with sobs. "You were dead, and I was...Oh, Travis, I'm so sorry."
Travis held her close, his voice whisper-soft. "It's okay, love. I'm here with you. You're safe now."
As they held each other, the tension in Alice's body slowly began to ease. She felt safe in Travis's arms, protected from the horrors of her past. But the memories still lingered, haunting her.
Travis stroked her hair, his touch gentle and soothing. "I'll always be here for you, Alice. You're not alone."
Alice looked up at him, her eyes red-rimmed from crying. "I love you, Travis."