Loving DAD 1084
Chapter 1084Â
Carter understood Sharon well enough. He could tell she had no romantic feelings for Thomas–at least, not forÂ
now.Â
Still, Thomas’s sharp tongue and blunt words left Julliard looking slightly uncomfortable.Â
Sensing the tension, Sharon quickly stepped in to ease the moment.Â
“I’ll let Thomas do a quick sweep,” she said. “If everything’s fine, he can wait for me downstairs.”Â
“I’ll come along,” Carter said. 1Â
Work kept him busy most days; he rarely had time to stay by Sharon’s side. He also wanted to see for himself- how exactly did Thomas “protect” her? Was it genuine concern, or just an excuse to get close to her?Â
One person or two–it made little difference. Sharon didn’t object.Â
The waitress, however, looked bewildered. Three men accompanying a woman to change clothes? That couldn’t be right.Â
Thomas caught her hesitation and prompted coolly, “Weren’t you going to lead us to the dressing room? Why aren’t you moving?”Â
Startled, the waitress forced a nervous smile. “O–of course, this way please.”Â
The four of them walked together until they reached the fitting room door.Â
Thomas turned to the waitress. “You can go now.”Â
She didn’t argue–just nodded and hurried off.Â
11Â
Sharon knocked lightly, making sure the room was empty before pushing the door open.Â
They stepped inside. Thomas began a thorough inspection, scanning every corner–the wardrobe, under the bed, behind the curtains.Â
Only after he was certain did he turn back to Sharon with a brief nod.Â
“It’s clear.”Â
Julliard gave a soft laugh, casual and edged with mockery.Â
“Thomas, aren’t you overreacting a little? Jumping at shadows, seeing threats everywhere? Sharon is the Kalen family’s heiress now. Who would dare harm her?”Â
Thomas cast him a cold, sidelong glance.Â
“When Sharon was kidnapped, Jamie didn’t hesitate to lay hands on her despite knowing exactly who she was. Call me paranoid if you like, but I’d rather be paranoid than the kind of man who claims to protect her, only to stand by and watch while she’s taken.” 1Â
His words hit home. Julliard’s fists tightened instinctively.Â
1/3Â
Sharon broke the silence before the air grew heavier.Â
“I’m going to change. You can all wait downstairs.”Â
Thomas’s reply was immediate. “No need. I’ll wait right outside.”Â
With that, he turned and walked out first.Â
Carter lingered a moment, his gaze deep on her face, before following.Â
Julliard didn’t look at her at all; eyes lowered, he left quietly.Â
When the door finally closed behind them, Sharon pressed her fingers to her temple.Â
Thomas’s sharp tongue was useful in a fight. But sometimes, he was far too blunt for his own good.Â
Outside, Thomas noticed that neither Carter nor Julliard had gone far. His expression cooled.Â
“I’m Sharon’s bodyguard,” he said flatly. “It’s my duty to stay by her door. The two of you, however, don’t share that privilege. For the sake of her reputation, you should both leave. There’s enough gossip floating around this banquet. Don’t make it worse.” 1Â
Julliard gave a low laugh. “Her reputation? If anyone’s damaging Sharon’s name, it’s you, Thomas.Â
Do you even know how people are talking outside? They’re saying you’re her kept man, her little lover. If you truly care about her, the best thing you could do is stay far, far away.”Â
Thomas’s lips curved faintly.Â
“Only filthy minds see filth in everything. Those rumors–they’re not harmless talk. They’re bait. They want to sow distrust between me and Sharon. Because once I’m gone, it’ll be that much easier for someone to get close enough… to hurt her again.”Â
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