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Ziggy was absolutely floored by how insanely strong Joshua turned out to be.
With only a handful of men, he figured snatching Xylia would be a breeze–just call in a bodyguard or two and finish the job. But then Joshua had to show up out of nowhere.
As soon as Ziggy thought about kidnapping Joshua too, he reluctantly rounded up like ten more bodyguards to back him up.
He was sure that with the numbers on his side, even if Joshua had some skills, he’d get taken down easy. But he couldn’t have been more wrong.
Ziggy thought to himself, ‘Damn, this guy’s a beast!‘
Joshua stood in the middle of the living room, looking like he hadn’t even broken a sweat–his hair was the only thing a little messed up.
Ziggy just stood there, stunned, he didn’t even feel the pain in his face or mouth anymore.
Joshua walked over to Ziggy, grabbed him by the cor, and lifted him off the ground.
“Listen up, don’t you ever mess with Xylia again. She’s got nothing to do with you or the Schultz family, got it?” Joshua growled.
“Y–Yes, I got it,” Ziggy stammered.
Joshua tossed Ziggy to the ground like he was nothing.
Then he turned and walked over to Xylia, gently taking her hand.
“Let’s go, princess. Time to head home,” Joshua said softly.
He switched gears faster than a stage actor flipping a mask.
One moment he was like amanding general, and the next, he turned into a total puppy in front of his
wife.
Xylia had been through enough wild scenes to keep her cool, no matter how intense things got.
A trashed living room like that in the Schultz house didn’t even make her flinch.
She gripped Joshua’s hand in return, steady and sure. “Let’s go home!”
The two of them left the Schultz house, hearts all wrapped up in each other.
Ziggy was the only one left, crumpled on the floor, his spirit totally crushed. ‘Is this what rock bottom feels like?‘ he thought, hollow inside.
On the way back, Xylia kept stealing secret nces at Joshua.
15:48 <b>Sun</b>, <b>Sep 28 </b>
When he noticed, he reached over and pinched her cheek.
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“Why do you keep looking at me? Am I just too damn handsome for you?” Joshua said with a smug grin.
Xylia snorted, rolling her eyes. “You’re such a narcissist.”
Joshua pouted a little. “Not handsome enough for you?”
“Handsome, definitely!” Xylia replied, honest and without hesitation.
She really meant it–Joshua was absolutely her type.
Joshua’s face lit up.
“If the Schultz family–or anyone else–gives you trouble, just let me know. I’ll settle it for you,” Joshua promised, his tone serious but cool.
“Then I’ll totally take you up on that,” Xylia teased with a bright smile.
Sheughed, and Joshua, keeping one hand on the wheel, reached over and intertwined his fingers with hers.
Since the afternoon was wide open, they just went out together for a casual date.
And of course, Joshua suggested hitting the hot springs.
Xylia agreed right away.
Joshua picked out the ce.
He went for Jupiton’srgest hot spring resort–all natural spring pools, really great for your health.
Lately, Xylia had been a bit worn out from sketching designs, her shoulders and waist feeling kind of sore, so she thought a massage sounded perfect.
Joshua heard what she wanted and quickly volunteered to give her one himself.
“I’m telling you, my massage skills are way better than any pro out there,” Joshua puffed up proudly.
Xylia shot him a suspicious look, her eyes clearly saying she didn’t buy it for a second.
‘If I actually let Joshua massage me, there’s no way things wouldn’t get weird,’ she thought, a little wary.
“I’ll take the professionals over you any day,” Xylia replied, firm.
Just as she was about to ce an order on her phone, Joshua swooped in and snatched it right out of her
hand.
“You belong to me, Xylia–heart and soul. Even if it was a woman massaging you, I’d still get jealous,” Joshua teased, half–joking but clearly a little possessive.
“Fine! I just won’t get a massage then!” Xylia fired back, not willing to give in an inch.
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Xylia was basically ready to fight him off if he even tried–no way was she letting Joshuay a finger on her.
Truth be told, they’d both been working nonstoptely, so things between them had been remarkably tame- no flirting, no steamy moments<i>, </i>just pure self–control.
Honestly, Xylia found herself weirdly enjoying this stretch of peace and quiet.
Her back was a little sore, but not nearly as bad as before.
She wanted this kind of easy, peaceful life tost a few more days.
Joshua paused, then shrugged and let her be.
“How about we just soak in the hot springs instead?” he suggested, trying to sound casual.
Xylia nodded, relieved.
They booked a private suite with their own hot spring pool.
Once Xylia changed into her swimsuit, she slid into the steaming water, letting it soak into her skin as she leanedfortably against the stone edge, totally unwinding.
Joshua came in after her, stepping into the spring himself.
He moved through the water to join Xylia, settling right next to her, both of them side by side against the stone wall.
“What do you feel like eatingter? I’ll ask someone to set it up for us,” Joshua murmured gently.
The air between them was charged with flirtatious tension.
Xylia had totally expected Joshua to get flirty or drop some yful line, but he surprised her by just acting chill and normal.
Seeing him pick up on the vibe, Xylia actually appreciated his restraint.
After a moment, she said, “I’m in the mood for some seafood.”
Joshua nodded and pulled out his phone, quickly sending a message.
eyes. <fnf213> Follow current nov?ls on FindN()vel</fnf213>
Once he finished texting, Joshua reclined against the stone edge of the pool and shut his eyes.
Xylia sneaked a quick look at him, checking him out without him noticing.
When she realized Joshua really didn’t have any other intentions, she could finally breathe easy. ‘Guess I don’t have to stay on guard,‘ she thought, secretly relieved.
She drifted back against the stone wall too, closed her eyes, and let herself totally rx, finally enjoying a moment of peace.
After soaking for a while, they stepped out of the hot spring and made their way to the restaurant.
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Joshua wasn’t big on crowds, so he took Xylia to a quiet, private spot for dinner.
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It was up on the rooftop terrace, barely anyone around. Flower baskets separated little cozy corners, each with its own rattan table and chairs, giving the whole ce such an intimate and romantic vibe.
“How’d you find this hidden gem?” Xylia asked, her eyes lighting up in surprise.
She loved how peaceful and beautiful it was here.
Seeing the delight on Xylia’s face, Joshua’s grin grew even wider.
“Found it by chance. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters,” he said, the warmth in his voice undeniable.
“Totally love it!” Xylia chirped, her eyes sparkling with genuine excitement.
They were treated to a seafood spread–lobster, sea urchin, and an array of mouthwatering delicacies.
Suddenly, as they were savoring their meal, a familiar voice cut through the air.
“Josh!”
Noelle practically bounced over, her face lit up with surprise, and Richard followed close behind.
Richard spotted Xylia and Joshua, but just greeted Xylia, ignoring Joshua.
“Hey Xylia, long time no see,” Richard said, his voice friendly.
Xylia shot Joshua a quick look first, then replied to Richard, “Yeah, it’s been a while.”
Xylia noticed Noelle and Richard had arrived together and asked, “Did youe here together?”
Noelle slid right up next to Xylia, looping her arm around hers like they were besties.
“Yeah, Xylia! Mr. Shaw and I just bumped into each other and we’re working on a jewelry project together. I seriously didn’t expect to run into you and Joshua here!” Noelle chirped, sounding way too enthusiastic.
Noelle practically cuddled up to Xylia, her arm clinging close.
Xylia felt goosebumps prickling on her arms from Noelle’s sudden burst of friendliness.
‘Wait, since when did Noelle and I get this chummy?‘ Xylia thought, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
She politely slipped her arm out of Noelle’s clingy grip, trying not to make things awkward.
“Well, isn’t that a funny coincidence,” Xylia said, putting on her best polite smile.
Richard made his way over to Joshua and shed him a friendly grin.
“Hey Mr. Garcia, mind if I join you over here?” Richard asked, keeping it casual.
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“Absolutely not,” Joshua replied tly, not even bothering to think about it..
He didn’t hesitate; his face was already clouded with irritation.
“Oh, what a shame,” Richard replied, totally unfazed.
Unbothered, Richard just dragged a chair over and settled himself down on the other side.
Joshua’s expression was thunderous, like he was about ready to explode.
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“I didn’t tell you to join our table. Get out,” Joshua said tly, not even bothering to hide his impatience.
Noelle, ignoring how pissed off Joshua looked, just grinned. “Come on, Joshua, we all know each other! Don’t kick us out, okay?”
“Knowing each other isn’t the same as being friends. Trust me, if I get up to throw you out, you won’t be leaving gracefully. Wanna see how it goes?” Joshua shot back, almost daring them.
Noelle’s smile instantly went stiff, all the cheer falling off her face.
Richard just chuckled, still sounding easygoing. “Guess Mr. Garcia really is stingy–won’t even spare a meal for us, huh?”
Seeing Joshua on the verge of snapping, Xylia jumped in to calm the situation.
“Joshua, since we bumped into them, why not just have dinner together? Let’s order a few more things,” Xylia said, giving him a soothing look to keep the mood light.
She moved to his side, sat down close, and squeezed his hand reassuringly–her way of telling him to chill out a little.
After all, Noelle was Joshua’s little sister; Xylia figured it wouldn’t be right to not give her any respect, even if it was annoying.
‘Guess we’ll just have to put up with it for now, Xylia thought, resigned but determined to keep the peace.
Joshua finally held his tongue, but it was obvious he was only biting back his temper because Xylia had stepped in to calm him down.
Then, noticing Xylia was seated way too close to Richard for his liking, Joshua immediately got up and swapped seats with her–making it crystal clear he wasn’t about to let anyone else get cozy with his girl.
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