Chapter 199 Clean Sweep
“Whatever you do, make sure your own safety comes first. Got it?” Malcolm's earnestness made it impossible for Reese to dismiss his words lightly.
After all, the people around her had always emphasized the importance of completing missions at all costs. She never allowed herself to fail; a mission accepted was a mission that must end in success.
It wasn't just her—Calvin and the others also shared that conviction. That strength of belief had brought them this far; they never considered putting their own lives before the mission. Every time, it was all or nothing.
Yet Malcolm's words introduced her to a novel sensation: the realization that someone cared more about her coming back alive than the success of the mission.
Maybe it was the overwhelming events of the day, but as she looked into Malcolm's dark, expressive eyes, she found herself nodding in agreement.
His arm reached around, gently rubbing the back of her head, his voice warm and soothing, resonating deep within her. “Good.”
The driver, up front, felt like he was about to be sick. No wonder the assistant agreed to the fare so readily—the money was tough to earn with these two. Were they mockingly reminding him that he was nearly forty and still single?
He raised the partition, sparing himself from the awkward display, and instantly felt a wave of relief.
Reese reapplied her makeup and changed into a fresh set of clothes. Special circumstances demanded special measures, and it wasn't her experiencing discomfort.
She was right; the ordeal wasn't hers but Malcolm's, especially since her skin was so fair it seemed to glow, reigniting his long-suppressed desires.
All he wanted now was to hold his wife close, a thought alone that was intensely satisfying. He just wondered when she would open up to him completely.
Seeing the discomfort on his face, which was a stark contrast to his recent composure, and remembering how she changed clothes—not that she revealed much, but enough to torment a man who could look but not touch—Reese guessed he must be suffering.
He had teased her earlier; it was only fair for her to have her turn now.
Feigning ignorance, Reese sidled up close, her eyes practically glued to Malcolm's face, her curiosity unmistakable.
"Honey, you're looking a bit off. Is it too hot in here? Are you not feeling well?" she inquired with concern.
Malcolm was far from wanting to admit to Reese that he was feeling a bit excited, that he was longing for some intimacy with her. But he wasn't sure he could stop once started, fearing that he might sweep her off her feet completely.
He awkwardly turned his head away, his cheeks burning with embarrassment.
"It's nothing, babe. We're almost there. You should check your makeup," Malcolm said, trying to sidestep the situation.
Reese smiled, her lips pursed. She didn't show too much concern, but she was eager to look after him.
"I'm all set," she responded cheerily. “But what about you? Did you get hurt today? Is something bothering you?"
"Really, it's nothing," Malcolm said, realizing he was digging his own grave. If only he'd looked away earlier, he wouldn't be in this mess.
But Reese was not to be deterred. She placed her palm on Malcolm's forehead, as if checking for a fever. "Let me see if you're running a fever. If you are, we need to get you to a doct—"
Before she could finish her sentence, Malcolm's gaze darkened. Grabbing her slender waist, he pulled her toward him and planted a kiss on her lips, an undeniable craving taking over.
Reese's heartbeat skyrocketed. They were so close that she could hear Malcolm's heart echoing her own. Through the thin fabric, his skin burned hotter than hers, his breath intimate and tender against her cheek.
Reese stiffened, afraid to move. In a hushed voice, she said, "Malcolm, if you have certain desires, just be upfront about it. It's normal for a guy. There’s no need to feel shy."
Malcolm frowned, his fingers lightly pinching her chin, his warm touch sliding across her smooth skin as he tried to suppress a laugh within his gravelly voice.
"Am I the one who's embarrassed?"
He clearly wasn't embarrassed by the desire but by the act. If it weren't for the fact that his wife might not allow it, he'd have her in bed for days.
"But if you keep teasing me like this, I won't be so lenient next time. You'll see just how capable your husband is," he said with a suggestive tone that painted vivid scenes in Reese's mind. Her cheeks flushed, and her earlier composure was now replaced by fluster.
Luckily, their vehicle soon came to a stop in front of the medical research institute.
Pushing Malcolm away gently, Reese announced, “I need to get out.”
"Call me when you're done. I'll come pick you up," he said.
Reese looked at him, surprised. "Aren't you coming in?"
Malcolm shook his head. "I'll stay here. If you've got secrets you want to keep, I respect that."
He had always thought Reese was a top-notch doctor at most, but he hadn't expected that his wife was also a towering figure in the medical world, someone whose name, if it got out, would be looked up to by many.
Now his curiosity was piqued; how many more talents was his wife hiding? Somehow, he felt a little smug about being married to someone so capable and beautiful.
Reese didn't press the issue. After all, the place was filled with her esteemed seniors. Despite her own high standing, she didn't want to exploit it and cause others to resent her.
She nodded, "Alright, head back and be careful on your way."
As Malcolm watched Reese walk away, he dialed up Justin. In that instant, his face darkened, and a bloodthirsty glint appeared in his eyes.
"Find out who those people today were. Once you've got something, wipe out their whole organization. Anyone who dares to mess with my wife doesn't deserve to live."
Justin shivered upon hearing Mr. Flynn's icy voice.
In disbelief, he asked, "The whole organization?"
"Didn't you understand what I just said?" The man's patience was clearly wearing thin.
Justin hurriedly replied, "Got it."
Mr. Flynn's patience seemed to be running short these days, especially compared to how gentle he acted around Reese, just like a puppy. It was quite the contrast to his ruthless side.
"Also, find out who the two people following my wife today were. I won't allow any threats near her."