Chapter 191 Why are you running away?

Chapter 191: Chapter 191 Why are you running away?

"Daisy!" His arm immediately tightened around her waist, catching her before she could collapse. His voice was sharp with alarm.

Her eyes fluttered, and for a moment she couldn’t focus on anything. She could hear his voice somewhere close to her, low and firm but everything else seemed distant. "Hey. Look at me."

She slowly opened her eyes.

Alessio’s face was directly in front of her, his expression unusually serious, all traces of teasing gone. "You almost blacked out again."

Daisy blinked at him weakly.

He exhaled, clearly trying to keep his worry under control. "You’re not walking anywhere by yourself now."

She attempted to protest with a small gesture. "No."

Alessio shook his head. "Don’t even start."

Daisy stared at him.

He looked down at her pale face and sighed. "You’ve had enough arguments for tonight, little hamster."

Without waiting for another protest, he adjusted his hold and carefully helped her the rest of the way toward her room, making sure she was steady with every step. His hand remained firm on her waist, his other hand holding her arm.

When they finally reached the door, Daisy looked at him with tired eyes.

Alessio opened it for her. "Inside."

She obediently walked in.

He followed close behind, still watching her carefully as though he expected her legs to give way again at any moment.

Once she reached the bed, he guided her down gently. "Sit."

Daisy sat on the edge of the mattress.

Alessio crouched slightly in front of her, studying her face with careful attention. His green eyes scanned her features, searching for any sign that she was still unwell. "Better?"

Daisy nodded weakly, her breathing gradually becoming steadier as she sat on the edge of the bed. Her hands rested on her lap, and she seemed to be regaining some of her composure. For a brief moment, Alessio thought the dizziness had passed.

Then he noticed that a faint sheen of sweat had appeared across her forehead, glistening under the soft light of the room. Her cheeks, which had been pale only moments ago, slowly flushed a deep pink, spreading across her face beautifully. She lifted a trembling hand to her neck as if she suddenly felt unbearably warm, tugging at the collar of her dress.

Alessio’s brows knitted together. "Daisy?"

She looked up at him, blinking slowly. Her pupils looked slightly unfocused, and there was a strange softness in her expression that hadn’t been there before. Her gaze was hazy, dreamy, and her lips curved into a small, uncharacteristic smile.

"What’s wrong?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. He remained crouched in front of her, his eyes never leaving her face.

Instead of answering, she simply stared at him. Her dark eyes seemed to be studying him, taking in every detail of his face with an intensity that made him uneasy.

His heartbeat quickened. A terrible possibility crossed his mind. After years in his line of work, he had seen enough to recognize the symptoms. He had used such substances himself on others many times before.

"No..." His face hardened instantly. "Did someone drug you?"

He immediately pulled his phone from his pocket and unlocked it, ready to call someone. His thumb hovered over the screen..

Before he could press the first number, Daisy suddenly grabbed the phone. With absolutely no aim, she tossed it onto the bed behind her. The phone bounced harmlessly against the mattress, landing near the pillow.

Alessio froze. His hand remained suspended in the air, his phone now out of reach.

"Daisy—"

She looked at him with unusually bright eyes and smiled. Her expression was soft, almost dreamy, as if she was seeing him for the first time. She tilted her head adorably, her hair falling across her shoulder, and pointed at him with a playful finger.

Then she gestured dramatically, her hands moving in exaggerated signs. You drugged me, handsome.

Alessio’s emerald eyes widened. For a brief moment, he was completely speechless.

He stared at her, his mouth slightly open. He had never seen her like this. She was usually so reserved, so careful with her gestures. Now she was bold, playful, completely uninhibited.

Before he could react, Daisy reached for his hand with both of hers. Her fingers wrapped around his much larger hand, her touch warm and insistent. To his complete shock, she gently lifted it and pressed a soft kiss against his knuckles. Her lips were warm against his skin, staying there for a moment before she pulled back with a satisfied smile.

Alessio inhaled sharply, his breath catching in his throat. "DAISY."

He instinctively tried to pull his hand back. Not because he wanted to. God knew every selfish part of him wanted to stay exactly where he was, wanted to feel her lips against his skin again. But because she wasn’t herself. She was married. And whatever was affecting her was clearly clouding her mind.

He carefully freed his hand without hurting her and immediately stood up, putting a little distance between them. His expression became frighteningly cold, his jaw tightening.

Someone had done this. Someone had slipped something into her drink. He looked toward the bedroom door and thought: Which bastard had the nerve...

His jaw tightened, the muscles in his neck corded with tension. Whoever had targeted Daisy had just made the biggest mistake of their life.

Daisy frowned at him, her expression shifting from playful to pouty. She pointed at him accusingly, then gestured with a sharp motion. Why are you running away?

"I am not," he said, though he was distracted by the whole situation. His mind was still overactive, trying to figure out who could have done this and how to fix it.

She pointed at her own eyes, then at him, her gesture demanding. Eyes on me!

Alessio looked more shocked. He had seen her express many emotions, but never like this. Never with such boldness. She was usually shy and reserved around him, her movements gentle and hesitant. Now she was commanding him, demanding his full attention.

His expression flickered. He was used to being in control, used to handling crises with cold efficiency. But this was different. He didn’t know how to handle a drugged Daisy who was looking at him like he was the most interesting thing in the world.

"Daisy, you need to rest," he said, his voice softer now, almost pleading.

She shook her head slowly, her eyes never leaving his. Then she gestured again. No. I need you.

Alessio’s breath caught again. He opened his mouth to respond but no words came out.