148|To Serve And Protect—Part 1

The sense of dread Austin had carried around since he saw the look of horror on his father's face finally melted away when he stepped into his penthouse.

From the entrance hall, he had a clear view of the open-plan living area, and there, he saw something that made his heart flutter. In the blue and white glow of the TV light was Marybeth lying on the couch, strands of her long red hair draped over the armrest.

His feet moved of their own accord and carried him forward, finally stopping in front of the couch, where he stood for some time, gazing at Marybeth's sleeping form.

He pushed the magazines on the coffee table out of the way and sat down, listening to the peace filling his heart as he ran his hands on her arms, revelling in the smooth feel of her stardust skin on his fingertips.

"Žena, wake up. I'm home," he whispered as he bent over and slowly brushed her lips in a fleeting kiss.

He was about to kiss her again when, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Arno stroll down the sta