Chapter 186: Love in the Time of Skepticism

Jonathan knew all too well that if he had shown his true nature to Sierra from the beginning, she would never have considered being with him; not even giving it a try would have been a possibility. It wasn't a good time to talk, but Jonathan couldn't help himself and asked, “What kind of person do you wish I were?”

“Kind, humble, helpful?”

Jonathan slowly recounted Sierra’s initial impression of him; his mouth twisted into a mocking smile as he spoke. “Unfortunately, I’m not that kind of person.”

He was far more ruthless than she had imagined. The car fell into a deafening silence. During this time, Jonathan considered how to respond if Sierra suggested they were incompatible. He had ways to make her yield, as she cared about too many things, and even without those, he could still make her submit.

She seemed heartless, but in reality, her heart was soft because she had never been treated well. She clung to any bit of kindness she could find: he could exploit this…

Dark thoughts filled his mind. Just then, Sierra spoke up. “Jonathan, you won’t hurt me, right? I can trust you, can’t I?”

Even Jonathan was taken aback by her words. He looked at her in astonishment, thinking she would give up, especially since Sierra was both brave and fearful. Seeing his surprised expression, Sierra gave a bitter smile. “I said we should give it a try, and that means taking it seriously, right? No two people are a perfect match.”

She did want to give up, but every time she was about to speak, she remembered how Jonathan had looked so anxious when she mentioned she was in pain. She couldn’t give up that easily.

Something seemed to break through in Jonathan’s heart; he had never met someone like Sierra. After a moment, his lips curved into a pleased smile. “No, I won’t! No matter what happens, I won’t hurt you.”

All those dark thoughts had vanished. Jonathan couldn’t quite understand his own feelings. He had never liked someone this much before. It was more than just possessiveness at this point.

Sierra nodded. “Then don’t hide yourself around me anymore; just be the real you.”

She wanted to see who Jonathan really was. Like the smile he just shared—it was genuinely from the heart, unlike his usual smiles. It was more real but also more dangerous, yet irresistibly enticing, like a poisonous flower; you know it’s toxic, yet you can’t help but be drawn to its beauty.

Logic told Sierra she should get away quickly, but humans are emotional creatures, and she was no exception.

Jonathan made a promise, not knowing yet what it meant to Sierra. He rarely made promises, but once he did, he followed through. After Sierra took a hot shower, Jonathan was still busy in the kitchen. She watched his silhouette and smiled silently to herself.

When Jonathan turned around and saw Sierra standing at the door, her face flushed from the bath, he couldn’t resist kissing her cheek. “Let’s go to the hospital for a check-up tomorrow; you’re too thin, you might be anemic,” Jonathan said, already on the phone making arrangements. Sierra didn’t refuse and nodded in agreement.

Seeing the police standing outside, Jonathan was surprised and simply said, “Wait a moment.”

“I’ll come with you,” Sierra said, not wanting to leave him alone.

Jonathan thought about it and didn’t refuse, since Sierra was also involved.

On the way, Sierra was worried, not knowing how badly Yaron was injured. Jonathan hadn’t held back in his defense, and she could feel the pain just hearing it. Though Yaron had struck first, excessive defense could still carry legal consequences.

Compared to Sierra’s worries, Jonathan appeared very composed; he even handed Sierra a yogurt. “Eat something,” he said.

Influenced by his calmness, Sierra gradually relaxed. Suddenly, she asked, “Have you trained before?” Jonathan had sent Yaron flying with a kick, and while Yaron was weak, he was still a grown man; such strength wasn’t easily come by without some ability.

“Yes,” Jonathan said nonchalantly, “I trained. I worked as a mercenary with some friends when I was younger.”

Sierra’s eyes nearly popped out of her head, and it took her a moment to respond. “Mr. Yeager, you may dress like a gentleman, but you’re still a thug at heart!”