Mitchel felt considerably relieved, explaining, "I don't mess around with other women. I'm not that kind of guy." Raegan turned her gaze away, expressing indifference, "Your actions are none of my concern.” "Why wouldn't it matter to you?" Lowering his voice, aware of the taxi driver nearby, Mitchel insisted, "You're the only one for me. There's nobody else." Raegan, initially angry, now felt her cheeks grow warm.
She dismissed his words, "Stop talking nonsense." Mitchel looked somewhat hurt, reminding her, "You just said you wanted to give us a try." Raegan immediately regretted her previous words. "Forget that idea. It's off the table." "| don't care. As of now, we're an item.
Raegan found herself speechless. She then instructed the taxi driver, "Please start driving." Those few words left Mitchel without a comeback. He
realized an explanation now was pointless. Then, he addressed the driver, "Could you and | swap vehicles?" The taxi driver was puzzled, questioning, "What? Why?" Mitchel handed the car keys he had received from Matteo to the taxi driver. "I need to borrow your car for a bit, and you can take mine. Is that fine?" The taxi driver shook his head. "Sorry, | need my car to work." Raegan appreciated the taxi driver's integrity. She apologized, "I'm sorry for the trouble. Please keep the fare going, and I'll cover the cost.
With no alternatives left, Mitchel's attention was caught by an ad in the taxi for a night shift driver. He inquired, "Are you looking for someone to work the night shift?" Pushing Matteo forward slightly, Mitchel asked, "How about him for the job?" Had he not been drinking, Mitchel would have considered the job for himself.
The driver chuckled. "I appreciate the humor, young man.
Mitchel doubled down, "Seriously, I'm not kidding." Matteo chimed in, "He's serious." After all, being an assistant often meant taking on varied roles. Yet, venturing into taxi driving at night was indeed a new challenge.
With a serious tone, Mitchel explained to the taxi driver, "That's my wife over there. I've made a mistake, and now she's locked me out. If you don't let him try out this job, I'l end up without a wife." Utilizing his appealing looks, Mitchel seemed genuinely earnest.
Mitchel urged, "You don't want to witness us go separate ways, do you? Could you bear to see us split over a misunderstanding?" Matteo found himself at a loss for words.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe taxi driver frowned, thinking.
Raegan was stunned. Mitchel's capacity for fabrication was unexpectedly impressive.
After consideration, the taxi driver eventually stepped out
and passed the taxi to Matteo.
The taxi driver even imparted some wisdom to Mitchel.
"Remember, a wife should be treasured, not upset. Got that?" "I understand, sir." Looking at Raegan, Mitchel added, "I'll make sure to 'treasure' her properly.
Raegan was at a loss for words since things happened so swiftly.
Matteo took the wheel and began to drive away, with the taxi driver's voice echoing in the distance. "Young man, | don't know how to operate your fancy car..." A slight smile appeared on Mitchel's face. His plan had, worked.
Raegan was astounded by Mitchel's plan. "You really are a scoundrel.” "Just a bit, and only for you," Mitchel replied.
Raegan was rendered speechless. She crinkled her nose at the overpowering scent on him. "Leave the car. Your
smell is making me nauseous!" Mitchel sniffed his sleeve, recognizing the woman's strong perfume on his clothes. He immediately removed his jacket, instructed Matteo to pull over at a nearby station platform, and discarded his jacket in a trash bin.
As he began to remove his shirt, Raegan intervened.
"What on earth are you doing?" Mitchel appeared puzzled. "You said the smell was bothering you, didn't you?" Raegan felt her cheeks grow hot. "Just leave the car. | didn't mean you should undress!" The idea of Mitchel getting undressed in a taxi was even more unsettling. Particularly in a taxi lacking privacy film.
Passersby might misconstrue their situation if they saw Mitchel undressing.
Mitchel protested, "But | made a promise to the taxi driver to 'treasure' you properly..." Raegan's face turned even redder.
Mitchel moved closer, offering his arm for her to sniff.
"Check this. No smell here. | didn't take off my jacket back in the chamber." Raegan awkwardly looked away, criticizing, "Have you no dignity?" "Well, it seems | don't have such a thing in your presence.
Mitchel placed his hand on the back of her seat, subtly enclosing her, his tone deep. "Does this bother you?" Feeling her ears heat up and frustrated, Raegan replied, "I'm not interested in someone who's been with others. It's repulsive." Mitchel faced her, lifting his hand as though taking an oath.
"| assure you, | haven't been with any other woman. You can ask Matteo. | never let any other woman beyond you get close to me. My only mistake was sharing the same air with them.” Matteo, keeping his eyes on the road, confirmed, "Yes, Mr.
Dixon is disciplined. He didn't let other women make advances.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmFeeling her face warm up, Raegan pushed Mitchel's hand away, her lips parting to speak, yet she hesitated, aware of Matteo's presence. She then turned her gaze outside, watching the world beyond the car window.
Mitchel sensed her shyness and chose not to tease her further, maintaining a respectful distance, a mark of his consideration.
When they arrived at their stop, Matteo tactfully exited the vehicle to give them some privacy.
Raegan reached for the door, attempting to leave, but found her movement halted by Mitchel's arm pressing down on the door handle.
"Raegan..." Mitchel's action created a protective gesture as if he was encircling her, his cool breath surrounding her. "I regret letting jealousy get the better part of me. | grasped | should have trusted you more and not let my temper flare just because | see you with another man. I'm committed to making amends, though I've struggled to change in the past. My self-control isn't perfect, but | vow to make a
genuine effort to improve..." His sincere apology and the softness in his voice were new to Raegan, It was a surprise to see the usually confident and somewhat arrogant Mitchel display such openness and vulnerability.
Mitchel then gently lifted his arm from the door, drawing Raegan into his embrace.
In a soft tone, he added, "Just as you're uneasy about the woman in the chamber, | face my own insecurities. Henley knew you from school, and Stefan was by your side for the past five years. Those were the days | was absent from your life. That's why I'm jealous. Do you see where I'm coming from?" Raegan's posture tensed up. This vulnerability was a side of Mitchel she hadn't seen before. His displays of jealousy, it seemed, had deeper roots. Despite being wounded by his past actions, her heart softened at his downcast expression.
Mitchel, interpreting her silence as ongoing displeasure,
promised, "From now on, I'll consult with you about everything, no more jumping to conclusions. I'll work on curbing my jealousy, alright?" He didn't promise to eliminate his jealousy entirely. He knew that was too much to ask of himself. His sense of possessiveness was just too ingrained.
Raegan, who had been quite upset, felt her anger ebbing away. Her tone mellowed. "I prepared quite a few dishes tonight. Mitchel's face lit up with hope. "I apologize. I'll eat them now. "Don't bother. Everything's gone cold." "That's fine. | haven't eaten much today. | had neglected the previous night's dinner." His meals had been limited to a cup of coffee and some wine in the evening. His turmoil had left him without an appetite.
Raegan's concern deepened. "You haven't eaten at all?" "Well... | was quite upset..." Mitchel replied, sounding slightly aggrieved. "How could | have the appetite to eat without you by my side?"