Chapter 146

Early the next morning, Matthew held Serena’s hand as they stepped outside. Jake Taylor was already waiting by the villa gate, dressed sharply in a well-tailored suit. With his chiseled features, sharp eyes under neatly groomed brows, and a fresh buzz cut, he looked completely alert and ready. Serena greeted him with a bright grin and a wave, clearly in high spirits. Matthew didn’t look too thrilled about that and gently tugged Serena back just before she stepped into the car. He carefully straightened her wool coat and took her cold little hands into his own to warm them. Then he bent down slightly, ruffled her hair, and said in that low, magnetic voice of his, “Try not to be too friendly with other guys when your husband’s around, yeah? I don’t want to get jealous.” Serena’s ears immediately turned pink—this was the first time Mr. Cool and Broody had ever said something like that. She wrapped her arms around Matthew’s waist and leaned her head against his chest, mumbling sweetly, “Ok