Chapter 699: Blushing Boss

Nikolai turned toward her, his expression a storm of concern and barely contained fury. "Of course I’m here, Natalya. Did you think I wouldn’t come when I heard my daughter was attacked?" His gaze flicked to me, assessing, calculating. "Thank you, young man, for saving her."

I gave a slight nod, the movement sending a twinge through my chest. "Boss, I was just doing my job."

Nikolai’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t press further. Instead, he turned his full attention back to Natalya, his voice dropping into a low, dangerous tone. "Who was it, Natalya? Who dared to lay a hand on you?"

Natalya’s jaw tightened, her voice dripping with venom. "It was Igor, Dad. That snake thought he could—"

"Igor?" Nikolai’s voice was a whip-crack, his fists clenching at his sides. "That coward wouldn’t have the spine to act alone. Someone is pulling his strings." He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a growl. "You need protection. I’ve brought bodyguards. They’ll follow you everywhere—no arguments."

Natalya’s eyes flashed with defiance. "I don’t need more bodyguards. I have Viper. He’s all I need."

Nikolai’s expression hardened. "Natalya, this isn’t a request. You were almost killed. You think I’m going to stand by and let that happen again?" His voice softened slightly, but the steel beneath it was unmistakable. "I’ve already lost too much. I won’t lose you, too."

Natalya’s breath hitched, her defiance wavering. "Dad, I—"

I cut in before she could argue further. "Boss, just let them protect you. We don’t know who’s behind this. It’s better not to take any risks." I met her gaze, letting my concern show. "I don’t want anything to happen to you."

Natalya looked between me and her father, her expression torn. Finally, she sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Okay."

Nikolai nodded, satisfied. "I’ve found the best five bodyguards for you. They’ll follow you everywhere—sleeping, eating, even in the toilet."

Natalya’s eyes widened in horror. "Dad, what are you—?" She glanced at me, searching for my reaction. I let a flicker of displeasure cross my face.

Nikolai almost smirked. "Don’t worry. They’re all women."

I exhaled internally. Old man, you almost died just now.

Nikolai continued, "They’re waiting for you downstairs. They’ll start immediately."

Natalya crossed her arms, her voice sharp. "Dad, I can take care of myself. I don’t need a shadow every second of the day."

Nikolai’s expression softened, but his tone remained firm. "Natalya, I know you can. But you’re my daughter. Let me do this for you. Let me keep you safe." He reached out, cupping her face in his hands. "Please."

Natalya’s resistance crumbled. She leaned into his touch, her voice barely above a whisper. "Fine. But if they get in my way, I’m sending them back to you."

Nikolai chuckled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Fair enough." He turned to leave but paused at the door, his gaze lingering on me. "Take care of her, Viper. She’s all I have left."

I nodded, the weight of his words settling over me. "With my life."

Nikolai left, the door clicking shut behind him. Natalya turned back to me, her fingers still tangled with mine. "You’re not in pain, are you? Should I call the nurse?"

I squeezed her hand gently. "Boss, don’t worry about me. I’m fine."

She sat on the stool beside my bed, her expression haunted. "That... I’m so sorry. It’s my fault. I almost killed you." Her voice cracked. "The doctor had to replace your heart. You can’t move too much, okay?"

I reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Boss, it’s not your fault. It’s mine. I didn’t tell you about my plan."

Natalya’s eyes flashed with frustration. "You’re an idiot. You should’ve said something or at least given me a hint!"

I sighed, my voice low and rough. "I needed Igor to believe I’d surrendered. If I’d fought them outright, a bullet might’ve hit you." I paused, letting the weight of my words sink in, my gaze locked onto hers. "I made sure you were in Igor’s car because it’s bulletproof. I wasn’t taking any chances with your life."

Natalya’s breath hitched. For a long moment, she just stared at me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. The air between us felt heavy, charged with something unspoken. Then, slowly, she leaned forward, pressing her forehead to mine. "You stupid, reckless bastard," she whispered, her voice trembling. "What am I supposed to do with you?"

She pulled back slightly, her brow furrowing as a thought struck her. "But how did you block those bullets with just a knife?" Her voice was laced with disbelief. "How is that even possible?"

I shook my head, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don’t know... At that moment, I just wanted to save you, Boss." My fingers tightened around hers, my voice raw. "I was afraid if I really died, those guys would hurt you. And I can’t live with that."

Natalya’s breath shuddered. She tried to compose herself, but her voice was thick with emotion. "Stop talking nonsense." She turned away, pouring herself a glass of water from the pitcher on the table. Her hands trembled slightly as she took a sip, her back to me for a moment.

The room was quiet, save for the distant hum of the hospital and the soft rustle of the bodyguards outside the door. I studied Natalya’s face—her tired eyes, the dark circles beneath them, the way her shoulders sagged with exhaustion. She hadn’t rested at all.

"Boss," I said softly, "you should go back now. Take some rest."

Natalya’s head snapped up, her voice sharp. "I’m not going anywhere."

She must have realized how uncharacteristically vulnerable she sounded because she quickly patted the empty bed next to mine—the one meant for a family member or caretaker. "I’ll rest here," she said, her voice firmer now, though she still avoided my eyes. "And we’ll go back together."

There was a pause, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket. "I... I don’t have the habit of leaving my people behind," she admitted, her voice quieter now, almost hesitant. She lifted her chin, her tone shifting back to its usual command. "And don’t forget—I’m your boss. You should just listen to me."

I nodded, my voice gentle. "I’m sorry, Boss. I said something I shouldn’t have."

Natalya’s expression softened for a split second before she scowled. She hated it when I apologized—it made her feel like she’d won an argument she didn’t want to win. "Just... shut up and rest," she muttered, but there was no real bite to it. She settled onto the bed beside me, her hand finding mine again, her grip tight, as if she was afraid I’d slip away if she let go.