Page 104 of King of Pride

While his attention remained fixed on Rose, neither of them noticed one of the men breaking away from the others.

The man rushed toward Maverick from behind and swung a heavy brick into the back of his head.

Thud.

Rose screamed.

“Maverick!”

His body lurched forward, and Rose instinctively reached out to catch him as he staggered.

Her hand flew to the back of his head.

“Maverick!” she cried again, panic flooding her voice.

For a moment, he couldn't hear anything clearly.

A sharp ringing filled his ears, drowning out every other sound around him.

Maverick’s men immediately grabbed the man who had struck him and pinned him to the ground with brutal force. The sharp snap of his wrist breaking cut through the silence, followed by his scream.

Rose barely noticed.

She was too focused on Maverick.

She wrapped her arms around him in panic, her voice trembling as she looked up at him. “Maverick… are you okay? Please, tell me you’re okay.”

Maverick’s face fell against the curve of her neck as he took a slow breath, his arms tightening around her.

“I’m fine,” he muttered. “Give me a second.”

Rose carefully reached toward the back of his head, her fingers trembling as she checked the spot where he had been hit.

“You should see a doctor.”

“I will.”

He straightened slowly, and even as he got back on his feet, he refused to let go of her. His arm remained firmly around her wrist as he guided her toward the door.

Before leaving, Maverick turned his head toward his men, his expression turning cold.

“Find out who is behind this.”

His secretary, Leo, who had been standing nearby with the men who had entered the building, immediately stepped forward.

“Mr. Bishop, don't worry. I’ll take care of it. The driver is waiting downstairs, and I’ve already arranged for a doctor to come to your house to take care of Mrs. Bishop.”

Maverick didn’t wait for him to finish.

He simply pulled Rose along with him and headed down the stairs.

He didn't let go of her hand for even a second.

Once they reached the car, he helped her inside before climbing in beside her. Even on the drive home, his hand remained wrapped around hers, as though he needed to make sure she was really there and safe.

By the time they arrived home, the doctor was already waiting.

He examined Rose first, checking her injuries and making sure she hadn't suffered anything serious. After giving her some medicine, he advised her to rest.