Page 6 of Gumiho Kiss
Kang Dol Sam slowly locked eyes with her, his throat bobbing.“Indeed.It is all quite delectable.”His mouth tilted into a smile that seemed sincere until his lips twitched and he turned to Uncle.“Actually, I need to make an announcement.”
Ah.So, therewassomething wrong.Chin Sun’s heart quickened, but she kept her expression neutral.
“Oh?”Uncle set down his cup.
“I probably should have discussed it with you beforehand, but when news reached me of a vigilante sighting just outside your home, I panicked at the thought of my fiancée not being protected.”
Samchon’s eyebrows pinched together.“I assure you, my niece is not in any dang?—”
“That is why I sent word to a friend of mine from the capital who has agreed to be her bodyguard.He used to be part of his Majesty’s royal guard, and he’s the best swordsman I’ve ever encountered.Meet Mr.Park Hyun Soo.”
A young man clad in black robes stepped silently into the room, bowing once to Uncle, then to Chin Sun.The first thing she noticed was that his hair was neither braided down his back like that of single men and boys nor tied up in a topknot as was customary for married men.Instead, it was gathered at the back of his head, with some shorter strands framing his stubbled face.Short enough that it must have been cut at some point, though such a thing was so shameful it was never done willingly.
The second was that his eyes were almost as piercing as the arrow from the other night.
Chin Sun’s hand trembled before she clasped it in the other.
Mr.Park’s gaze followed the movement.“It is my honor to serve you, Lady Lee.”His voice was steady, confident.“You have my word that no harm will befall you while I’m here.If Gwishin so much as shows himself, Iwillstrike him down.”
Rather than instilling the comfort he undoubtedly aimed to provide, anxiety pooled in Chin Sun’s stomach as Mr.Park moved to stand behind Young Master Kang.She raised her chin, poised as ever.“Thank you for your offer, but”—her gaze shifted from Mr.Park to her fiancé—“I neither need nor desire this man’s protection.”
Kang Dol Sam frowned.“I will compensate Mr.Park for his service.You need not?—”
“It is not a matter of lack of funds,” she interrupted sharply.“Suggesting such a thing is an insult to the Lee family.”Uncle’s countenance darkened, but Chin Sun pressed on.“As is the assumption that my samchon cannot provide the necessary protection on his own.”
Sang Mi gasped, hand hovering over her open mouth, and Uncle’s face reddened.
To speak to one’s future husband so brazenly went against etiquette, but Chin Sun wouldn’t allow anyone,anyone, to disrespect her family.They may not be her blood relatives, but they had raised her as one of their own.She would defend them to her dying breath.
Even though they would surely turn on her if they knew what she truly was.
Mr.Park spoke up, eyes locked on the floor.“Young Master Kang meant nothing of the kind.He simply wished to do his duty, as your betrothed, in keeping you safe.However, if you would prefer to spurn his kindness, it is your right to do so.”
Silence descended over the room like falling snow, everyone watching Chin Sun to see how she would respond to the man’s bold statement.
Chin Sun dug her suddenly too-sharp fingernails into her palms, maintaining her poise despite the seething anger in her belly.How dare he insert himself into the conversation.
Her eyes flicked to Young Master Kang, wondering if he would reprimand his friend.But, rather than expressing disapproval with Mr.Park, he was staring at her with unmistakable hurt.
Guilt pinched her heart.She wouldn’t have spoken so harshly had the stakes not been so high.To allow a stranger such close access would make it more difficult to maintain her facade as a gentle noblewoman.Her words had been meant to surprise her fiancé enough that he would retract his offer, not make him think she disliked him.
But now that this Mr.Park had turned her insult around on her, she couldn’t refuse without looking heartless—and possibly making her fiancé rethink their betrothal.
Chin Sun pressed her lips into a thin smile.“If it is meant as a gift of affection, I am happy to receive it.”
Kang Dol Sam’s expression brightened.“It is,” he exclaimed quickly.“That’s exactly what I meant by it.”
Uncle cleared his throat.“In that case, thank you for your generosity, my lord.It will do my heart good to know my dear niece is so well looked after.”
“Excellent.I’m so glad you see it that way.Park Hyun Soo will remain here while the marriage talks are still underway.”
Sang Ook, who’d kept surprisingly quiet throughout the conversation, cried, “You are so lucky you get to have a bodyguard, Chin Sun Noona.”
Chin Sun started to cough, then took a quick sip of tea to steady herself.“Indeed.”
“It is very thoughtful of you, Young Master Kang.”Sang Mi pressed her hands to her cheeks, smiling at the young nobleman like a girl in love.“I wish I had a fiancé who was so devoted to me.”
“Daughter ...”
