Captivated by the Ruler of the Underworld

He had truly surrendered.

As the thought crossed his mind, Master Sylvester's slender hand pinched Lela's waist teasingly, his voice carrying a whiny undertone, "Babe, what if I can't beat it? If I get eaten, who's going to protect you then?" Master Sylvester Gomez, you've had enough.

But, there was truth in that what if Master Sylvester couldn't win?

What if he got bitten by Big White?

Seeing Lela hesitate, Master Sylvester let out a sigh; the kid was really willing to let him go.

Master Sylvester raised his hand helplessly, pinching Lela's chin, about to speak when he heard Lela assure him confidently, "No way, Master Sylvester is the best, totally unbeatable." Again, her words were laden with double entendre.

"Am I that amazing?" Master Sylvester arched an eyebrow.

Lela pondered for a moment, nodded, then with a coquettish plea added, "Master Sylvester, I want a live, unharmed white lion."

Does the kid even grasp the danger of what she's asking for? To dare want it alive!

Lela flung herself into Master Sylvester's arms, her voice dripping with seduction, "Master Sylvester, give it to me, please."

Master Sylvester chuckled inwardly, but his gaze fixed sternly on Lela, "Okay, I'll give it to you. Everything for you."

How could he deny her anything? If she asked for the stars or the moon, he'd find a way to pluck them from the sky for her. Lela's eyes gleamed with joy at his words.

Master Sylvester, thank you. Thank you for being willing to face danger for me.

Thank you for not needing any other reason but my single ask, disregarding even peril.

But do you understand? Knowing that you're willing to risk it all for me makes it impossible for me to let you really fall into harm's way.

If you go, I'm coming with you. With me by your side, no one, no beast, can harm you.

Big White is mine; he won't hurt you.

Lela looked up and planted a kiss on the corner of Master Sylvester Gomez's lips. "Master Sylvester, then I'm going."

Hearing this, the smile on Master Sylvester's face faltered as he gazed intently at Lela, his eyes filled with a clear refusal. "No."

Training a wild white lion was risky enough for him; taking the little one on such a peril was out of the question.

Lost, Lela pondered for a moment before pressing her lips to Master Sylvester Gomez's ear, whispering softly, "Master Sylvester, he knows me. Please let me come. Big White won't hurt me, and he certainly won't hurt you." If Master Sylvester Gomez didn't go, she couldn't either. And then, Big White's fate would be nothing but a hunter's trophy.

At her words, Master Sylvester jolted, his gaze dropping to meet hers-seeing the intense pleading, the... intense sorrow.

It was the first time the little one had begged him for something.

And it was the first time he'd seen such emotion in her eyes-even when she'd recalled the agony of being experimented on, she'd never shown such vulnerable sorrow...

He didn't ask why Lela would say those words because if she said them, he believed them.

Master Sylvester Gomez looked over at the lion, finally realizing the object of its attention-his little one.

Watching the lion's deep blue eyes brimming with affection and excitement as they fixed on Lela in his arms, Sylvester's face fell. Damn!

It must be a male, right?

Damn!

Now did he have to guard against men, fend off women, and now also watch out for a male beast?

He regretted it. The little one's eyes should only see him; how could there be room for an animal?

"We're not going; it's too dangerous." His refusal was firm.

"...." Lela was stunned.

How could this bastard go back on his word just like that?