Married to The Ice King: Pampered Princess' Survival Guide

"Baby?"

Gasps and murmurs started to fill the lobby. Whispers stirred behind hands. Assumptions bloomed too quickly.

But then Theo finished his words, shutting up every one of them.

"Baby… sitter."

Everything dropped back into place.

Daisy was still frozen, caught halfway between his arms and her pride.

He then released her casually, as if it never mattered.

"Let's go," he said.

She fixed her blouse and muttered under her breath, "Could've just let me fall."

Theo turned his head a little. "Should I?" he said, not even blinking. Then, after a beat, he continued, "I will… next time."

Daisy's mouth fell open. "What did I expect?" She pouted before her eyes shifted around only to realise that everyone was still looking at her, and their eyes were clear, 'Who is this woman?'

She laughed awkwardly. "Nice to meet you all. Till we meet again another time."

Then, she quickened her steps to catch up with Theo, who had already left the entrance of the building.

"Where are we going?" she asked, slightly out of breath.

"Airport," he answered shortly, entering the back of the car.

Daisy frowned. "And why do I need to go to the airport with you?" she blinked, her mind running through every possibility that could be waiting for her.

"Come in." He looked sharply at her and didn't even bother to answer her question.

She crossed her arms.

"No." Shaking her head, she stood her ground. She had a strong feeling that if she followed him today, she wouldn't be back by the end of the day and that couldn't happen. The matter with her father still wasn't settled.

Theo's eyes narrowed before he slowly leaned back into his seat, "I have a business trip, and it will take three days."

She furrowed her brows, utterly confused despite his explanation. "And what's that got to do with me?"

"Miss Sinclair…" Here it went again, the low tone of Theo's voice, coming as a warning that his patience was slowly thinning, "What happened to 24/7?"

"A–ah!" She nodded quickly, but then, after a few seconds of holding his gaze, she added, "I forgot…" Her voice dragged, clearly stalling as she searched for an excuse.

"Mr. Theo, can I get an excuse this time?"

Theo didn't answer. His sharp gaze stayed fixed on her.

"Actually, my father is sick, and no one can take care of him," she said, gulping and leaning slightly into the car. "But don't worry, I'm now looking for a facility for his treatment, so he'll be monitored twenty-four hours by a medical team. So…"

She blinked a few times, convinced that the power of her blinking could somehow help her escape this one. "Can I be excused just this time?"

At that moment, Theo's head tilted slightly as he studied her expression. "Miss Sinclair…" he said, raising a finger and motioning for her to come closer.

"Yes?" She blinked again, this time with more urgency. 'Come on, blink, work', she pleaded silently as she gently slid into the car.

"Sam…" Theo suddenly turned to the driver. "Step out for a moment. I need to talk to her."

"Yes, sir." Sam immediately exited the car, and Theo shifted slightly before reaching over to lock the door.

Daisy's eyes began to dart around, anxiety creeping in. "Err, Mr. Theo… I—"

"What kind of babysitter leaves her 'baby' alone?" he asked, voice cold and unreadable. She didn't even realize that when he locked the door, he had also moved closer.

She froze, completely speechless.

Theo kept his gaze on her until, suddenly, he gulped and quickly looked away. "How many days?"

"Sorry?" She blinked, confused. "Ah—hmm… can I get, like, a week?"

A deep frown appeared instantly on Theo's forehead. "One day. Then take a flight straight to me." Final. His tone was firm, no room for excuses.

But Daisy, being Daisy, pressed her lips into a thin line. "Three days?" No answer, just a cold stare. "Two…?"

He sealed his lips tight and talked with his eyes. 

So Daisy mumbled in frustration, "Why do I need to follow? I can just wait for you here. I don't really understand." She pouted.

Then Theo's eyes shifted slightly, softened. "I can make it two."

She looked up instantly. "Really?" Too excited, she didn't even notice she had moved closer to him.

She broke the guide—Keep The Distance.

He leaned in, just enough that she could count his breaths. "If you accept the terms."

She blinked. "What terms?"

"I get a hug."

"Excuse me?!"

Without thinking, she placed her palm on his forehead. Maybe he had a fever. That would explain it.

But he didn't.

Her hand slowly dropped as she narrowed her eyes. "I've been curious... and I've already started doubting the reason you keep me close. All of this isn't a coincidence, right, Mr. Theo Kingsley?"

He didn't answer. He just looked at her. That alone said enough.

The silence stretched for a few seconds before Daisy suddenly leaned in closer to his ear, "You don't have, like… a kink thing, right?" She pulled back slowly, studying his face.

Theo blinked once. Then turned his head slightly toward her. "No."

"Then why?!" She unconsciously stomped her foot, unable to comprehend the human igloo sitting next to her.

"I just need to figure out something," he said, flatly.

"By hugging me?"

"No. Skinship."

She immediately scooted away, pressing herself to the door and covering her chest. "You are taking advantage of me, aren't you?" she hissed, eyes narrowing. "Pervert Igloo!"

Theo didn't even blink this time. "That's slander."

"Sue me," she muttered, still clinging to the door like it might save her life.

"If I wanted to take advantage of you," he said, voice low and cold, "you wouldn't have walked away so easily the first time you stood in front of me." His eyes gazing straight to her eyes, showing and meaning every word he said.

And at that moment, Daisy could sense the seriousness in his words, she gulped and her hand loosened on the door handle. 

"Okay…" she muttered. "Just a quick little hug. For two days, right?"

She leaned in hesitantly, aiming for a quick, awkward tap of the shoulders. Nothing more.

But as she started to pull away, he suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head on her shoulder quickly, like it was always part of the plan.

"What are you doing?" She stiffened, trying to push him off, but he didn't move and wouldn't budge.

Theo's eyes narrowed slightly, unfocused as if lost in thought. 

'Is it her scent… or her presence?'