His duty?

Jasper brought the car to a halt and turned to Ella, his face contorted with frustration. He didn't have the answer to her question, and her repeated inquiry only served to heighten his ire.

"You really want to know why I saved you?" he asked, his voice laced with annoyance. "Let me remind you of something. Remember how you begged me to let you work for me? You were desperate for a safe place to live, food to eat, and protection. And I provided all of that for you. I took responsibility for your safety, and it's my duty to ensure that no harm comes to those under my care."

Jasper's knuckles whitened against the steering wheel, and his jaw clenched tightly. His frustration was evident; the tense lines on his face betrayed a mix of irritation and something else she couldn't decipher.