Page 71 of Protected By the Billionaire Ex-SEAL

“Shh. No buts. I want to take care of you.”

I shut up at his fierce tone, understanding there’s no arguing with him here. He urges me to take a pill, then guides me to lie down slowly so I won’t get dizzy again. But I’m still dizzy, so I close my eyes and try to fight it.

Silence takes over after I hear the bathroom door closing. The dizziness comes and goes, but at least I don’t feel like vomiting anymore. Then I hear footsteps and get comforted by the sounds of Christian puttering around the cabin.

“Do you co-own this place, too?”

At my question, he laughs. “No. But a good friend owns it. Most accommodations are paid, but he opens it up for free for kids’ summer camps.”

“Nice place. Soft sheets. Elegant. A-plus.”

And I wish I could enjoy it better, but here I am, my body betraying me.

“I think you have food poisoning. It must have been the macaroni and cheese since I didn’t see anyone else eating that.”

That makes sense. “Maybe.”

“I’ll talk to the restaurant about it.”

“No need. It’s probably just my stomach not agreeing to it.”

Minutes later, I can feel the space beside me dipping before his warmth envelopes me. He feels fresh and showered and smells delicious. I want to wriggle closer, but it’s like my body’s all melted and I can’t move a muscle.

Christian reads my mind, however, and pulls me in to tuck me against his chest. He kisses my forehead, then strokes my back until I’m practically humming from how soothing it feels. Greedy and no longer feeling embarrassed, I wrap an arm around his waist.

“Thank you for taking care of me.”

“No worries.”

“Sorry that you missed out on the campfire.”

“What did I say about apologies?”

“Fine. But still…”

“I’d rather be here with you. That’s why I came here with you.” His arm tightens around me. “That’s why I’m here. I like having you around.”

Despite how sick I feel, I smile. “I like having you around, too. I like you.”

“I like you, too.”

I want to say more, my heart bursting from his words, but it’s like something inside me is preventing me from doing so. Maybe it’s my sleepiness. Maybe it’s something deeper.

Whatever it is, I don’t analyze it, too tired to do so now. I stay silent instead, sighing now and then when my stomach feels queasy. But Christian makes sure it doesn’t hit me hard, his arm steady around me and the blanket he tugs up completing it.

When he kisses my forehead again, I’m in my coziest moment.

“Sleep, baby. I’ll be right here.”

The words are all I hear until I’m out like a light.

Chapter 23

Christian

“Are you sure you’re feeling better now?”

“Yes, I am. And before you ask, yes, I did take the bet that Michael and Kyle offered. And trust me when I say that it’s going to happen this year.”

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