Page 71 of Billionaire Temptations

“Yeah. I just want to be alone for a while.”

My mom lightly hugged me and kissed my head. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning, sweetheart.”

“Bye, Mom.”

As soon as they left, I lay there, confused, helpless, and overwhelmed. Lila was back on shift, and when she walked into the room, she smiled at me.

“Have you been up and around?”

“Not really. I’ve been asleep most of the day.”

“Well, come on, Emma. Let’s do this.”

“I can’t,” I said as I turned my head.

“Yes, you can, and you will. You aren’t getting a pity party from me. You’re going to get up, and you’re going to walk around. You’re going to get stronger, and then you’re going to help that little girl of yours.”

She helped me up from the bed and lightly held on to me as I slowly walked up and down the hall. About two hours later, Max returned and set my bag on the chair in the corner.

“How are you?” he asked as he walked over to the bed.

“I need a shower.”

“Are you allowed?”

“Yeah, but I’m going to need your help because I can’t lift my arms to wash my hair.”

“Of course, I’ll help you.”

Suddenly, the raw emotion of him seeing me naked terrified me. The last time he saw me, I was slender and toned.

“You know what? Forget it. I can take it some other time.”

“Why? I think taking a shower will help you feel a little better. Maybe even clear your mind a bit.”

“No. It’s okay.” I crossed my arms over my chest.

He gave me a strange look and narrowed his eyes. “Are you afraid to be naked in front of me? Have you forgotten that I’ve seen all of you, and that’s what got us here in the first place?”

“No. I haven’t forgotten. But the last time you saw me naked, I was thin, and we were having sex.”

“It doesn’t matter. You were beautiful then, and you’re just as beautiful now.”

“I know this may sound crazy to you, but sometimes, when I look at you, I feel like you’re a stranger.”

“I’m sorry, Emma. I truly am. Please let me help you. Please.”

“Fine.”

He helped me to the bathroom and closed the door. He turned on the water and made sure it was nice and hot, but not too hot. He rolled up his sleeves and untied the back of my gown, taking it off of me and setting it on the sink. He didn’t look at me any differently than he used to. I stepped into the tub and stood there as he removed the handheld showerhead and let it run down my blonde hair.

“I brought your shampoo and conditioner. I left it in the bag. Hold this, and I’ll be right back.”

A few seconds later, he entered the bathroom with my bottles of shampoo and conditioner from home. He poured some in his hand and slowly massaged it into my hair. Oh my God, his fingers felt so good on my scalp. After rinsing, he ran some conditioner through my hair and then helped me wash my body.

“Did my mom get settled okay?”

“Yeah. She’s a great woman, Emma. You’re lucky to have her as a mother.”

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