Page 14 of Tempting My Billionaire Master

“Are you kidding me?” I exploded, unable to hold back my frustration any longer. “How can you be so calm? Why aren’t you angry with me for trying to escape?”

Ethan regarded me thoughtfully for a moment before replying, “I knew you would try sooner or later. It’s simply who you are. And I happen to like who you are.”

“So you left the hatch open on purpose!” I said, my hands on my hips.

“No, I left it open because I thought you might enjoy taking short walks outside during the daytime,” he explained, unfazed by my outburst. “But now, I have to revoke that privilege, and the hatch is locked. I suggest you stop wasting effort trying to escape. The sensors outside will alert me to any movement in the house above us.”

Taking a deep breath, I allowed the storm inside to calm down. “You’re right,” I admitted quietly, my voice wavering slightly. “I know it is not reasonable to leave the bunker, but everything that’s happened… it’s just too much. I want to feel at home, sense something familiar, something to feel… normal.”

Ethan softened, his stern expression melting into a gentle smile. “I understand,” he said. “Promise me you won’t try to escape again?”

“I promise,” I whispered, feeling the weight of my words as they left my lips.

“Good,” he replied, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. “Now, how about you make it up to me by going on a date with me?”

My heart leapt into my throat, and I blinked in surprise. “A date? Here?”

“Of course,” Ethan said, his voice low and flirtatious. “We have a small private cinema here in the bunker. I thought it might be a nice, familiar experience for you—and an opportunity for us to spend some time together.”

“That sounds amazing! I’d love to!” I asked, excitement bubbling up inside me.

“Great,” he grinned, his green eyes sparkling. “I have some work to do and a few preparations to make for this evening. I hope you can think of something to pass the time.”

As Ethan disappeared in the doorframe, I settled down in a chair that enveloped my body like a blanket and picked and opened Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. The prose was as heavy-handed as I’d expected, the characters mere mouthpieces for the author’s philosophy. The protagonists—Dagny, Wyatt, Rearden, and Galt—were all tall, attractive geniuses with seemingly supernatural sexual prowess, while the antagonists were caricatures of stupidity, pettiness, and physical disabilities. Marvel movies have more depth and nuance than this, I thought to myself as I skimmed through the second half of the novel.

As I put the book aside, I wondered how this ideology of objectivism may have influenced Ethan, molding him into the man he was today.

Did he leave this book here on purpose? Was it another glimpse into his inner self, along with the architecture and décor inside his home and that trick with the cheap wine? Was it his way of telling me about himself, feeding me jigsaw pieces one by one until the puzzle of Ethan was complete?

I tossed the book aside, I made my way to the kitchen and began rummaging through the cupboards for something to eat. I eventually settled on some canned fruits and defrosted bread. As I sipped my coffee in the hall, I began to feel that despite everything, this place wasn’t so bad after all. I was still trapped here, but not only by steel walls but by the unwanted desire he stirred in me.

My thoughts shifted to the upcoming date with Ethan, and the anticipation for my ‘date’ with Ethan made it hard to sit still. I knew I wanted to wear something nicer than Ethan’s shorts and shirt, but I didn’t have many options. The only proper clothes I had were the blouse and jeans drying in the pantry. They would have to do.

As I walked towards the pantry, I passed by the open door to the gym. There, I caught sight of Ethan from behind, doing heavy deadlifts. He wore only a pair of shorts, and his strong muscles rippled with every movement. I paused in the doorway, transfixed by the sight of his muscles flexing and with each repetition his hips moved like they did during our passionate encounter in the bathtub. His masculine scent, laced with sweat, enveloped me and I breathed it in hungrily.

Desire pooled low in my belly, intensifying when Ethan straightened and rolled his shoulders. His piercing gaze met mine in the mirror, and a knowing smile curved his lips.

By the time I made it to the pantry, I was breathless and flushed. I leaned against the wall, cursing my traitorous body for reacting to him like that. I steamed my blouse and jeans and on a whim, I decided not to wear panties. Feeling bold and mischievous, I headed to the shower to freshen up before our date.

Stepping into the mini-cinema, I found Ethan already there, lounging on a plush red divan looking unfairly handsome in dark slacks and a gray button-down shirt.

“You look beautiful,” he said and a smile touched my lips in response.

A spread of popcorn, light snacks, and a bottle of wine awaited us.

“Ok, I’ll bite,” I teased, pointing to the wine. “How much did this one set you back?”

Ethan laughed. “Actually, I’m not sure. It was a gift from a business associate.”

“Should we even drink it then?” I joked, remembering our recent brush with danger. “Your business associates haven’t exactly proven trustworthy lately.”

Ethan chuckled, a low raspy sound that made me shiver. “Touché. I don’t need wine to be intoxicated in your presence.”

“Wait, do you want to say that my incessant caprices make your head spin?” I grinned, testing him.

His eyes flickered up and down, scanning my body and I instinctively straightened my back a little. “No, Chloe, I think it is the whole package.”

Heat flushed my cheeks as I felt disarmed. Fortunately, Ethan didn’t gloat about my defeat and gestured for me to join him on the divan.

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