Page 44 of Tempting My Billionaire Master

I ignored her protests, brushing past her as she fruitlessly tried to stop me.

I spotted her at the reception desk, auburn hair shining like a beacon of light. She was talking to a young man, concern etched into her delicate features.

My heart swelled at the sight of her, a wave of relief washing over me. She was here. She was safe.

Chloe looked exhausted, with dark circles under her eyes and her auburn hair tied up in a messy bun. She wore my t-shirt and sweatpants, both of which were hanging off her petite frame. Smudges of dried blood stained the fabric, making my heart ache at the thought of what she had been through.

“Mr. Hamilton!” the nurse bellowed, echoing off the walls of the reception area.

Chloe whipped her head around and her gaze landed on me, her eyes widening.

A mix of relief and concern washed over her face as she hurried toward me, her worn-out shoes squeaking on the tiled floor.

Chloe stopped just a few steps away from me, hesitating as if unsure whether to close the distance between us.

Before she could move, I enveloped her in my arms, reveling in the warmth and softness of her body against mine. She smelled of sunlight, a balm to my battered soul. After a moment she returned my embrace, her fingers curling into my hospital gown.

I didn’t understand how or why, only that she was with me. And I would never let her go again.

“Chloe, why are you here?” I asked softly, my fingers lightly tracing the dried blood stains on her clothes. “Are you hurt? Are you bleeding?”

She shook her head, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “No, Ethan, I’m fine. I’m here for you. The blood—it’s yours.” She took a deep breath before continuing. “I’m okay, just haven’t slept in over two days.”

“I will never let you go again,” I vowed, tightening my grip around her waist. Suddenly, she just looked away.

“Mr. Hamilton,” a male voice greeted me, cutting through the tension between us. Chloe gestured towards the man and said, “This is Damon. We’ve been friends since college, and he’s also my editor. I’ve told you about him, remember?”

I extended my hand, forcing a smile. “Nice to meet you, Damon. I’m afraid I’ll have to steal Chloe away from you for now, though.”

“Of course,” Damon replied, nodding respectfully before stepping back.

“Sorry to interrupt this touching reunion,” the nurse from before stood beside us, clearly exasperated, “but Mr. Hamilton needs to be back in bed immediately, or I can’t be held responsible for the consequences.”

“Of course,” Chloe replied apologetically, looking at me with a mix of concern and relief. “I’ll make sure he gets back to bed.” She turned to Damon, her eyes still filled with worry. “Damon, could you please wait for me? I just need to help Ethan.”

“Sure thing, Chloe,” Damon said with a faint smile. “Take as much time as you need. I’ll wait in the car.”

“Wait, why is he waiting in the car?” I asked Chloe. “You’re not going anywhere, right?”

“Shh,” Chloe silenced me with a tender kiss. The nurse huffed in exasperation, already turning on her heel. Chloe laced her fingers through mine, guiding me back to my room.

Once we were back in my room, The nurse busied herself reattaching the IV and monitor pads, clucking her tongue in disapproval. “Honestly, Mr. Hamilton. You should know better than to overexert yourself in your condition.”

Chloe hovered by my bedside, wringing her hands nervously. I reached out and grasped them, stilling their fretful movements. She offered me a watery smile and perched on the edge of the bed.

The nurse reset the machines and rhythmic beeping filled the room once again. “The doctor will be in to check on you shortly. Please try to actually rest until then.”

“Thanks,” Chloe said softly, giving her an appreciative smile. “I promise to keep this unruly patient in bed until the doctor comes.”

“See that you do,” the nurse muttered, leaving the room.

Alone at last, I pulled Chloe down onto the bed beside me. She squeaked in surprise but didn’t resist, nestling into my side with a contented sigh, with her head resting on my chest. The warmth of her body against mine felt like heaven, and I knew I never wanted to let her go again.

“Is this okay?” she asked softly, glancing up at me through thick lashes. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

I pressed a kiss to the top of her head, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair. “This is perfect. You’re the best medicine.”

Chloe giggled, a bright burst of joy that made my heart skip a beat. I wanted to hear that sound every day for the rest of my life.

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