Page 11 of Tempting My Billionaire Master

He held me tighter for a moment before pulling back to look into my eyes. The smile that had lit up his face moments ago vanished, replaced by a cold, steely resolve.

“You’re not going anywhere, Chloe,” he said firmly. “You’re staying right here with me.”

Chapter Four

Chloe

My legs burned as I furiously pedaled on the stationary bike in the gym of Ethan’s underground hideout. The dim lights in this godforsaken place were giving me a headache, and the incessant droning of the electric generator behind the wall got on my nerves. Even the way Ethan’s joggers and an oversized t-shirt clung to my sweat-slicked body annoyed me, because of course there were no women’s clothes in his wardrobe.

I couldn’t believe that after all we’d been through—an assassination attempt and a narrow escape—I was stuck here with Ethan Hamilton, the most handsome man I ever slept with.

This was not fair and no matter how hard I pedaled at maximum resistance, the burn in my chest didn’t go away.

“Chloe,” Ethan’s voice echoed in the small space as he calmly strolled into the gym, his hands tucked casually in the pockets of his tailored slacks. “Have you cooled off enough to talk now?”

The nerve.

I ignored him, pedaling even faster.

“Chloe,” he said. “We can’t go back. Not yet. There’s no guarantee the first policeman we meet isn’t on their payroll. And they are most definitely searching for us along the river.”

“So your solution is to keep me here forever!” I spat, sweat dripping down my face.

“Not forever.” His tone was infuriatingly calm. “Just until the government tender is over. After that, there will be no point in wasting resources to eliminate me. We can return home safely,” he explained patiently, his green eyes locked onto mine.

I wanted to scream. Part of me understood his reasoning, but I couldn’t stand being cooped up in this place a moment longer. I needed fresh air, sunlight, freedom and now I felt like a caged animal.

My emotions swirled within me, anger and fear dancing with the undeniable attraction I felt for Ethan. Everything about him drove me wild—the way he held himself with such confidence, his smoldering gaze, and that slightly raspy voice that made my heart beat even faster than the bike workout.

“Can’t you just send a message and withdraw the bid for the tender?” I said, my pulse still pounding in my ears. “That way nobody has to try to kill us, and we can go back to our lives.”

“Chloe,” he sighed, rubbing the tension from his brow. “This hideout is completely cut off from all communications. That’s the whole point of having a secret safe space so that no one can track it.”

Deep down I knew he was right, but I refused to give in to him. As much as I admired his determination to protect me, I needed to maintain some semblance of control over my own life. Even if it meant arguing with him, just to spite him.

“Look,” Ethan said, his voice softening. “I understand why you’re frustrated, but you have to accept this. I promised I would protect you no matter what, and this is how I fulfill that promise.”

“By taking away my freedom?” My words came out more wounded than I intended.

“Only temporarily,” he assured me, his eyes searching mine for understanding. “Two weeks, Chloe. Then we’ll find a way to make everything right again.”

“Fine,” I muttered, turning away from his gaze. He left the room without another word, and I stopped pedaling, slumping over the handlebars, my chest heaving as I tried to catch my breath. Two weeks trapped in here with Ethan Hamilton, the very embodiment of temptation… none of it felt real.

But I couldn’t ignore the restlessness simmering inside me. I needed to do something. Anything. Being trapped in this bunker for two weeks was unbearable, even if it meant spending that time with the most irresistible man I’d ever met. The moment Ethan’s guard was down, I would find a way out of this bunker. I didn’t know how yet, so I would play along for now, but I would find a way to escape.

After showering and changing into a fresh set of Ethan’s clothes, I went in search of Mr. Billionaire, hoping to pretend to mend some bridges. The sound of clinking pots and pans drew me towards the small kitchenette, where I found him donning an apron over his tailored suit. My breath caught in my throat as I took in the sight: the man who had everything, cooking dinner for us.

“Wow,” I said in astonishment. “I didn’t think you knew how to cook.”

Ethan glanced over at me with a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Well, I wasn’t born wealthy, Chloe. I learned a thing or two about fending for myself along the way. Are you hungry?”

“Starved,” I admitted.

“It’s almost ready,” he said, stirring something that smelled delicious in a pot on the stove. “As I said before, I understand why you are frustrated and I wanted to make it up to you. And if we can make it ‘kiss and make up’ then all the better.”

“I’ll think about it,” I replied coyly, trying to hide the fact that his words sent a shiver down my spine. “Need any help?”

“No,” he insisted, waving me away. “Just sit back and relax. I want to pamper you tonight.”

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