Page 21 of Tempting My Billionaire Master

God, I’d missed this.

Taking a deep breath, I filled my lungs with the clean forest air, savoring the earthy scent of leaves, soil, and wood. It was a stark contrast to the sterile atmosphere of our bunker—even if that bunker housed the most gorgeous man on Earth.

I picked up a fallen leaf, admiring its vibrant colors and intricate veins. I ran my fingers over the rough bark of a nearby tree, marveling at the beauty and life surrounding me.

Everything felt so alive and vibrant and real.

I decided to stretch my legs with a walk and started walking through the forest, careful not to lose sight of the old house behind me.

As I ventured deeper into the woods, I noticed something strange behind the foliage. Intrigued, I approached and found a paved road.

I knelt down to run my palm over the smooth pavement. It felt oddly foreign beneath my fingertips, somehow seeming so very foreign to the environment around me.

A distant hum made me freeze. Tires on asphalt, drawing closer. I panicked, realizing I couldn’t hide in the foliage in time. As a car came around the bend, I almost succumbed to panic until I realized that it was one of those small electric Smartcars.

Hardly a vehicle suitable for paid killers.

The car slowed to a stop beside me, and I found myself looking into the kind eyes of an elderly woman in an elegant pink hat. Relief washed over me.

“Are you all right, dear?” she asked, concern etched on her face. “You look a little lost.”

I quickly shook my head. “No, I’m fine. Just out for a hike, enjoying the fresh air.”

“Nothing like it!” The woman sighed happily. “We’re so lucky to have this wilderness. But still I’m on my way to Pinegrove and I can give you a lift if you’d like.”

“No, thank you,” I said. “I’ll head back soon.”

“Suit yourself, dear.” She gave me a warm smile. “Be careful out here, all right? And have a lovely day.”

“You too. Thanks.”

As she drove away, I watched the small car disappear around a bend. A vehicle like that had a very limited range, which meant there must be a town nearby. Curiosity piqued, I decided to follow the road uphill to get a better vantage point.

The incline gradually increased, and my muscles burned with each step. Still, I pressed on, determined to see what lay beyond the curve of the road. When I finally reached the top, I stopped in my tracks.

Nestled in the valley below was a small town, its quaint buildings glowing in the golden afternoon light.

Chapter Eight

Ethan

A faint beep from my watch caught my attention as I fixed the wall panel to cover the working generator. The security system had picked up movement on the surface, and I knew it must have been Chloe returning from her walk. By this time concern had already started to gnaw at my gut and now relief washed over me like a calming wave.

She was safe.

I couldn’t bear the thought of something happening to her while she was out there without my protection.

I hurried to the mini spa, cranking the hot water tap as high as it would go. Then I dumped an entire bottle of bubble bath under the stream of water. As the scent of jasmine filled the room, I made a silent vow: I wouldn’t let her venture outside again without me by her side.

The sound of the hatch opening sent a ripple of anticipation through me, and I hurried to the hall to greet Chloe. My heart swelled as I saw her petite frame, her auburn hair framing her face as she smiled. But as our lips met in a tender kiss, I couldn’t help but notice that something was off. Her usually bright, inquisitive eyes seemed distant, and her smile didn’t quite reach them.

“Chloe, is everything okay?” I asked, searching her face.

“Of course, Ethan. Everything’s fine,” she said brightly. Too brightly. I didn’t believe her for a second. She thought she could hide things from me, but I knew her too well. Knew every flicker of emotion that crossed her face, every hitch in her breath.

“Are you sure? You seem…distracted,” I said softly, tilting her chin up so she had to meet my gaze. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

Her shoulders slumped in defeat. “It’s nothing, really. I just felt… alone.” She bit her lip.

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