Page 22 of Tempting My Billionaire Master

Of course. How could I have been so stupid? I pulled her into my arms, hating myself for letting her leave the bunker alone. She needed me to protect her, keep her safe. I would never make that mistake again.

“I won’t let you out of my sight,” I promised, stroking her hair. “You don’t have to be afraid. I’m here now, and I’m not going anywhere.”

She relaxed against me, and the last of the tension eased from my body. My Chloe was back where she belonged.

“Chloe, I have a surprise for you,” I said, a mischievous grin spreading across my face. I took off my tie and used it as a blindfold, gently covering her eyes. Her brows furrowed, but she didn’t protest. I took her hand and led her towards the mini-spa, the scent of jasmine bubble bath filling the air.

“Okay, you can look now,” I announced, removing the blindfold. Chloe’s eyes lit up at the sight before her: a luxurious bathtub filled to the brim with bubbles. She gasped, a delighted smile gracing her lips. She turned to me, eyes shining, and threw her arms around my neck.

“Oh, Ethan,” she breathed, her eyes sparkling as she kissed me. “Thank you for fixing the generator. I can’t believe I get to have hot water again!”

I held her close, breathing in the scent of her skin and hair. “I’d do anything for you,” I replied. I used to say that to women all the time, but with Chloe, I meant it.

She kissed me, slow and sweet, then playfully pushed against my chest. “Now shoo, I want to enjoy my bath in peace.”

I caught her hands, grinning. “I don’t think so. I went through all the trouble of preparing this bath for you, now I intend to share it.”

“Okay,” she agreed hesitantly, “but no funny business.” I held up my hands in surrender. “I promise to act like a gentleman,” I said as I tried to inch closer, but Chloe firmly placed her hand on my chest and I could sense that something was still off with her.

When we undressed I swept her up into my arms, eliciting a startled squeak. Before she could protest further, I stepped into the bath and slowly lowered us both into the warm, fragrant water.

“Ethan!” She splashed at me, cheeks flushed. “Put me down this instant!”

“Hmm, I don’t think I will.” I settled back against the edge of the tub, arranging her on my lap. “There, isn’t this nice?”

She huffed out an exasperated breath, but I felt her relax into me. “You’re impossible.”

“So you keep telling me.” I nuzzled her neck, delighting in the feel of her body against mine. The water lapped at our skin as I caressed her shoulders, her arms, the swells of her breasts peeking above the bubbles. It felt incredible—her soft skin, her warmth—and I marveled at how such a small woman could have such a profound impact on me.

“You promised to behave,” she reminded me, though her protest lacked conviction.

“Did I?” I teased the shell of her ear with my teeth, gratified by the shiver that ran through her. “My memory fails me.”

“Ethan…” Her breath caught as my hand dipped lower, finding the apex of her thighs. “We can’t…”

“Shh.” I held her tighter, kneading the soft, wet flesh until I felt her melt. “I’ve got you.”

She moaned, head falling back against my shoulder, and I smiled in triumph. My Chloe was home, safe in my arms where she belonged.

I savored the feel of her body, the warmth of the water, the intimacy of holding her like this. It felt… right, in a way I’d never experienced before.

“Did you see anything interesting on your walk outside?” I asked. But her eyes flickered away from mine.

“Actually, I was wondering… What did you major in during college?” she said after a while, her fingers playing over my arm.

“Is that really what you want to talk about right now?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. But she just nodded, avoiding my gaze.

“Alright, Miss Collins,” I said with a playful smirk. “Shall we continue our interview then?”

“Absolutely, Mr. Hamilton,” Chloe responded playfully, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I’m ready to interview the hell out of you—as long as there are no killer bodyguards around.”

“Fair enough,” I agreed, my heart swelling at the sight of her genuine smile. “Well, to answer your earlier question, I majored in literature.”

“Really?” Chloe’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at her expression. “That explains your love for books, but it’s not exactly what I would have expected from a ruthless business shark like you.”

“Ah, well,” I began, enjoying the feel of her body pressed against mine as the warm water and bubbles surrounded us. “The truth is, it doesn’t really matter what your major is or what knowledge you gain in college or even in school.”

“Interesting,” she murmured, her eyes gazing into mine with curiosity. “How so?”

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