Page 26 of Tempting My Billionaire Master

Jess waved a hand. “Small towns, you know. We have to stick together. Now, drink up and make your call. I’ll keep the Insomniacs occupied if you need some privacy.”

Jess left and I dialed Damon’s number with trembling fingers. The phone rang once, twice, three times—no answer. Panic crept into my chest, tightening its grip on my lungs. The soft glow of dawn was beginning to filter through the library windows, and I knew I needed to get back to the bunker before Ethan noticed my absence.

What if he didn’t answer? What if—

“Hello?”

Relief flooded me at the sound of Damon’s voice. “It’s me.”

“Chloe!” The relief in his tone mirrored my own. “Thank God. Where the hell have you been?”

“Listen, I don’t have time to explain,” I cut him off, my voice shaking from a mix of cold and urgency. “There was an attempt on Ethan’s life, it was his bodyguards and the police were involved too! We’re hiding not far from Pinegrove. I need you to look into the ongoing bidding for government contracts for PharmaB—its competitors might be connected to the people behind the attack.”

Damon sucked in a sharp breath. “What? Are you serious?”

“Dead serious.” I glanced over my shoulder at the Insomniacs, but they seemed fully occupied arguing over a hand of rummy. “We’re in hiding right now. I managed to slip away to call you.”

“Chloe, you’re not making any sense—” Damon began, but I couldn’t let him continue.

“Promise me you won’t tell anyone about this call,” I pleaded, gripping the phone tightly. “Not even the authorities. I’ll call you in a couple of days for an update.”

“Chloe—” he started again, but I hung up before he could say anything else. Time was running out.

I thanked Jess again for her help as I headed for the library doors. “You’re welcome back any time,” she said with a warm smile. “And good luck.”

“Thank you,” I said softly. “Have a good night, Jess. You too, ladies!” I added, waving to the Insomniacs. Mary and Elisabeth waved back cheerfully while Susan sniffed, but even she gave me a little wave.

Stepping outside, I shivered in the chilly pre-dawn air. I had a long trek ahead of me, and not much time. The sky was gradually lightening, an eerie mix of purples and blues signaling the approach of morning. I set off down the empty street at a jog, the bunker hatch already rising in my mind.

I couldn’t help but be grateful for the growing light as it made finding my way back to the bunker a lot easier.

The abandoned house came into view as the sky lightened in the east. I rushed down the ladder and closed the hatch behind me, hurrying to the hall. My heart caught in my throat when I heard Ethan moving around in the bedroom.

I crept to the bathroom and quickly shucked off my clothes and jumped in the shower. The sound of running water filled the air as I let the warm spray cascade over me just as Ethan walked in.

“Chloe?” Ethan’s voice, rough with sleep. “I was worried about you when I woke up alone.”

I poked my head around the curtain, going for nonchalance. “Sorry, I didn’t want to wake you. I thought I’d take a shower.”

Ethan searched my face, the tension in his body betraying his suspicion. And then his eyes flicked down to the floor where my clothes sat discarded.

“Why are your shoes wet?”

Chapter Ten

Chloe

“God, Chloe, you’re such a klutz sometimes,” I muttered to myself, trying to keep my voice from trembling. I looked at Ethan, feigning annoyance. “I must have forgotten to close the curtain when I turned on the water, and it must have splashed onto them.”

Ethan frowned, his piercing green eyes searching my face. I held my breath, praying he couldn’t see the lie in my eyes. “Why did you bring your shoes in at all?”

“I wanted to go outside for some fresh air. I’m sorry about yesterday. I was hoping we could go for a walk, if that’s okay with you.” My fingers fidgeted nervously as I waited for his response.

“Of course, Chloe. There’s nothing to apologize for. I’ll be happy to accompany you outside.” Ethan’s eyes softened, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. “I also need to check on the motion detectors in the old house.”

Relief flooded me as the tension eased from my body. He believed me. I wasn’t sure how long I could keep up these lies, but for now I was safe.

Ethan scooped up my soggy shoes. “I’ll put these on the water heater. They’ll be dry in no time.” He pressed a kiss to my forehead before leaving the bathroom, my shoes in hand.

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