Page 7 of Fighting Fate

An unexpected bark of laughter escaped him. He grabbed the shampoo. “I’d just tell them you were an obsessed fan who jumped in my car like a homeless dog, and I didn’t have the heart to drop you.”

An adorable snort burst from Baylor. “Fuck. They’d believe you.”

Chipper realized he was smiling. Despite everything, he truly enjoyed Baylor’s company. Sick or not, Chipper would choose Baylor over anyone. The guy never bored him. It felt like Baylor was exactly where he belonged.

Chapter Four

Hejustwasn’tgettingbetter. Chipper paced the floor, fighting against himself. Baylor could be such a pain in the ass, but he needed a doctor. Chipper wasn’t sure he didn’t need a hospital. Baylor seemed to get weaker every day. The doorbell rang and Chipper rushed to answer. Nothing happened as quickly as he needed, and his patience was thin. Relief poured through him at the sight of the tall beauty on the other side of the door. His raven black hair had a gloss of money, and his blue eyes were lined with eyeliner. He had two suitcases with him.

Chipper managed a congenial smile. “You must be Sacha.” He motioned Sacha inside.

A sharp nod met his statement as he dragged the suitcases across the threshold. “I have Baylor’s things. It’s really that bad, then?”

The heavy Ukrainian accent might have caught him off guard if they hadn’t spoken on the phone several times. Chipper nodded. “He’s asleep, which is probably exactly what he needs, but he also needs fluids, and he can’t keep anything down. I know he’ll be pissed, but I’m about to drag his ass to the doctor.”

A wicked-looking smile slowly stretched Sacha’s lips. Evil flashed in his eyes. “I like you. He needs a strong hand. Now,” Sacha straightened his expensive-looking dress shirt, “as far as business goes, everything is completely under control. I know he’s controlling and wants to hover, but I have this until he’s better.” Sacha held his stare. “Make sure he’s actually better before he comes back. I don’t want whatever this mess is. I’m an even worse patient than he is.” His gaze swept down Chipper’s body. “Unless you intend to care for me too.” Before Chipper could think of a comeback, Sacha released a dramatic-sounding sigh. “I know. I know. You are feet over tea kettle for Bay. Or however that saying goes. I’ll leave you to him.”

Chipper shook his head and followed Sacha to the door. He supposed it took a ballsy minx to handle a handful like Baylor. “I’ll keep you posted.”

“Please do.”

After a few more pleasantries, Chipper closed the door, grabbed the suitcases, and headed to face the firing squad. He unpacked the bags first. Chipper wanted to be completely ready for battle. Baylor was too weak to fight, and Chipper wasn’t above forcibly dressing him. He would carry him over his shoulder if he had to. Baylor needed help.

With clothes at the ready, he gently shook Baylor. “Hey, gorgeous. Let’s get you dressed. Time for the doctor.”

Baylor peeked open one eye. “I don’t think I can do it.” Since Baylor didn’t specify what he couldn’t do, Chipper assumed he meant everything.

“That’s okay. I can do it all, if you’re okay with that?”

Baylor’s hands rose and fell.

Chipper assumed that was his surrendering gesture. “Don’t worry. I won’t molest you.”

A weak chuckle vibrated from Baylor, making Chipper smile. “That sounds very boring for you.”

Chipper couldn’t have this conversation while stripping Baylor down to nothing. He’d spent too much time fantasizing over the last year. A thought hit. Maybe Baylor didn’t want him because he already had someone. He never considered there might be someone else. Maybe it was Bandit. Dark clouds gathered in his head, darkening his mood. He was worried and frustrated. Chipper wanted to make Baylor better. He wanted Baylor to want him. Fuck. Holding Baylor every night was screwing with his mind. Now he had Baylor nude, dressing him like he would a child. His head was all over the place. He didn’t know where he fit. The entire thing was dumb as hell because he was nothing but a nurse in Baylor’s eyes. He didn’t even know why he felt so irritated today.

“Why are you angry? It’s okay if you don’t want to help me.”

Chipper fought the demons, trying to swallow him. He managed a small smile. “I’m not mad. You’ve got me worried.”

Baylor didn’t respond.

Chipper got him dressed. “There.” He met Baylor’s beautiful green gaze. Even days of nursing Baylor through a serious illness hadn’t dimmed his desire. “In no reality would you bore me. I promise, no matter the circumstances, I’d blow your mind.”

Baylor didn’t look away. He might have been too weak to bother, but Chipper still savored the moment. By now, Baylor should be more than aware Chipper wanted him. There was no sense in playing coy. Right now wasn’t the time, though.

“We need to go.”

Baylor nodded.

“Do you need me to carry you?”

“That sounds embarrassing.”

Chipper rolled his eyes and scooped him from the bed like he weighed nothing because he did. “How about this? I’ll carry you to the car so you can save your strength to walk inside the doctor’s office.”

“I accept this compromise.”

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