“Chloe, you’ve been neglecting me for too long.”
I held his gaze for a long moment–long enough for the all–powerful CEO to turn red all the way to the tips of his
ears.
Then, I unhooked my camera strap and tossed it at him.
“Secure it yourself.”
My voice was hoarse from a day of running around. “I’m taking a shower first.”
Liam did as he was told.
As I stepped out, running a towel through my damp hair, I found that he had already prepared everything.
The bedside lamp cast a warm glow, the moonlight spilling in like melted ice water.
1/2
Chapter 15
Yet even that wasn’t enough to cool the lingering heat in the room.
“Chloe, kiss me.‘
“You’re too tense.”
“Let me help you relax.”
Each word dripped with slow, deliberate intent, his gaze dark with unspoken promises.
+25 BONUS
By the time the storm had settled, the night slipped into the earliest hours of dawn, the horizon just beginning to pale.
Suddenly, I remembered something.
“Next month, I have to travel for work. It’s an important interview–about a young girl from a remote town. She was sexually assaulted by multiple people in her town over the years.
“She walked through the mountains alone for an entire night just to reach an internet café and contact me. “The area is pretty underdeveloped, and the local power dynamics are deeply entrenched. It won’t be easy to navigate, so I’ll probably need to stay longer.”
Liam’s grip tightened around my waist, fingers pressing against the sharp edges of my spine.
“It’s dangerous.‘
“Then so be it.”
I sat up, unconcerned, and lit a cigarette.
Noticing Liam’s unwavering gaze, I reassured him, “I’ll do my best to stay safe. This is what we do–it’s our duty as journalists.”
Liam was silent for a long moment.
Then, out of nowhere, he said, “I’m going with you.”
I blinked. “But don’t you have an important contract negotiation next week?”
“I’ll push it back.”
“Why? There’s really no need–mmph—‘
I tried to reason with him, but before I could finish, his lips crashed against mine, silencing me with a kiss so fierce it left no room for argument.
His mouth trailed downward, lingering at the most sensitive part of my neck, his breath warm against my skin.
Then, in a husky voice, he murmured, “Because I am your most loyal protector. Go chase your dreams. I’ll make sure you get there safely.”
(The End)
