Donovan Xavier opened his eyes, detected the disappointment in her tone, and said in a low voice, "No."
"Whatever. You can call me whatever you want. It’s up to you."
Chloe Preston said nothing, remaining completely silent. For more chapters visit novelꜰire.net
The next second, her hand reached downward.
Donovan Xavier grabbed her, halting her hand. "You’ve got some nerve."
"Chloe Preston, I advise you to behave."
Chloe lowered her gaze. "I thought you would like it this way."
Donovan hissed softly. After a moment of silence, his Adam’s apple bobbed as he said hoarsely, "Go to sleep."
Chloe still pressed against his back, her hand resting on his firm waist. She hesitated for a long time before speaking. "Donovan, can you... can you hold me while I sleep?"
When they were together before, she was often plagued by insecurity. Now that he didn’t even remember her, that feeling was even worse.
Donovan kept his eyes closed and didn’t move. "It’s too hot," he said quietly. "Let’s not."
Chloe pursed her lips. "Alright." She looked at him but didn’t press the issue, appearing obedient and understanding.
"Then... good night."
Chloe withdrew her hand, the tip of her nose stinging slightly. She turned over so they were back to back.
After a long while, Donovan opened his eyes, turned slightly, and looked at her.
It felt as if a galaxy separated them. She was sleeping right on the edge of the bed, seemingly unafraid of accidentally falling off.
Was my attitude just now too harsh?
The room was pitch black. Chloe wasn’t sleepy, but she closed her eyes, trying to force herself to sleep.
Suddenly, a large hand settled on her waist and gently pulled her over.
Chloe’s thick eyelashes trembled.
She turned over, landing right in his embrace. It was so, so warm.
He was very cautious, afraid of putting any pressure on her stomach.
In the darkness, Chloe could only vaguely make out his silhouette, unable to see his expression. "You... didn’t you say it was too hot?"
Donovan sighed, his voice deep. "I was afraid you’d cry. It’s better if I hold you."
As soon as he finished speaking, Chloe leaned against his chest. Feeling his searing body heat, she suddenly felt the urge to cry for real.
Donovan sensed it and said, "Chloe Preston, if you dare cry, I’m letting go."
Hearing that, Chloe immediately fought back her tears and held them in.
She snuggled closer, poked his Adam’s apple, and kissed him.
She smelled incredibly fragrant and pleasant. Donovan sniffed lightly, his mind growing a little fuzzy.
His whole body grew increasingly hot.
After a moment, Chloe also noticed something was off. "Honey, do you have a fever? Why are you burning up?"
She reached out to touch his forehead, but his temperature was normal.
Sweat beaded on Donovan’s temples. He gritted his teeth, enduring it. "Be good. Go to sleep."
Chloe nodded and snuggled deeper into his arms. "Tomorrow night," she said softly, "will you hold me to sleep again?"
Donovan drew a sharp breath and stroked her hair. "Go to sleep."
After some time, Chloe, nestled in his arms, finally fell asleep, looking utterly docile.
Donovan released her and immediately got out of bed, heading to the bathroom for a cold shower.
Chloe’s eyelids fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes.
She instinctively reached for the space beside her. It was cold.
Chloe sat up and glanced around the room. He was gone.
At this moment, the bathroom door opened.
Donovan walked out, his expression impassive and his body radiating a cold vapor. He sneezed.
He lifted his gaze, his eyes meeting hers.
"You’re awake early?" he asked, walking over.
Chloe rubbed her eyes and nodded dazedly. Her hair was a mess as she leaned against him.
His body was strikingly cold, and she shivered on contact.
Chloe frowned. "Did you take a cold shower?"
Donovan leaned in close, his gaze invasive, as if he wanted to devour her whole. "What do you think?"
Chloe swallowed hard and shrank back in fear.
A faint smile curled Donovan’s lips instinctively. He cupped the back of her head and, without thinking, kissed her.
It was a fleeting kiss, over in a flash.
He hadn’t actually intended to kiss her, but he felt an uncontrollable urge; he couldn’t control his own body. It turns out that even if the mind forgets, the body remembers.
Chloe’s eyes sparkled as she smiled. "Did you just kiss me?"
Donovan raised an eyebrow. "Yes. Is there a problem?"
Chloe immediately threw her arms around his neck, her eyes shimmering. "Of course not. Kiss me again. I barely felt it the first time."
The words had barely left her lips before he pinched her chin and kissed her again.
After a long moment, he released her. His fingers brushed over the flushed corners of her eyes as his voice came out hoarse, overwhelmed by a mix of confusion and desire. "You’re really driving me crazy, Chloe Preston. Can I... touch you?"
The next moment, her nightgown slipped down.
A loud knocking sound came from the door.
Caleb Xavier’s voice drifted in. "Sweet grandson, Grandpa heard you woke up! Is it true?"
"Sweet grandson, Grandpa has missed you so much! Hurry and open the door so I can come in and give you a hug!"
"Donovan, if you don’t answer, Grandpa’s coming in!"
Donovan cursed under his breath as he helped her adjust her nightgown, pulling the blanket up to cover her completely.
"Just stay in the room. Don’t go out. I’ll be back soon."
Donovan got up and straightened his clothes. His handsome face resumed its usual indifferent mask as he went to open the door.