Chapter 116
Audrey’s POV:
The drive back to the hotel was mercifully quiet.
I watched Noah sleep peacefully in the luxurious backseat of Caspar’s car
“He’s completely out,” I whispered, glancing back at Noah.
Caspar nodded, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. “He is too active today.”
Something in his voice sounded strained, but I was too tired to analyze it.
When we arrived at the hotel, Caspar carefully lifted Noah from the car, cradling him against his chest with surprising tenderness.
I walked beside them to the elevator, maintaining a careful distance.
“Goodnight,” I said softly as we reached our floor.
Caspar’s eyes met mine briefly. “Goodnight, Audrey.”
I entered my suite, grateful for the solitude.
After washing away my makeup and changing into silk pajamas, I settled into the plush king–sized bed, hoping sleep would come quickly.
Just as I was drifting off, my phone buzzed on the nightstand.
Caspar’s name illuminated the screen.
“Hello?” I answered, immediately alert.
‘I need you to open your door.” His voice was barely recognizable–hoarse and strained.
“What? It’s past midnight.”
“Now, Audrey.” The call ended abruptly.
Uneasiness crept up my spine.
I threw on a silk robe, tying it securely around my waist, and approached the door that connected our suites.
When I opened it, I nearly gasped.
Caspar stood there, his normally impeccable appearance shattered.
His face was paper–white, drained of all color except for the dark circles sunken beneath his eyes. Beads of cold sweat dotted his forehead and temples, trickling down the side of his face.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, immediately stepping back to let him in.
1/3
서
4.24%售
11:20 Thu, Feb 5 BAD
Chapter 116
ི, 24%
His breathing came in shallow, labored gasps, and he gripped the doorframe for support, his knuckles white from the effort of keeping himself
upright.
I’m sorry to disturb you so late,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper as he moved past me, each word clearly an effort. “But I can’t…
Noah can’t see me like this.”
I helped him to the bed, where he sat heavily on the edge, his breathing labored.
“Where’s your medication?” I asked, recalling his mysterious pill case from previous encounters.
“Pocket,” he managed to say. “Right… side.”
“You should lie down,” I said, trying to maintain a clinical tone. “It will be easier for both of us.”
As he settled onto my bed, his tall frame stretched across the pristine white sheets, I couldn’t help but notice his throat was exposed where he’d loosened his collar, showing the strong line of his neck, and his chest rose and fell with each labored breath.
I felt a flush creep up my neck that had nothing to do with the room temperature.
I had to admit that Caspar Thornton held a powerful attraction for me.
This was testing my self–control in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
I forced my gaze away, reminding myself of the situation, and took a steadying breath, banishing inappropriate thoughts from my mind.
My fingers brushed against his leg in the process, and I pretended not to notice the slight tension in his muscles at my touch.
I carefully reached into his pocket, retrieving a small metal case.
After retrieving a glass of water from the bathroom, I returned to sit on the edge of the bed beside him. I helped raise his head slightly as I offered him both the pill and water.
He swallowed the pills, his eyes never leaving mine.
Gradually, his breathing began to normalize.
The rigid tension in his body eased, and I watched as the medication took effect, his features slowly relaxing from their mask of pain.
“How are you feeling?” I asked, my voice softer than I’d intended.
“Are you alright? Should I call for a doctor or take you to a hospital?”
He shook his head slightly, the movement clearly requiring effort.
A pause, then: ‘Were you afraid I might die?”
The question caught me off guard. There was something vulnerable in his eyes that made my chest tighten.
“Well, of course,” I replied with forced lightness.
2/3
Comments
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
