CHAPTER 20: CHAPTER 20: WHY ARE YOU CRYING?

Suddenly, Donovan seemed to remember something. Panic flashed in his eyes, and he abruptly stopped kissing her.

She’s still injured. Did I just hurt her?

The nape of his neck flushed red with passion. He lifted his hand, his cool fingertips gently brushing her left cheek. A faint handprint remained there, and a trace of blood stained the corner of her lips.

It looked so painful.

At that moment, however, Donovan’s heart ached even more. It felt as if someone was squeezing it tightly, the pain driving him mad.

"Does it hurt?" he asked, his tone filled with tenderness.

Chloe Preston’s body had gone limp from his kiss. She was draped over him, her head buried in the crook of his neck. She savored his warm, reassuring scent, momentarily lost in a whirlwind of emotion.

"It doesn’t hurt..." she whispered, shaking her head. She looked so docile and endearing that it stirred an irresistible tenderness in him.

"Can you take me back to my room, please?" Chloe Preston reached out and gently tugged at the hem of his shirt.

"Okay," Donovan croaked. He lifted her into his arms and turned toward the bedroom.

He strode forward and gently laid her on the bed.

"Do you have a first-aid kit?"

"Yes, in the cabinet on the left."

Donovan walked over, opened the cabinet, and retrieved the first-aid kit. He returned to her side, opened it, and found some ointment. Using a cotton swab, he gently applied it to the wounded corner of her lips.

The ointment felt cool, but it caused a sharp sting on the open wound. Chloe Preston couldn’t help but let out a soft hiss.

Donovan heard her, and his knuckles tightened. He immediately softened his touch even more.

Chloe Preston didn’t speak. Her delicate, fair hands clutched the bedsheet as she watched him quietly.

He was always so aloof and cold, projecting an air of superiority that warned strangers to keep their distance.

But now... he’s being so incredibly gentle... Even when they were together, he had never shown this much concern for me. So he did have this gentle side. It gave her the feeling of being deeply loved. If only he would say he likes me. How wonderful would that be?

After applying the ointment, Donovan sat beside her, pulled her into his arms, and asked in a deep voice, "Those people from earlier..."

"Debt collectors," Chloe Preston replied.

Donovan frowned slightly. "You owe someone money?"

"My father does."

"Why didn’t you tell me from the beginning? How much is it? I’ll pay it."

Chloe Preston’s glistening eyes flickered as she looked at him. "Do you have any idea how much it is? What if it’s a huge sum?"

"Whatever the amount, I can afford it."

Chloe Preston raised an eyebrow. "You’re certainly talking big, Mr. Xavier."

"If I ever truly fall on hard times, can I seek refuge at The Xavier Residence and depend on you?"

As soon as the words left her mouth, Donovan pressed a hand to the small of her back and pulled her against him. "You can come right now!"

"I’ll provide for you."

Chloe Preston’s thick lashes trembled. She had always relied on herself, having grown accustomed to her independence. No one had ever told her that they would provide for her.

Chloe Preston tilted her head up, her eyes shimmering like sunlit water as she gazed at him. A slow smile spread across her face. "Is Mr. Xavier offering to keep me?"

Her expression was a captivating mix of seduction and innocence, her voice soft and sweet. It was utterly enthralling.

Donovan leaned in, his prominent nose gently brushing against hers. He chuckled, his voice hoarse. "Only if you’re willing."

Chloe Preston purred, "I’m very delicate. Can Mr. Xavier truly take good care of me?"

Donovan’s breath hitched. "I can."

"If Miss Quinn doesn’t believe me, why not come experience it at The Xavier Residence for a couple of days? Hmm?"

Chloe Preston arched an eyebrow, her red lips parting in a radiant smile. "Hmm... I’ll consider it."

Donovan held her closer, a ghost of a smile in his eyes. "Then Miss Quinn had better decide quickly. I’m not a patient man."

His presence was too intense, the heat of his body making him impossible to resist.

Chloe Preston reached out and gently pushed him away. "You’re too hot. Stay away from me."

Donovan lifted his eyelids, giving her a lazy, playful look. "Isn’t this kind of vibe exactly your thing?"

I do not! He’s the one who’s always trying to get fresh with me.

Chloe Preston looked away, changing the subject. "I haven’t even asked. What are you doing at my place?"

Donovan didn’t answer. Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pearl necklace.

Chloe Preston recognized it instantly. That’s mine.

Back when they were on the bed, he had found it bothersome while kissing her neck, so he’d unclasped it and tossed it aside. She had completely forgotten to take it with her when she left.

Chloe Preston reached out for it. "Thank you."

He didn’t really have to bring it all this way; it’s not like it’s valuable. Still, I’m so glad he did. If he hadn’t, I would have had to face those men all by myself. I was terrified.

Donovan’s fingers tightened on her slender waist, his eyes darkening. "Just a verbal thank you? Aren’t you going to give me something for my trouble?"

Chloe Preston arched an eyebrow, then nodded, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. "Of course."

With that, she opened a bedside drawer, took out a single coin, and held it out to him. "Here you go, Mr. Xavier. For your trouble."

One coin? Is she treating me like a beggar?

Donovan stared at it and let out an exasperated laugh. The next second, he pressed down on her waist and leaned over, pinning her beneath him.

"Chloe Preston, am I only worth a single coin to you?"

Chloe Preston didn’t struggle. She simply smiled. "Is the amount not to Mr. Xavier’s satisfaction?" As she spoke, she turned her head and took two more coins from the drawer. "Then let’s add two more. After all, Mr. Xavier worked so hard in bed. Consider this your fee for the labor and the technique."

A vein throbbed at Donovan’s temple. She was saying his effort was worth one coin, and his technique was worth another! Just two coins in total? Pathetic.

Donovan’s face darkened. Suppressing his rage, he lowered himself over her. "Chloe Preston, are you provoking me on purpose?"

Chloe Preston put on an innocent look. "I’m not. Why are you so angry?"

A sneer touched Donovan’s cold lips, his inscrutable dark eyes fixed on her. "Chloe Preston, remember this: you started it."

Half an hour later, Chloe Preston was in tears.

Suddenly, a crisp knock sounded at the bedroom door.