Chapter 9 Staying by His Side

• "Thank you, Mr. Lowell. Might I administer another two injections to aid in your recuperation and allow for your adequate rest?"
• When confronted with her brother's perpetual financial needs during his hospitalization, Selene promptly accepted the check without hesitation.
• "Just tell Yael of the required herbal medicine for procurement. With no household help enlisted, the responsibility for providing three daily meals falls upon you."
• The recently passed demeanor of tenderness and affection had vanished, replaced once more by his authoritative bearing.
• Colton rose from his bed and proceeded to recline flatly at its edge, the implication clear in his actions.
• By accepting money to mitigate difficulties on behalf of another, Selene demonstrated admirable readiness.
• Approaching the bedside, she skillfully performed acupuncture on the man's head.
• Before long, Colton's breaths became shallower as he gradually drifted into slumber, prompting her to tenderly cover him with a blanket.
• Finding solace in her acceptance of money from Colton, she nestled by the bedside, diligently maintaining her vigilance throughout the night. She stayed by his side, unwavering in her commitment.
• Upon awakening the following day, Colton was greeted by the gentle rays of the late summer sun filtering through the window panes, casting a warm glow across the floor.
• A soft, inviting mist hung in the room, fostering a cheerful ambiance.
• As Colton rose to quench his thirst, his attention was finally drawn to Selene, who had curled up and fallen asleep by the bedside table.
• She tightly embraced her knees, curling into a ball akin to an obedient little cat.
• On the bedside table rested her acupuncture apparatus, with all needles previously inserted into him now removed.
• Did she stay awake the entire night by my side?
• Following his mom's demise, Colton adopted a demeanor that maintained distance from others.
• He couldn't recall when he started disliking physical contact with others, and even his dad struggled to approach him.
• However, the woman before him appeared to be an exception.
• Not only did she confront him yesterday, but now he found himself inexplicably warmed by her presence.
• Is she the woman from that night?
• "No!" Out of nowhere, Selene burst out, her eyes widening as they flickered to life.
• Colton was caught off guard, a faint crease forming between his brows.
• Equally surprised, she leaned against the edge of the bed, her breath coming in quick gasps as it took her some time to steady herself.
• "Are you alright? Are you having a nightmare?"
• At the sight of her pallid complexion, Colton seized the moment to ask the question.
• Selene swiftly regained her poise, assuming an upright position without delay. "You're awake! Is your heart still aching? Do you sense any unease in your chest?"
• This constituted her first encounter with such poison. Her understanding of it relied entirely on her study of medical literature, leaving her confidence somewhat uncertain.
• "It's fine. Did you have a nightmare?" Colton inquired, his curiosity driving him to probe deeper.
• "I'll get you a glass of water. Perhaps a modest portion of plain oatmeal would be best for breakfast," Selene suggested.
• Haunted by unsettling dreams of the other night's events, she hurriedly left the room, eager to avoid dwelling on the experience.
• Upon her return, Colton had draped himself in a robe of the purest black silk.
• He stood majestically by the floor-to-ceiling windows, emanating an aura of commanding dominance.
• Selene tapped twice on the door, signaling her presence.
• Colton turned and began to advance toward her with measured steps.
• His gaze locked onto her with an intense, predatory focus, as though she were his prey about to be ensnared.
• Have I done anything to offend him? Why does he suddenly change in demeanor?
• "Mr. Lowell, is everything alright? Are you feeling any discomfort?" Selene sensed a hint of danger, a subtle tension shimmering in her captivating eyes.
• In a deep, resonant voice, Colton inquired, "Were you at the Laryana Hotel on July twenty-first?"