The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 216

"Single or married?"

"Ah!" Claire swatted at his gripping hands. "That hurts, be gentle!"

The bedroom lights stayed on for a very long time, the night sky outside growing thicker and darker.

Claire, having been thoroughly taught a lesson, murmured breathlessly, "Married... being married is better..."

"Honey, I already told you, being married is better!"

She whimpered, her voice growing fainter and fainter.

Miles scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bathroom, gently lowering her into the bathtub. As the warm water enveloped her, she let out a contented sigh.

He stared at her for a long moment before repeating, his voice low and utterly serious.

"Claire, being single isn't better. It isn't better at all."

...

The next morning, Claire groggily pried her eyes open, her entire body aching.

She rubbed her lower back, feeling like she had been dismantled and put back together incorrectly.

Didn't she just go to a team-building dinner yesterday? Why did it feel like she had survived a boxing match?

She remembered drinking a lot of sweet, sugary cocktails, and then Miles had shown up to take her home.

After getting back to Grandview Heights, her memories took a decidedly explicit turn.

Was she really that eager? It felt like she had initiated everything!

Claire's face instantly caught fire, burning a violent shade of red.

The bedroom door pushed open.

Miles walked in, carrying a bed tray in one hand and a plate of breakfast in the other.

He set the tray down over her lap and placed the food in front of her.

"Does your head hurt?"

Claire shook her head.

Her head was fine, but everywhere else...

"Miles, could you maybe restrain yourself a little?"

Claire narrowed her eyes, leaning into his touch like a thoroughly pampered cat.

"Dr. Zimmerman," she purred lazily, "I thought you were a neat freak. No eating in the bedroom, and definitely no brushing hair."

"Yeah."

What did 'yeah' mean?

Claire smiled, leaning her weight against him. "Miles, I get the feeling you're completely obsessed with me now. Am I right?"

"No."

His answer was instant and unyielding.

With her back to him, Miles couldn't see the smile slowly fading from her lips.

Hearing his blunt rejection, a heavy, suffocating weight settled in her chest. She let out a noncommittal hum and dropped the subject entirely.

"Go wash up. I'll drive you to the office."

"Oh, you're dropping me off?" Claire blinked in surprise.

"Is that a problem?" Miles narrowed his eyes slightly. "Or are you afraid your little junior will see us?"