The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 263

Miles Zimmerman carried Claire Jenner into the elevator. The woman in his arms kept her fingers tightly curled around his shirt button, occasionally murmuring something unintelligible.

She was incredibly docile.

Unlocking the apartment door, Miles set her down on the entryway console and helped her out of her strappy heels.

The straps he had tied himself were easily unfastened with a effortless hook of his finger.

He carried her to the sofa, then went to the kitchen to mix a glass of honey-lemon water, bringing it to her lips. "Drink this, or you'll have a splitting headache tomorrow."

Claire obediently lowered her head and took a few sips. The citrus helped cut through the heavy scent of alcohol. She seemed a little more sober, but only barely.

With the buttons of her bespoke silk gown undone, she sat playfully on her heels on the sofa. She stared up at Miles, her hair cascading softly over her shoulders, looking entirely pliable.

He fought back the overwhelming urge to kiss her senseless.

"Be a good girl and go to sleep."

"I don't want to go to sleep." She grabbed the man's arm and pulled him down onto the sofa.

Before Miles could react, she shifted her weight. Pressing her hands against his shoulders, she swung a leg over him and straddled his lap, sitting securely face-to-face.

She leaned in, her tone deadly serious.

"I don't want to go to sleep... I want to sleep with you."

Miles stiffened, his lips instantly pressing into a tight line.

His voice grew raspy. "Claire, stop messing around. You've had too much to drink."

The tip of her nose brushed against his, her breath a heady mix of whiskey and her own intoxicating natural scent.

"Hmm? Did I drink too much?" She giggled softly. "Even if I did, it won't stop me from... having you."

As she spoke, she reached out and clumsily tugged at his shirt buttons, her eagerness endearing but uncoordinated.

In her hazy state, she couldn't undo the first one, so she moved to the second, pulling the fabric taut against Miles's neck.

He caught her wandering hands, his breath searing hot. "Claire."

"Mhm~" Her voice was incredibly soft and seductive, scratching at his self-control. "Why did you call my name?"

The next second, she caught his shirt button between her teeth and bit down. "Ugh, I can't get it open."

"Miles Zimmerman, I've realized you've hidden so many things from me. Since you won't talk, I have to punish you."

"Punish me with what?"

"Punish you by..." Claire paused, tilting her head as she seriously considered the question. "Punish you by making you stay on the bottom tonight."

Miles's breathing instantly fractured. He gripped her waist, the fire she had ignited swirling in his usually stoic eyes, burning hot and intense.

Her fingers traced circles on his chest. "Mhm, you're not allowed to move tonight. Not even a little bit..."

Before she could finish, he took control, pressing her down and capturing her lips.

Her eyes glazed over, her lips left glistening from his demanding kiss. She pressed her hands weakly against his chest, murmuring protests.

"You're breaking the rules."

"The second half of the night is yours."

Claire was pushed to the edge until she cried, her voice incredibly sweet and fragile.

Her mind was a blurred mess, but she still remembered her dress. "Don't tear it... it's a masterpiece, don't ruin it."

The dress could be a gift, but the favor it earned was invaluable.

Claire sniffled. "Dr. Zimmerman, you really are a calculating man."

"Miles, about the Zimmerman family..." Claire bit her lip, unable to think of a better solution. "Do you want me to go back with you and apologize to Alistair?"

"There's no need, Claire. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you feeling guilty."

"I'm not, I'm not feeling guilty, it's just—"

She paused. "I just feel bad for you. You're Miles Zimmerman, yet they spoke to you like that. It was entirely out of line."

Miles set the glass down, a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips.

Did she feel bad for him? He actually liked that.

Claire punched the mattress. "So what if we don't have their money? Money can be earned!"

"Husband, you just focus on saving lives at the hospital. I'll go make the money! I promise I'll slap them in the face with our success!"

She called him 'Husband' so naturally that she didn't even notice.

"Oh, right. Yesterday Harvey mentioned that the gown was bought by some Wall Street billionaire. How did it end up with you?"

"Well..." Miles's voice hitched.

He didn't exactly want to tell the truth.

He wanted his wife to keep feeling sorry for him.

"Actually, I have this friend..."