Billionaire's match novel

---- Chapter 844 Soon, a thin layer of sweat formed in the palm of Nick's hand. Khloe opened her eyes and saw the tight furrow in his brow, the flush of blood drained from his face. "Not feeling well?" she asked gently "Mm... I'm tired." He rested his head on her shoulder, and the fatigue in his voice was undeniable. Khloe asked with tender concern, and Nick didn't hide his exhaustion. Today had been far too demanding for him-after barely sleeping last night, he had gone straight to the bidding event. By day's end, his body simply could not keep up.

She wanted to tell Lenny to turn toward the hospital, but before the words left her mouth, Nick gripped her hand. Closing his eyes, he whispered into her ear, "Khloe... | want to go home." "All right. Then let's go home first." Khloe caressed his face, speaking with indulgent affection. She knew he was being playful, letting down his guard. Usually, he ---- carried so many burdens that he never allowed himself a moment of weakness in front of anyone. But now, with her, he no longer needed to pretend.

Back in their private home, the first thing Nick did was take Khloe's phone and switch off his own. These past few days had felt like half a lifetime. His longing had been like a tide, overwhelming and consuming. Finally, they had this moment-time that belonged entirely to them. He wanted to claim her completely, leaving no space for anything else. Khloe, for her part, immediately set to work undressing him. She had checked him carefully when they were with Lucas-he carried many new wounds. Though mostly healed, every scar tugged at her heart.

In the days when he had difficulty bathing or changing dressings, she had been unable to care for him properly. Now, at home, she would tend to him herself. Before she could finish, Nick could no longer resist. He shrugged off the last remnants of his shirt and bent to claim her lips. Khloe's cheeks flushed, but her hands did not pause-while he kissed her, she worked at his watch and belt. Soon, the living room and the bedroom were littered with scattered clothing.

---- They had agreed to rest, but back home, Nick seemed suddenly invigorated, as if the house itself recharged him, Every touch between them was like rain after a drought, a desperate, mind-consuming need. They lingered at the edge of the bed for a long time before finally moving to the bathroom. The soft trickle of water and rising steam filled the space. In the mist, Khloe's flawless form made Nick's pulse spike instantly. He kissed and licked the water from her skin, no longer satisfied with just her lips.

Pressing his brows together, breathing heavy, he left Khloe barely able to respond, her hands clutching his waist for support. His torso was taut, sleek, every line flowing into the muscles along his sides. Thin abs quivered and flexed under her touch, sending shivers through her fingertips. The bathtub filled quickly, water spilling over the edge. Khloe's fingers trembled slightly as she traced a long scar along his back, from his left shoulder diagonally to his right hip. A terrifying reminder of his fall, yet in her hands it felt impossibly gentle.

"ls it ugly?" he asked, back to her, shoulders tensing. ---- "How could it be? | don't think so." Her voice sounded especially soft through the steam. She pressed her cheek lightly to his back, kissing the scar with lips still wet from the water, careful as if afraid to hurt him. Nick pressed his lips together, feeling her fingertips glide slowly along the scar's grooves.