All Free Novel
Chapter 31
Chapter 31
“Marina,” Howard sighed in exasperation, “It’s not what you think. Could you help her up, please?”
“Sure.”
Marina set aside the hangover cure and busied herself tidying up while sneakily snapping photos with her phone..
She hoisted Gwendolyn onto the sprawling king–sized bed and ensured Howard was comfortably seated in his wheelchair before saying, “Mrs. Chadwick is out cold. Do we still need the hair of the dog?”
Her eyes were like those of a hawk, missing not a single detail. She had to get the scoop to report back to the lady of the house.
“Just leave it on the nightstand.”
“Will do. Mrs. Chadwick can crash here tonight, so you can accompany each other.”
“Okay.” He wasn’t planning on spending the night there anyway.
With Howard’s blessing, Marina left the room, giddy as a schoolgirl, forgetting to even close the door behind her.
Once outside, she wasted no time dialing up Roselind. “Madam! They kissed and it was so intense her lips were all swollen!”
“I saw Gwendolyn on top of Mr. Howard. I never would’ve guessed she had it in her, looking all prim and proper usually!” Marina was a mix of shock and excitement. “If Mr. Howard was up for the task,
you’d be talking about grandkids come morning! The wheelchair toppled over and I blushed something fierce. I even snapped some photos, sending them over now!”
Little did she know, her every word drifted into Howard’s ears, her paparazzi skills worthy of a tabloid.
He took a deep breath and clenched his fists, a faint flush creeping up his neck.
The passion of that moment was a madness he had never experienced before, nearly irresistible.
Was it truly the effect of the medication or something more?
The next day, Gwendolyn woke with a splitting headache close to noon, her mind a fuzz. To her dismay, she was in Howard’s bed, and her phone was off. When had it powered off?
“Mrs. Chadwick?
you’re finally up. Have something to eat.” Marina brought over a bowl of
nutritious soup. “Warm your stomach, and you’ll feel better.”
“Thank you, Marina.” Gwendolyn took the bowl and ate slowly, while Marina watched with an enigmatic smile.
11:38
“What happened last night?” Gwendolyn asked, her memory of the evening’s events patchy at best. She recalled calling Howard, but after that, nothing,
“Mr. Howard carried you back!” Marina chirped, unable to contain her excitement.
Gwendolyn flushed her cheeks. “And where is he now?”
“He’s in the next room, taking a medicinal soak,”
“Oh, I’ll go check on him, then.”
After freshening up, Gwendolyn made her way to the adjacent room. Pushing the door open, she was greeted by the sight of Howard, lounging in a large tub, steam rising around him. The water concealed his modesty.
“Awake?” Howard’s voice was cool, his composure a stark contrast to his inner turmoil.
“Thank you for getting me home last night. Otherwise…” She had an inkling that Scott had intentions and suspected something was amiss with the drink she’d had.
“Is that all you have to say?” Howard’s gaze fixed on her lips as he spoke.
Gwendolyn, puzzled, looked back at him. “Did I do something else?” Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
Howard felt as if doused with ice water, his demeanor instantly chilling. “No, you didn’t do anything.” He thought about how she had clung to him, kissing and holding him, almost beyond his control.
This woman, a blackout drunk! Then he needn’t bother fulfilling her dream of starting a clinic.
It had been eons since Howard indulged in such childish fantasies.
Gwendolyn stood awkwardly to the side, sensing she had upset him but unsure how. Yet, she knew that mood swings and irritability were common for patients. As a doctor, all she could do was be understanding.