Chapter 363

Ross’s kiss was gentle, but his palms burned against Danielle’s waist, restless in a way they had never been before. Even their first kiss in the car had left him unraveled. He nipped at her ear, hot breath brushing against her skin. “Danielle, I meant what I said. Now is an option.”

Danielle’s blush deepened. “Your rumored partner is looking for you.”

Ross trailed kisses down her neck. “Ignore her.”

“My leg is still broken,” Danielle said, barely able to stand. Without his grip, she would have collapsed.

Ross whispered, “Then come for me when it’s healed.”

Danielle melted further, though her lips curled in helpless amusement. If not for the damned cast, she would have already torn his clothes off.

Ross took in her radiant smile and stole another kiss.

Outside, Jessica said, “Mr. Jean? Are you there?” No answer, only muffled sounds from within. She thought, ‘What are they doing? Is that woman his girlfriend? No. Impossible. Rumor said he was single!’ She kept speaking, “Mr. Jean, can you hear me? Are you—”

Before she could finish, Ross, usually so calm and gentle, snapped in frustration, “Get lost.” His tone carried the unmistakable irritation of someone whose moment had just been ruined. The snap was uncharacteristically harsh. Jessica froze. Then, she heard the click of the lock turning.

Inside, Ross put Danielle onto the bed, pulling her close again. Danielle’s lips were numb from kissing, the lingering kiss broken only by Shermaine’s call. Ross finally released Danielle, who lay boneless and breathless against the sheets.

Joshua and Shermaine were on their way to the hospital. Danielle grabbed a mirror, took one look at herself, and immediately yanked the covers over her head. “Go back to your room,” she urged Ross, flustered.

Ross calmly buttoned his shirt—the one she had tugged open during their make-out session—and chuckled, “Hiding under blankets won’t undo what just happened.”

Danielle pouted. “Look what you did! My lips are swollen. It’s so embarrassing to see Sheary like this.”

The room had been dim, lit only by moonlight. When Ross flicked the switch, the full extent of Danielle’s disheveled state became clear—her hospital gown slipping off one shoulder, her hair tousled. He gently adjusted her gown. “Yeah.”

Downstairs, Shermaine was swarmed by doctors and nurses clamoring for autographs. If it weren’t for Joshua’s strong presence, he might have been pushed aside. Luckily, an elevator arrived. Though the crowd was excited, they politely made space for Shermaine.

When they reached the room, Shermaine noted Ross’s good spirits. Though cleared for discharge, he had chosen to stay. Joshua took one look at Ross, and the two exchanged a knowing glance. Sometimes, no words were needed between men.

After checking Ross, Shermaine said, “Glad to see you recovering so well.”

Ross replied, smugly, “My girlfriend takes excellent care of me.”

Shermaine raised an eyebrow. “Danielle’s leg is broken, yet she’s still looking after you. Don’t take advantage.” Her tone was light, but the implication was clear.