The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 329

Ramona got up and walked to the bathroom door, softly calling Ethan’s name. The sound of running water stopped abruptly. Just as she was about to push the door open, it swung inward. She lost her balance and stumbled forward, falling directly into his arms.

His pajama top was open, and she was pressed against his warm, solid chest.

“Still can’t sleep?” he murmured, wrapping an arm around her and gently pressing her head to his shoulder. His voice was tender and affectionate, with no hint of anything amiss.

Ramona relaxed, her hands resting on his broad back. “No, I can’t. But why are you awake? Are you not feeling well?”

“I’m fine,” he whispered, his breath tickling her ear. “I was just thinking about you, so I took a quick shower.”

The deliberate, husky tone sent a jolt of heat through her.

“You may be strong, but you can’t have that much energy,” she muttered, pulling away from his embrace, her head bowed in embarrassment as she took his hand. The touch made her gasp. “Your hand is freezing!”

She looked up at him, and in the dim light, she could have sworn his face was a shade paler than usual.

“Cold shower,” he said simply.

“You’re not…” Her expression changed, and she immediately went into high alert. She pulled him back to the bed, tucked him under the warm covers, and wrapped herself around him, cranking up the thermostat by several degrees. She rubbed his hands between hers, then held them against her chest to warm them.

“Ramona, I’m fine,” he said with a soft chuckle, his heart warmed by her frantic fussing.

“Your hands are like ice, and you’re so cold! You’re going to catch a cold! Good thing I brought some cold medicine. You need to warm up, and then you’re taking some.”

Her brow was furrowed with concern as she continued to chafe his hands, blowing warm air on them as if that would speed up the process.

Ethan watched her quietly. In the darkness, she was like a restless little animal, constantly burrowing her way into his heart.

After letting her fuss for a few more minutes, he pulled her back into his arms.

“Ramona,” he said softly, “I’m going to be fine. I’ll always be here to take care of you.”

She paused, then smiled, snuggling closer. “Of course you will.”

She felt a wave of contentment as she traced the line of his brow and the bridge of his nose with her lips. Ethan had a unique scent, not a strong cologne, but a faint, clean fragrance. At first, it was like cool pine or mint, but the longer she was with him, the more it reminded her of the warm, grounding scent of the earth after a rain. It was just like him—a cool exterior hiding a fiery warmth.

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