Chapter 220
Chapter 220:
A washbasin sat against the far wall. Kristine lurched toward it like someone grasping for rescue and turned the tap all the way. Freezing water poured over her face, tracing her jaw and cheeks, slowly taming the scorching sensation beneath her skin. The effect was instant — and yet it wasn’t enough. The heat inside her refused to fade.
She shoved her face directly beneath the stream, gulping down the cold as if she were suffocating.
Colton shut the curtains. When he turned back, Kristine stood bathed in dim shadows, water running down her reddened face and drenching the front of her clothes. The soaked fabric molded to her form, revealing lines he forced himself not to dwell on. He rested against the wall, eyes sharp. “Want some help p>
Kristine blinked through the haze. Her jaw clenched as she shot him a glare. Her body shook. The chill eased the surface, yet the deeper blaze raged on. Even if she felt like she might shatter, she would not give in. “You… leave p>
Colton moved nearer and stared down at her. She lowered her head, exposing the slender curve of her neck.
“You understand what’s happening.” He averted his eyes and slipped an arm around her waist. “Someone slipped you something. There’s only one solution p>
Her damp body pressed into him. The contact dulled the burning slightly. She bit down on her lip until heat crept to her ears, still refusing to surrender. “I don’t need your help p>
“You do.” Colton dipped his head and grazed her ear, his voice softening into something dangerously close to temptation. “Kristine, ask me and you’ll be fine p>
Her body quivered. His fingers trailed from her shoulder, inch by inch. Sparks raced through her at the touch. Cold and fire battled within her — she felt trapped between icy tides and searing flames. Her thoughts fractured. The world blurred. Her strength vanished.
Then a voice echoed outside.
“This should be it. I saw Kristine come this way earlier p>
𝗥оma𝘯с𝗲 n𝘰𝗏𝖾𝗹ѕ о𝗇
Kristine jolted and shoved Colton away with force.
Footsteps approached the door.
“You’re sure?” Vance’s voice asked.
“These are offices. Why would Kristine be here?” Ryan cut in.
“I’m not sure. Maybe she came to meet her former professors?” Helen paused, frowning. “I remember her entering this room.” She knocked.
Silence answered.
“It’s not here,” Vance said, his brow creased. “Kristine looked sick. She wouldn’t come into an office. Let’s check elsewhere.” Before he finished, Helen pushed the door open.
Her eyes landed instantly on Colton, half crouched by the sofa. His clothes were rumpled, the collar loose, muscle visible beneath. Water had spilled across the floor near the sink. The scene alone hinted at something improper, and the air felt heavy and strained.
Helen’s eyes brightened. She steadied herself. “Mr. Yates, why are you here? Where is Kristine p>
Colton lifted his gaze slowly. Vance and Ryan stepped in behind her. Both men froze, faces draining of color at what they saw. They stood stiffly, unsure whether to advance or retreat.
Colton straightened, a faint curve touching his lips. “Kristine p>
“I just saw her.” Helen rushed toward the sofa, only to stop short. “That can’t be right. I clearly saw p>
“Clearly saw what?” Colton fastened his shirt calmly, one button after another. His movements were smooth, yet somehow threatening.