Page 42 of Cole's Command

“Eden?” Head rising, he edged closer. “Eden, are you all right?”

She gasped at his somber tone, still stunned by the power of its resonance. “I don’t feel well,” she told him, although even as she spoke, she wasn’t sure if the words had actually left her lips, or whether she’d only thought them.

Not that it matters. She almost mustered the energy to smile. He’ll hear me either way.

“It’s okay.” His voice echoed around her, though she could no longer lift her head to see where he’d moved. Something had changed though, the blur of motion beyond her evident even though she couldn’t focus. “I have you.”

“I feel sick.”

She definitely spoke that time, the words leaving just as her body lurched forward. She moved just in time to avoid the deluge of vomit that hurtled from her mouth, and panting on her hands and knees, her belly cramped as she heaved at the contents of her stomach.

“Hey.”

She leaped at his sudden proximity, snatching a glimpse behind her to see Cole’s naked, male form. Crouching by her side, he reached for her, sweeping her hair away from her face.

“It’s okay.”

How is it okay? Her brow creased at his reassurance. Her client, the man she’d been stupid enough to kiss and allow to take her out to the middle of nowhere had changed into a dragon—an actual fucking dragon!

“It’s shock.” He rubbed her back gently as she wiped her mouth with her jacket sleeve. “That’s all.”

“I still don’t feel well,” she complained, edging away from the pile of vomit she’d created and yet painfully aware that the gorgeous, muscular man with her was currently completely nude. “I just want to lie down.”

“Understood.” He rose by her side. “Are you going to be sick again?”

“What?” She managed to turn her head to acknowledge his shin, knowing if she lifted her gaze even a little, she’d be privy to much more. “No, I don’t think so.”

“I’ll carry you.”

Her brow furrowed deeper as she tried to process his words. Carry her? She wasn’t being carried by a naked man she barely even knew! It didn’t matter that she was attracted to him, or even that she was ill. She didn’t need to be transported like an inanimate object.

“Don’t be absurd.” He swooped before she had an opportunity to vocalize her protest. “You need to be looked after. That’s what I’m here for.”

“Cole!” Squealing his name, she clung to his shoulder as he hoisted her into the air and against his chest. “Put me down!”

“No.” Ignoring her entirely, he strode toward his Tesla, holding her close to his body. “You’re not well.”

“I’m in shock,” she elaborated. “You said so.”

But her words were redundant, his pace only lengthening as if it sought to defy her.

Oh my God, oh my God. Her head spun with agitation, her belly cramping as it struggled to settle. Why won’t he listen to me?

“Stop this!” Frantic, she gripped his bicep harder, unsure where to look as her breathing accelerated. “I can walk. Put me down!”

“No. His tone was emphatic, and if she wasn’t mistaken, there was a trace of glee in his voice. “I don’t take orders from you anymore, Dr. Lewis.”