The CEO's Challenge

Chapter 7: A Gentle Touch

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I blink open my eyes, my vision blurry and unfocused. I'm lying in a bed, soft sheets enveloping me, a warm blanket tucked around my body.

For a moment, I'm disoriented, unsure of where I am or how I got here. But then it all comes rushing back - the pain, the dizziness, the feeling of the world spinning out of control.

I remember the elevator, the darkness closing in, the strong arms catching me, the touch of Damien's hands, the sight of his bloodied temple.

My heart races at the memory, a mix of fear and gratitude washing over me. I'm safe now, I realize. Damien saved me.

I try to sit up, but my head swims with dizziness. I sink back onto the pillow, my breath coming in shaky gasps.

The room is dimly lit, shadows dancing along the walls. I can make out the shape of a window, the outline of a door. But my mind is too consumed with the events of the day to take in much more.

I close my eyes, trying to sort through the jumble of thoughts and emotions. I think about my coworkers, their cruelty, their betrayal. I think about Damien, his cold demeanor, his unexpected kindness.

And I think about the evidence, the proof I gathered, the battle I'm fighting. It all feels so overwhelming, so insurmountable.

A knock at the door startles me, and I tense, my heart leaping into my throat.

"Nova?" a voice calls softly. "Are you awake?"

It's Damien. I recognize his deep timbre, the slight roughness in his tone.

I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry. "Yes," I call back, my voice hoarse. "I'm awake."

The door opens slowly, and Damien steps into the room. He's holding a glass of water, a small cup of pills in his other hand.

"Here," he says, approaching the bed. "The doctor prescribed these. They should help with the headache."

I take the pills gratefully, washing them down with the cool water. Damien sits on the edge of the mattress.

I hand the empty glass back to Damien, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Thank you," I murmur, my voice still a little groggy.

Damien's eyes soften as he looks at me, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. "You're welcome," he says, his tone light and teasing. "Though I must say, you're quite the handful. This is the second time I've had to catch you from fainting."

I feel a blush creeping up my neck, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. "I'm sorry," I mumble, ducking my head. "I didn't mean to be so much trouble."

Damien chuckles, the sound rich and warm. "Oh, come now," he says, reaching out to tilt my chin up with his finger. "I didn't say it was trouble. Just... eventful."

I can't help but grin at that, a genuine smile breaking across my face. "Eventful," I repeat, testing the word on my tongue. "Is that what you call it when your employee nearly takes you out with her elbow?"

Damien winces slightly, touching the bandage on his temple. "Ah yes, my battle scar," he says dramatically, turning his head to the side. "Inflicted by the fearsome Nova Raines. I'll have to be more careful around you from now on."

I laugh, the sound bright and clear in the quiet room. "You'll have to be faster on your feet," I tease, my eyes sparkling with mirth. "Or maybe I should just start wearing a bell around my neck, warn you when I'm about to pass out."