The Billionaire Possessive Way

Prologue

Using the high-tech telescope, Colton surveyed from their location a vessel that would carry the rebels they were tracking out of the country. Aside from that, the ship was also loaded with weapons believed to have been stolen from the soldiers they had slain.

The war against the rebels in Zamboanga had stretched on for nearly a month. The affected people in the area endured ceaseless gunfire and explosions day by day.

At eleven o'clock in the evening, the departure of the ship's passengers was scheduled, according to the information they obtained from a trusted source within the rebels' stronghold.

He lowered the telescope he was holding and checked the time on his wristwatch. It's 21:02. Military time.

The crash of the waves and sporadic explosions in the distance were the only sounds in the dark surroundings.

"Colton," his brother Carter called out to him.

Even with only the moonlight illuminating them, Carter managed to handle the weapons they brought. Rifles, bombs, and guns.

"Oh?" He responded curtly.

"I am your big brother-"

"I haven't forgotten that-"

"Show some respect, fucker."

He smirked at his brother. The two of them were tasked with planting bombs on the rebels' vessels. They were a team even before they embarked on their careers in the Philippine Military. They were personally selected by their commodore for this mission to aid the troops in ending the war in Zamboanga.

"Bro, you know how much I love planting bombs in vessels. Give me this opportunity." He removed his long-sleeved shirt, pants, and shoes before putting on the black rush guard overall. "Be my eyes this time."

His brother laid out three bombs on the thick foliage-covered floor. He squatted down to inspect them. He checked each one. They were all sealed to prevent water from seeping in when he ventured into the ocean.

His job was highly perilous, but his heart longed for it. He vowed to risk his life in service of his country. He wanted to be a true hero, not in everyone's eyes but in his own. He wanted to prove to his parents that the path he chose to walk was the right one and that they should be proud of him.

"Can you swim 500 yards within 12 minutes and 30 seconds?" His brother asked skeptically.

"That's only a piece of cake for me," he confidently answered while smirking at his brother, who looked at him with evident doubt on his face. "Trust me with this, it's not like we're even brothers."

"Our parents are waiting for us. Come back here while you still can."

"Even if I'm on my last breath, I'll come back. I promise." He raised his right hand, swearing. "But there has to be a girl here ready to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on me when I return."

"You're still hoping that a girl will end up here?" He shook his head before tossing a bomb to him, which he promptly caught. It hung from his ear, a waterproof listening device. He attached the three sealed bombs to his waist.

"I'll be here at exactly 22:00."

"No, you should be here at 21:57."

"What?" He frowned.

"If you can't handle it, I'll do it." Carter stood up, about to remove the bombs he attached, but he stepped back. No way!

"Alright. I'll be here at 21:57."

"You only have five minutes to plant the bombs," Colton nodded his head and took a deep breath. "I'll be waiting here."

"Noted."

"We are running out of time, Colton. Do your job properly and wisely. I don't want our boss to be disappointed."

"I didn't go through intense training in America just to fail in this mission, bro."

"Good. We need to leave this place at exactly 22:00."

He nodded and determinedly stretched his arms, thighs, legs, and head before giving his brother a fist bump.

"I'm ready!" Colton declared.

"Be safe."

He hid a smile. His brother will always be his brother.

"You too," then he silently waded into the water, taking a deep breath before beginning his strokes.

Colton is part of the Philippine Navy SEAL. Before that, he trained in America for over a year to be a SEAL. He also served there for three years, then he decided to transfer to the Philippines when his parents built a resort in Villa Altaraza as an extension to their mansion. He has dual citizenship since he was born in America.

He also excelled in sniper training in the USA, but he genuinely prefers working in water. He loves the color of the ocean and everything related to the deep blue sea. He enjoys swimming immensely!

"Five minutes more, Colton," he heard his brother's voice through his waterproof listening device.

He hadn't yet felt the strain in his breath due to several minutes of swimming in the dark, chilly sea. He lifted his head slightly to estimate how close he was to the vessel.

"I can see their lookout."

"Of course," the voice on the other end sounded sarcastic. "Don't get caught."

He returned to swimming with little splashing. When the vessel was clearly in his sight, he descended further, gauging the depth before lifting his head slightly from the water.

"We need to leave earlier tonight," he heard that voice from above. He concealed himself beneath the bow of the ship. "By eleven, the boss said this ship should be gone."

"They changed their departure time," he informed his brother.

"What?"

"They moved up the ship's departure. Eleven o'clock."

"Stay with the plan, Colton."

"Yes."

"Hurry. The rebel's getaway ship is set to explode at 22:30."

He didn't speak further and swam beneath the ship. He propelled his body toward the ship's stern, detached one bomb from his waist, and affixed it there.

"Two more to go. Come on, Colton." Carter's voice sounded urgent. "You only have three minutes left."

He submerged his body beneath the water and swam toward the ship's midsection. Just as he did earlier, he attached another bomb there.

He swam faster towards the front of the ship, seeing from above that rebels were boarding, armed and alert. Some were even looking into the water, in his direction. It seemed like they were ready to shoot at the slightest suspicion.

He submerged even further to avoid detection, removing the remaining bomb from his body and sticking it to the ship's bow, coinciding with a light shining down on him from above.

"Fuck..." He silently cursed as he looked up and saw three men holding a flashlight, pointing it in his direction.

"It seemed like something moved just now!"

"Fire your guns!"

Before he could hear the succession of gunshots, he quickly swam away.

He's really skilled in underwater swimming. The training in America was life-threatening, but he was glad he surpassed it.

"Colton!" It was his brother's voice, shocked and concerned at the same time.

He must have heard the gunshots and seen the attack through the telescope.

"There's someone! He's there!"

A series of gunshots echoed, chasing him even as he remained underwater. Above the water's surface, he noticed the red dots following him; they were from rebel rifles.

It wasn't the lack of breath that caused him to slightly slow his strokes, but rather the throbbing pain in his left arm and the spreading ache in his leg.

"Colton! Speak!" He groaned in so much pain as a response, so his brother would know he's still breathing. "Damn! You're alive! Come on!"

Despite the pain in his arm and leg, he still managed to swim to where his brother was. He could endure the pain, but the dwindling air in his chest gradually pulled him down. It was so dark and cold, he couldn't see anything underwater.

He badly needed air! He forced his head above the water, gasping for breath and storing it in his chest. When he opened his eyes, he saw a figure not far away on the shore. His brother.

"Go down! Fucking go down! Colton! They have their snipers at your back!"

Before he could submerge again, he felt the stinging pain in his shoulder and back. Another shot from their opponent hit him, making his body weak and immobile.

If this is the end of his life, he would gladly accept that this is God's plan for him.

At least, before his life would end, he was able to finish his mission. That's the only matter that he is proud of.

Each powerful wave felt like a lash on his body and wounds. With the pain, he felt like a stone with no sensation. He couldn't even manage to take a sip of the salty water.

Colton let the waves carry him to the seashore where his brother, Carter, was waiting.

All he needed was the air to ease the tightness in his chest. He had passed the drowning test to become a full-fledged Navy SEAL, but it seemed like he might drown now.

His legs were numb. He couldn't feel any pain in that part of his body. This added to his concern. Not his legs! No, not his legs!

His eyes were closed, but he knew he was conscious because he could hear his brother repeatedly calling his name along with sharp curses.

"Colton! fuck! Wake up!" His brother gave him CPR, but it didn't seem to have much effect. "You want me to cut off your wedding proposal with Gail?!" He threatened him.

No!

Gail was his longtime girlfriend, and he had been planning to propose to her after this mission. That's why he needed to make it out alive and breathing.

Carter tried to revive him several times, but his body was too weak to respond. It wasn't until he heard a woman's voice from somewhere that he found the strength to fight for his life. Maybe this was the help his body had been waiting for. A mouth-to-mouth resuscitation from a woman didn't sound bad at all.

Chapter One

Karen and her companions were on their way back to Manila when the van they were riding suddenly broke down on the way to the airport. They had spent a week in the town of San Isidro providing medical assistance to those affected by the war in the neighboring city.

She is a registered nurse currently working at Banchero's Medical Center in Manila. Part of her job involves volunteering whenever the Banchero's Foundation holds a Medical Mission. The town of San Isidro was chosen by the owner of the hospital and foundation to receive assistance, so that's where they were.

"Take your time here. I'll just fix the van," the driver told them before he started working on the vehicle.

Her companions dispersed to find temporary resting spots, while she took a leisurely walk. It was already ten in the evening, the air was cool, and she could smell the sea. She continued to walk until she could see the vast ocean.

She had no intention of going there, but there were two figures that compelled her feet to investigate.

"Fucking wake up Colton!" She was jolted by the angry voice of a man kneeling on the sand, and there was another man lying in front of him. "Colton!" He was giving him CPR.

She hurried over and intervened. Though the man seemed alarmed by her presence, she paid him no mind. She knelt in the sand.

"How long has he been unconscious?" She asked the man.

"One to two minutes."

She quickly tilted the man's head to hear his heartbeat while gently checking his pulse. It was still beating.

"He's unconscious," she declared.

She attempted to revive the man in the black rush guard, but there was no response to her CPR. It seemed like his body was yearning for something else.

Without hesitation, using her slightly trembling fingers, she opened the man's mouth. Maybe, and she's hoping that mouth-to-mouth resuscitation will help him.

She blew air into his mouth, her virgin lips gently touching his, but she didn't care even though a strange sensation ran through her body at the contact.

"Colton!" Said the man at her side. "Fucker! This is not yet your time! You better wake up!"

She continued giving him breaths before she felt the man's lips move, as if he was kissing her. Her eyes slowly roamed all over his face to see if he's awake.

In the midst of the dark surroundings, the crashing of waves in the sea, and the scant moonlight, she had a chance to observe the man who was kissing her.

His deep-set eyes were as dark as the night, sharp in their gaze, but she could tell he was in pain. The tip of his nose almost touched hers. His lips were so soft and delicious.

"Ummm..." He moaned deliciously against her lips.

She quickly pulled away when she felt his tongue trying to enter her mouth. All the hairs on her body stood on end from what the man did.

"We have to go! We fucking need to go!" The other man was now in a hurry.

He helped the man up, but a string of loud curses escaped his lips.

"Fucking shit! My body is in pain! Fuck! Fuck! My legs! Fuck-" She covered his mouth with her hand.

A mixture of annoyance and awe crossed his face. Suddenly, she felt embarrassed about the situation.

"You cursed too much-"

"Am I not allowed to curse, Miss!?"

"We need to go." The other man muttered, interrupting them.

She took in the whole man. It wasn't very clear, but she could tell he had wounds, and he was wearing an all-black outfit.

"We need to bring him to the nearest hospital," she suggested. "Fifteen minutes away from here."

"No, thanks." The two of them began walking towards the large trees. "By the way, thanks for kissing me, Miss! You brought me back to consciousness!"

"I didn't kiss you! You kissed me-oh Jesus!"

She sat down and covered her ears when a loud explosion erupted in the middle of the ocean. When she looked, a large fire was consuming a ship. The smoke was dark.

She quickly ran away from that place. She didn't even think about where the two men were because of fear.

"Do you think you'll see that guy again?" Her friend Gelicah asked her after she recounted the man she helped, who had stuck in her mind. They were in a coffee shop. "The guy who kissed your lips!" She laughed, making her cheeks turn warm.

She realized later that he didn't just kiss her, but he also licked her lips. It was extremely rude, but that scene was the subject of her dreams quite often!

That man sensually and deliciously licked her lips!

"I don't know. Hmm, it could be yes, it could also be no," she said, taking a sip of her coffee, not really expecting to see the man again. "Let's not dwell on that guy."

"Alright, if you say so," Gelicah shrugged. "So, are you really leaving the country after your contract at Banchero's Medical Center?"

"Yes, if..." She emphasized the last word. "...they don't renew my contract. Let's wait and see."

"But I'm hoping that they will give you another year. You've been doing well at the hospital."

"I'm hoping and praying. Working abroad is not easy, after all. We all know that."

And what about her siblings? She couldn't bear being so far away from them. Not now. So, she'll work hard to secure a job.

Karen was about to take another sip of her coffee when her phone rang. It was an unregistered number. Despite that, she answered.

"Hello?"

"Hi, may I speak to Miss Karen Pescador?"

"Speaking."

"Alright, Miss Karen, we would like to invite you tomorrow for an interview about the renewal of your contract at Banchero's Medical Center. This is Miss J at HR Department."

A wide smile spread across her face as she listened to the voice on the other end. The heavens were truly kind to her, not leaving her behind.

"I will be there, Ma'am. Thank you." And the line was cut off. "Geez!" She couldn't help but let out a triumphant scream at the good news. "This is it!"

"What was that for?" Gelicah curiously asked.

"I think, I will still be part of Banchero's Medical Center. HR just called me." She winked at her friend who was smiling at her, equally happy.

Karen felt nervous as she waited for the appointed time to speak with the head of the HR Department. She hoped they would extend her contract at the hospital for another two years. She'd rather choose to work here than abroad.

A staff member came out of the HR Office and approached her.

"Miss Karen Pescador?"

"Yes."

"Follow me."

She followed the woman and sat in the visitor's chair facing the HR head. The head smiled at her, and she was truly nervous.

"I won't beat around the bush, Miss Pescador. We decided to renew your contract at Banchero's Medical Center for another two years..." The news filled her with joy.

Why work abroad when you can work here? Not that far from your family. She couldn't bear being too far from her siblings, especially now. So, she'll strive to get a job here.

"Thank you, Madam!"

"But we are not going to assign you at BMC,"

"W-where will I be assigned?"

"We will assign you at Villa Altaraza." Her answer puzzled her. The name Villa Altaraza sounded familiar, but she couldn't quite place where she had heard or read it before. "One of the sons of Mrs. and Mr. Altaraza needs a private nurse. I am asking you now, is it okay with you?"

She nodded. "Yes! Yes Ma'am."

"I just want you to know that Mrs. and Mr. Altaraza's youngest son is not easy to deal with. You'll be the tenth nurse we're sending, and I hope you'll be the last."

"Is he very difficult to handle?"

"That's what they said. He's rude. Very hard to please and he has a rough attitude. Can you handle that?" She scrutinized Karen, testing her.

"I can handle it!" She was determined to do the job. She would do anything, no exceptions.

"Review this." The HR head handed her a brown envelope, which she promptly accepted. "That's all about the patient's medical background. He's recovering now but he still needs someone to look after him because he can't do things without someone's help. So, you'll be there to help him and take care of him. Understand?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"You're leaving tomorrow. Your plane ticket and the address of Villa Altaraza are inside the envelope."

No matter how difficult the patient may be, and no matter how rough his demeanor, she'll handle it. As long as she's not harmed and she can leave if needed.

When she arrived at her apartment, she immediately started packing her belongings and the clothes she would bring with her. She went to bed early because her flight was in the morning. She'll read the patient's medical background on the plane.

The sun was scorching when Karen was dropped off by the taxi from the airport on a vast estate. The arch they passed through earlier before entering the main gate had the words "Villa Altaraza" written on it. This was it.

She approached the guard stationed there.

"Good morning. I'm the nurse sent by Banchero's Medical Center," she told him, showing her appointment letter.

"So you're the new nurse for the boss."

"Yes."

"This way, Ma'am."

The guard called over a staff member who quickly approached her and took her bags.

As she finally entered the villa, she realized there were swimming pools and rooms that resembled a mini hotel. It looked like a private, expensive resort. The place was so peaceful and clean; this kind of place truly relaxed her.

They passed by the resort and entered another large gate. It was dizzying. There was a guard waiting there too.

"New nurse for the boss," the staff introduced her to the guard.

"Come in," he then opened the gate.

She wanted to gape when the beautiful mansion came into view. The household staff all wore similar uniforms, and an older one approached them.

"Miss Karen Pescador?" he guessed, expecting her arrival.

"Yes," she confirmed.

"Come. The boss has been waiting for you."

Why did her heart seem to skip a beat at the thought of her employer waiting for her?

And it pounded harder when they reached the back of the mansion, at the swimming pool area, and she saw the man facing away from them, sitting in a wheelchair.

From what she had read about his medical conditions, his wounds had mostly healed. His arms, shoulders, and back, all from a gunshot. His right leg was the only one still not completely healed, still in a cast.

"Boss, Miss Karen is here," the woman informed him.

"Leave us alone." His deep baritone voice sent shivers down her spine.

She couldn't help but bite her lower lip and grip her blouse's hem. Why was her heart racing like this, as if she were both excited and nervous?

She felt like a bird wanting to escape its cage, abandoned by the household staff. Her anxiety in her chest was growing.

"G-good morning, boss-"

"Tell me, what's good in the morning, Miss Pescador?"

She swallowed hard at his smooth yet commanding voice. She composed herself, struggling to breathe normally because of the unexpected emotions her body was showing.

Her gaze lingered on his broad shoulders and back; they were undoubtedly strong. They looked pleasant to touch but also intimidating to clash with. She could see the hard muscles in both of his arms, moving and pressing against the sleeves of his cotton shirt.

"M-morning, boss," she stammered, opting to respond rather than explaining why her morning was good.

The veins on his arms flexed slightly as he rested an elbow on the armrest of his wheelchair, gently clenching his jaw.

Her face warmed at the thought of his eyes secretly feasting on her. What would she feel when he finally faced her? She couldn't sit still; she wanted to see her boss's full face.

"I am from Banchero's Medical Center. I worked there as a registered nurse for two years. I renewed my contract for another year, and our HR assigned me here. It's my pleasure to look after you, boss," she continued, as he remained silent. "I am Karen Pescador, your new nurse-"

"I know. You don't need to introduce yourself," he cut her off. She sighed in frustration. He really was brusque and rude. "I am giving you the freedom to leave now."

"What?" she blurted.

"Yes, leave. What's your problem?"

"You're the one with the problem." Her nervousness suddenly turned into irritation towards him. "I flew here from Manila-"

"Oh, hope to see your wings," he sarcastically remarked, causing her to roll her eyes.

"What I mean, boss, is that I flew from Manila to get here. I don't want to waste this opportunity that BMC gave me. I badly need this job, so please, have mercy on me. Please don't ask me to leave right away; my feet haven't even warmed up in your Villa yet."

"The door is always open if you want to leave me once you get tired of helping me every time I need assistance."

She swallowed her annoyance. She had to be patient. She needed this job so she wouldn't have to leave the country.

"I will do my best to help you. I promise you that, boss."

"Don't promise me! Take back what you said!"

She sighed. "A promise is a promise, Mr. Altaraza."

She saw his hands move slightly towards the side, near the wheels of the wheelchair, trying to turn around to face her.

She took a step closer to support him, but she suddenly stopped when an unexpected face met hers.

Her eyes widened as she stared at the man.

His growing beard and sharp jawline made him look rugged and intense. His sharp eyes bore into hers, adding to the pounding in her chest. His reddish lips reminded her of the man who often starred in her dreams.

"Colton, that's my name. Stop calling me Mr. Altaraza. It feels like you're calling my dad."

"Y-you..." she stammered.

She saw the corner of his lips twitch, keeping the cool demeanor on his handsome face.

"What?"

"You're the man who... who licked my lips!"

Chapter Two

Karen's lips pressed into a thin line as she suddenly felt a surge of annoyance at the man before her. Who would have thought that their paths would cross again? Did this mean they were meant to see each other again?

"Really? Did I lick your lips?" Colton asked, his lips slightly moving from side to side, as if trying to suppress a smile.

This man was starting to annoy the hell out of her! Well, it was clear from his demeanor that he didn't value a simple kiss from a stranger. But for her, it was important. That had been her first kiss, for Pete's sake!

"Y-yes! I can still remember that night! You stole my first kiss!" She almost shouted at him.

After those words, she felt her face heat up in embarrassment as he let out a loud laugh.

She clenched her fist as a mischievous grin played on his reddened lips. Even in that dim light, she wouldn't forget that face! The man who stole her first kiss!

One of his thick eyebrows slightly raised, as if restraining his amusement at her and their conversation.

"How does it feel then?"

She glared at him.

"You have no right to do that to me!"

She felt like she was on the verge of tipping over from irritation while staring at him.

"Is that how you look at your boss? It's like you're about to push me into the swimming pool."

She took repeated deep breaths to calm herself down. Yes, she was irritated, but seeing him again brought a smile to her heart. Why did she feel this way?

"S-sorry."

He's still her boss. This man will be the one paying her salary. So she should treat him properly. She'll set aside personal matters for now; it's work first.

"Now, take me to my room."

At his command, she blinked, then later walked towards Colton, gently pushing the wheelchair.

As they entered the mansion, two household staff members greeted them, carrying a tray of food.

"Boss, it's time for your meal," one of the helpers said.

"I don't want to eat!"

"What don't you want?" She raised her eyebrows, looking down at Colton. His gaze met hers as he raised his head. She didn't back down. "You'll eat." She said firmly and turned to the two servants who seemed to avoid their grumpy master. "He'll have his meal in his room. Please bring his food there."

Suddenly, she found the courage to think that this man might be upset with her.

"I really won't eat!"

"Where's your room?" Instead, she asked him, ignoring his cute tantrums.

"Turn to the right!" She turned right as he ordered like a mad man. At the end of the hallway was an elevator. It seemed deliberate. "Second floor."

They entered and she pressed the button for the second floor. When the door opened, they immediately stepped out. There were only three doors in that wide corridor. Each door had a nameplate.

"Colton, right?"

"You should know the name of your boss! You don't need to ask!"

"Fine, boss Colton." She remained calm despite being yelled at.

She turned the doorknob, gently opening the door before they entered. It was dark, the lights were off, and the curtains were drawn, covering the thick windows.

She turned on the lights. She couldn't help but be amazed when she saw the man's spacious room. The dark blue and light blue colors on the walls gave the room a masculine feel. It resembled the ocean. Add to that the masculine scent that wasn't too strong or overpowering. She was starting to like the scent of his room, and his scent too.

"Where would you like to sit?" There was a sofa, a couch. And there was a large flat-screen TV.

"I want to rest."

She approached the side table by his bed to retrieve the chart that was there. She checked the medication and meal times.

"I'm sorry, but you have to take your medicine at 9:30 am. So, you should eat first." She glanced at her wristwatch. "It's nine in the morning and you haven't eaten yet?" She tsked.

"I want to rest my back on my bed." He said seriously. She weighed whether he really wanted to rest or if he was just trying to avoid eating. "My shoulder is fucking hurt!" He suddenly panicked and pushed the wheelchair towards the bed.

Karen carefully assisted Colton to stand. His heavy and firm arm rested on her shoulder, his fingers almost grazing the top of her chest. She felt a tingling sensation in her veins.

She wrapped her arms around his waist, her body pressed against Colton's. She could feel his hard chest against her breast, his body radiating warmth. Darn. What's happening to her?

Slowly, the young man sat on the edge of the bed, but the magnetic pull between them remained. Her hand rose to his chest, while the other gently supported his back.

"Is there anything else hurting you?"

She didn't know why a hint of tenderness escaped her voice. Perhaps it was because she was genuinely concerned about Colton's condition.

"My back is hurting too."

"I will check that later. Rest for now."

She gently guided him to lie down. She almost gasped when his hand slid onto her waist and stayed there, gently applying pressure as if trying to maintain balance.

She fought the sensations enveloping her and focused on how to help him lie down without causing any discomfort.

"Ouch..." Colton suddenly groaned. His hand gripped her small waist.

"W-why?" She looked at him in concern.

"Your hand touched my wound..."

She carefully removed her hand from his back. She subtly assessed their position. One of her hands was on his chest, her body was almost leaning on Colton. They were too close, making it hard for her to breathe.

"Sorry..."

She gently moved away, allowing his back to rest against the pillow and headrest of the bed. She lifted one of his legs, which was in a cast.

"Turn off the lights," he ordered.

"No." She shook her head. "I still have to feed you." She grinned when there was a knock on the door. It must be the food.

She opened the door and she was right. The two household staff members were there, carrying delicious-looking food. Once they entered, they promptly left.

She approached Colton, who seemed lost in thought. He was that handsome, intimidating type. The kind you wouldn't admit you liked for fear of being insulted or rejected. But who knows? Let's not judge based on appearances alone.

"I said, I don't want to eat."

She even spoon-fed him, despite him turning his face away from her.

"Come on, please, just three bites."

"No!"

How could she possibly persuade this man? They couldn't go on like this every day. She'd age prematurely from frustration.

Her hand lightly touched his chin and she gently turned his face towards her. His budding beard pricked her palm. It was ticklish.

"Please?" She pleaded as their eyes met. "Eat up."

He seemed reluctantly resigned and opened his mouth to take the food she offered. Secretly, she smiled, feeling like Colton's caretaker. She was feeding her baby! Damn! She was getting giddy over her own thoughts.

"Enough," he said, stopping her after almost four spoonfuls.

"Last one..." She fed him the spoonful.

Colton looked at her, clearly indicating his refusal. She couldn't help but bite her lip as his gaze intensified. She felt like she was melting under it.

"Stop!" His voice thundered.

She bit her lip harder in response to his angry tone. She needed to get used to his behavior. She had to last in this job.

"You haven't eaten enough, b-boss. You have three more medicines to take." She softly said, biting her lip again to suppress her fear of being yelled at again. She kept her head slightly bowed, avoiding his gaze.

"Stop biting your lips in front of me... or else I will lick it again..."

She quickly stopped biting her lip, nervous but also oddly excited. There was something about this man that affected her deeply.

Karen stood up and retrieved Colton's medication. He didn't resist and took the medicine.

"You'll take your next dose at 3:30 pm. I'll be back. I'll just tidy up my things." Colton didn't speak. "Is that alright with you?"

"Come back here right after you finish what you do."

"O-okay."

She quietly left Colton's room and headed to the mansion's living room. She found a housemaid dusting the picture frames.

"Ms..." She got the maid's attention.

"It's you, Miss Karen. Do you need something?" Her eyes inadvertently focused on the pictures in front of her, and it seemed like she noticed Karen's curiosity about who they were. "The Altaraza siblings are quite handsome, aren't they?"

Yes, they are all handsome even if the men don't smile in the photos. Colton looks serious, just like the two other men.

"Yes, they are. They look very serious though."

"They only look serious in pictures. The Altarazas are actually very kind."

"Colton doesn't seem that way... I mean, boss Colton."

"It's only recently that boss Colton started being this way since the accident and then..."

"Esmeralda!" Their conversation stopped at that voice. They both turned to look. It seemed this was the housekeeper of the mansion, the one who accompanied her earlier to see Colton. "Save the talk for later. Finish your work first."

Esmeralda nodded and went back to what she was doing. She gave a small smile to the housekeeper before asking.

"Where are my things, by the way?"

"Come, follow me. I'll take you to your room." They walked down the same hallway they passed through earlier. The housekeeper opened the door before they reached the elevator. "Your things are already in your room, Miss Karen."

She nodded. "Thank you."

"The phone there is only connected to boss Colton's room. He'll call you if he needs you."

"Alright."

"I'll just have your meal delivered here. I'll leave you now."

Once the housekeeper left, she closed the door. She smiled when she saw her entire room. It looked newly renovated, everything in it seemed brand new. The walls were a light blue color, very refreshing. She liked it; it reminded her of Colton's room.

She glanced at the telephone on her bedside table before remembering the man. He was probably resting now.

She arranged her clothes and placed them in the closet. In just a few minutes, she was done. Her meal arrived shortly after.

"Thank you, Esmeralda. You don't have to bring my food here every time."

"It's boss's order. We're just following."

"Which boss?" She asked in surprise.

"Boss Colton."

"Is that so? Alright, thank you again."

Maybe all of the nurses who took care of him had the same meal rotation. Though it was a bit lonely to eat alone, she pushed herself to do it. It would be better if she talked to Colton and ate together with the household staff rather than eating alone. Yes.

Karen first went to the kitchen to get Colton's lunch before bringing it to his room. She found Esmeralda there, setting the food on the tray.

"Is that for boss Colton?"

"Yes, Miss Karen."

"I'll take it to his room. I also need to give him his medicine."

Esmeralda looked at her for a moment before nodding. "Alright, it seems boss isn't too grumpy with you."

"If you only knew." She let out a soft laugh. "But I will do my best to help him recover and heal."

Esmeralda smiled sadly as she placed a glass of iced tea on the tray.

"We've heard that it'll be difficult for Sir Colton to walk again according to his doctor, so we understand his condition. Even if he shouts at us, it's fine. We all here owe a lot to their family."

"Difficult? But it looks like he can move his cemented leg just fine."

"That's what we were told by the housekeeper, Miss Karen."

"I'll review his medical background again. But I'm sure he can walk again." She said confidently.

"We'll pray for that. And hopefully, when boss Colton can walk again, he'll find a true..."

"K, go to my room now." That low yet intimidating voice suddenly echoed around the kitchen.

There was a speaker attached to the upper part of the kitchen, where the familiar voice came from.

"That's boss Colton! He needs you." Esmeralda hurriedly arranged the spoon and fork on the tray.

"My name is not 'K'."

"Maybe they found your name too long, so they just called you by one letter."

"After one minute and you are not here...you'll be fired." His threat pounded in her chest.

She quickly made her way to the elevator, carrying the tray of food. She was truly alarmed by the young man's warning. She didn't want to be fired on her first day of work.

"Is there something wrong with you?" she asked Colton as she entered his room.

He was typing on his laptop resting on the bed table.

"I want to eat," he said without looking at her.

She nodded before placing the tray of food on the table with wheels, near the bed.

"Finish the food, boss Colton."

"Cut the boss."

"You ate very little earlier, S-sir."

"Just Colton."

"O-okay, C-Colton. Eat more-"

"Feed me."

Her eyes slightly widened. She had already fed him earlier, but why did she feel a flutter in her chest when he himself asked her to feed him?

"Um..."

"You see, I'm busy with my laptop."

"O-okay..." She sat on the edge of the bed, her thigh almost touching his outstretched leg. Colton seemed unfazed by it. She scooped food into his mouth. "Ah."

Colton opened his mouth without diverting his gaze from his laptop. She shouldn't feel the tingles running through her body because of what she was doing; it was perfectly normal, but why did it feel like this?

She fed him again before she remembered to talk to him about joining the household staff in their meals.

"Colton."

"Yes?"

"Can I eat with your staff instead? It's lonely to eat alone."

"Now you know how I feel while eating alone."

That's when she realized the pattern of Colton's meals. It would be more difficult if he ate in the kitchen; she just found out that he no longer dines with his family.

"If you want, we can go down together when it's time to eat."

"No, let's just eat here together from now on."

"But-"

"Just do what I've said and stop complaining, K." Colton gives her a look. The kind of look that telling her to follow him not because he's the boss but because he's Colton Altaraza who doesn't take no for an answer.