?Chapter 202:


    Hearing this, Elliana raised her hand and tapped his chest with a light punch. “Such a flirt.”


    She couldn’t help but remember their first meeting. Back then, he had been soposed, so distant—like something carved from stone. And now? She could hardly reconcile that version of him with his current self.


    Cole gave a softugh. “Honey, you ought to rx a bit and enjoy the little tricks between a couple.”


    Elliana pressed her lips together, though part of her had to agree. If he could remain cool and reserved in front of everyone else but chose to act this way only with her, then maybe she truly did mean something to him. The thought brought a warm and bright smile to her face. She nced up at him, but a flicker of concern swept across her face as she suddenly noticed hisplexion looked terribly pale…


    Cole gave Elliana a soft smile, though his face had gone pale, and the weariness on his brow was hard to miss. His eyes betrayed the pain he had been quietly enduring.


    That bullet he had taken for her was still lodged in his arm, untreated. It hadn’t shattered any bone, but he had lost a dangerous amount of blood. The pain hadn’t eased at all.


    Watching him like this made Elliana’s chest tighten. She said softly, “Let me get that bullet out. If it stays in there, it could tear through the muscle or end up infected.”


    Inside the ne, there was a medical kit fully stocked with antiseptics and clotting agents.


    Milena, Elliana’s discreet identity, had been known across the world for her skill in the operating room. Removing a bullet was something she could do in her sleep. Very few ever got the privilege of being treated by her personally. Cole was in better hands with her than any hospital could offer.


    Cole lifted a brow, clearly surprised by the offer.


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    “What? Don’t you trust me?” Elliana asked, catching the look he gave her.


    Cole stared at her, eyes locked with hers in quiet intensity. “I trust youpletely. You’re my wife. I’m just surprised surgery’s in your bag of tricks too. How many surprises are you hiding?”


    Rather than answer, Elliana moved in and began to undo his shirt.


    “Honey, are you nning to have sex with me after stripping off my shirt?” Cole asked, leaning in with a grin. His voice was yful, full of teasing intent.


    Elliana gave him a sharp nce but kept her hands steady on the buttons. “Don’t be a dick.”


    Cole chuckled but let it drop, watching Elliana undo each button until his shirt was off.


    The moment tugged at something in his memory. He remembered their wedding night—how she’d wandered in half-asleep, climbed into bed, stripped him without a word, and curled up beside him until morning. That memory sent a dry heat down his throat, making it hard to swallow. He couldn’t help himself. His head turned, and he stole a quick kiss on her cheek.


    Elliana tossed his bloodstained shirt straight into the trash and then whipped around, giving him a sharp re. “Keep flirting with your doctor, and I swear you’ll regret it once I start cutting.”


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