Chapter 292

Ashton’s knees buckled and he went down hard on the marble floor, the sound echoing over the chatter of champagne glasses and false laughter. The hall erupted into gasps and shrieks. A circle of glittering gowns and tuxedos pressed forward, every pair of eyes wide with morbid curiosity. ‘Ashton!’ I dropped beside him, my knees skidding on the polished tiles. His skin was burning beneath my touch. His eyes fluttered open, glazed, then rolled back. ‘Someone call an ambulance!’ I shouted. ‘I’ll handle it.’ Daniel crouched at my side, his phone already out. ‘Do it fast,’ I snapped, brushing Ashton’s damp hair back. ‘Ashton, can you hear me? Stay with me.’ A murmur ran through the crowd. I caught snatches. Fever. Infection. Poor man, after that ordeal at sea. Isn’t he the one supposed to be marrying that Lopez woman? ‘Give him some space!’ I barked, glaring up at the gawkers. No one moved until a man in a tuxedo reluctantly tugged his wife back. Ashton groaned, low and rough. My heart clenc