The Billionaire And His Son Want Me Back (Paisley)

They didn't need too many people watching over Paul through the night. Besides Paisley, they just needed one more person from the Vanderbilt family to stay.

The Vanderbilts were still debating who should stay overnight to watch over Paul when Dominick cut straight through their discussion. "I'll stay. No need to arrange anyone else."

"Dom, you can't stay here," Marissa protested quickly. "You've got that board meeting tomorrow. You need proper rest."

Dominick shook his head. "The meeting can wait."

Marissa felt uneasy about leaving Dominick and Paisley here alone. Sure, nothing would happen, but she just didn't want them spending time together, just the two of them.

Marissa quickly came up with an idea. "Look, Dom, why don't I stay instead? Ms. Sutton and I are both women. It'll be more practical."

"No need. Go home and get some rest." Without another word, Dominick walked straight into the hospital room, effectively shutting out the rest of the Vanderbilt family.

Paisley couldn't care less what arrangements the Vanderbilts were making out there. She was exhausted, so she just dragged her backpack into Paul's VIP room. The space was massive, decked out like a luxury suite with every amenity one could think of.

Paisley dropped her bag and collapsed onto the sofa against the wall, letting her eyes fall shut. Within minutes, she was asleep.

Her body slumped against the sofa's backrest, head drooping forward. Under her messy ponytail, the elegant curve of her neck peeked through, smooth and delicate. Her long lashes fluttered slightly, giving away that her sleep wasn't exactly peaceful.

This was the scene Dominick walked in on. He stood there, watching Paisley in silence.

Paisley had only just dozed off and wasn't fully under yet. Through the haze of sleep, she vaguely sensed someone touching her. Her eyes snapped open, meeting Dominick's gaze just as he was about to help her lie down.

The room was absolutely silent except for their breathing.

"If you're going to sleep, at least do it properly," Dominick said, his brow furrowing in mild annoyance. Paisley pushed him away coldly and straightened up. "Why are you the one staying here?"

Her ice-queen act made Dominick laugh darkly. "Why shouldn't I? That's my grandpa lying there." Paisley just shrugged, her voice dripping with indifference. "And Marissa was okay with this?"

She knew better. Marissa would never willingly let her and Dominick be alone together. Marissa should have fought tooth and nail to prevent it and let herself stay here. That would be more like her. "What are you trying to say?" Dominick frowned.

"Nothing." Paisley wasn't in the mood to keep this conversation going with Dominick. "All I want is one peaceful evening without any drama. So do me a favor and keep your distance, you and your precious Ms. Prescott both. Just leave me alone."

"Paisley, can you try not being difficult for once?" Dominick was getting frustrated.

"I'm being perfectly reasonable," Paisley said calmly. Her face remained calm, but her words were driving Dominick absolutely crazy.

Fed up, Dominick stood and moved to the couch by the window, with Paul's hospital bed now between them. "Want me to keep my distance? Is this far enough for you?" He knew he was being petty, but he couldn't help it.

Paisley didn't even bother responding. She just closed her eyes and tried to rest.

The hospital room fell silent again. They sat there facing each other from opposite sides of the room, neither one willing to break the heavy silence that had settled between them.

Sometime later, a doctor on duty knocked and entered the room. He was a well-groomed man with a polished, professional demeanor.

The doctor gave Dominick a respectful nod as he walked in. "Mr. Vanderbilt," he said before making his way straight to Paisley's side. He stopped next to her. "Ms. Sutton, Mr. Walsh asked me to look after you tonight. Is there anything you need?"