Chapter 317

A sudden warmth encircled her waist, firm and strong.

Liam Sullivan lifted her from the bathtub without a word.

She gasped.

Before Vivian Bennett could make a sound, she was swaddled in a soft white towel.

He moved efficiently, wrapping her securely before scooping her into his arms.

The damp edges of the towel chilled her skin, yet she felt warmth radiating from his embrace.

Resistance was futile. She relaxed, letting him carry her toward the bedroom.

Her dangling legs swayed gently. Her fingertips accidentally brushed against a button on his shirt.

The cold numbness in her limbs began to fade, like a frozen butterfly awakening to spring.

She looked up at his tense jawline and deep gaze. A soft laugh escaped her. "Still awake this late?"

His eyes dropped to hers, his voice low. "Shouldn't you be sleeping peacefully this late?"

She pouted but said nothing.

Right. He had attended three back-to-back meetings today. He should have been resting hours ago.

A glance at the wall clock showed the hour hand past three.

The morning meeting loomed. Faint weariness already shadowed his eyes.

The small bedside lamp cast a hazy, golden glow over the rumpled sheets.

He bent to place her on the edge of the bed. The scent of pinewood enveloped her.

Vivian squirmed within the towel, her waist and legs aching deeply.

Liam's gaze was intense, silently urging her to stay put. He turned toward the walk-in closet.

The towel loosened and tightened again. A chill ran down her spine. She curled into the soft headboard cushions.

In the distance, he stood at the dressing table retrieving the hair dryer. Half his silhouette was swallowed by shadows.

The light outlined his broad shoulders, yet an unexpected loneliness clung to him.

She watched quietly, as if gazing at a silent mountain.

He turned suddenly, catching her stolen glance.

The towel draped loosely over her shoulders, revealing her slender neck and delicate collarbones.

A water droplet traced a path down a vivid red mark on her skin.

He strode back and sat down. The mattress dipped slightly.

Vivian naturally rested her legs across his knees. She leaned back lazily, like a cat basking in the sun.

A playful glint in her eyes, she teased him. "Really not sleeping?"

Liam gathered a section of her wet hair. He switched on the hair dryer.

Warm air roared. His voice was cool. "How many times have I told you not to fall asleep in the bath?"

"How many times?" She tilted her head, twirling a strand of hair with a smile. "I don't remember."

His lips pressed into a thin line. His fingers moved gently through her damp hair.

She leaned closer, her breath grazing his Adam's apple. "Tell me, how many times?"

He glanced at her, his eyes dark and unreadable. His hands remained tender.

"Sit properly."