?Chapter 123:


    With his upper bodypletely exposed, she suddenly felt the urge to flee.


    “I’ll turn on the water for you,” she mumbled, eager to put some distance between them.


    Brian squinted slightly but gave a small nod.


    As the sound of running water filled the bathroom, Rachel hesitated for a second before making up her mind. “You wash yourself. I’ll wait outside,” she blurted, turning swiftly to leave.


    But before she could even take two steps, she felt a sudden pull on her clothes. The next thing she knew, she was yanked backward—her back pressing against the cold tiled wall.


    The icy sensation made her shudder. “It’s so cold!” she gasped.


    Brian’s lips tugged into a subtle smile before he suddenly took hold of her wrist and pulled her beneath the showerhead.


    In an instant, warm water poured down, drenching her hair, face, and clothes.


    Within seconds, Rachel waspletely soaked. “Brian, you…” Rachel barely managed to get the words out before he silenced her with a kiss.


    Caught off guard, she struggled slightly, but then he teasingly bit her lower lip, making her freeze.


    Rachel looked up at him, her eyes filled with emotion,pletely unaware of how captivating she looked at that moment.


    Unable to hold back any longer, Brian tightened his grip, one arm circling her waist while the other cradled the back of her head, pulling her deeper into the kiss.


    The steady stream of warm water poured down around them, making the air thick with heat.


    Rachel felt like she was burning.


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    She wasn’t sure if it was the heat of the shower or his lingering fever, but every inch of her felt like it was melting in the heat.


    Her strength drained away, leaving her weak in his arms. Without his support, she was certain she would have copsed.


    The world around them blurred. Her thoughts scattered.


    Wrapped in the misty warmth, he kissed her again.


    Rachel could only stand on tiptoe, tilting her head back as he imed her lips once more.


    Her cheeks were flushed, and her breaths came in short, uneven gasps. After being together for so long, it was only in moments like this that she saw him lose control.


    It was the only time she truly felt loved.


    When her dress strap slipped, Rachel abruptly regained herposure. She protested, “No, we can’t.”


    The intensity in Brian’s eyes smoldered as he whispered against her cheek, his voice soft yet firm. “Why not? Do you realize how much I’ve been holding myself back?”


    During his trip to Amberfield, each night had been a battle against his desires. The torment of being so close yet unable to be with her was maddening for him.


    Rachel, pushing him away with both hands, insisted, “You’re still recovering from your fever. It’s risky to be intimate now; you could rpse. Besides, didn’t we… you know… yesterday?” Her voice faded to a murmur, uncertainty creeping in as she nibbled on her lip.


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