?Chapter 1083:


    “Never mind. Just… lie down.”


    There was no turning back now—not before the first move had even been made. Whatever came next, she’d make sure she was the one who triumphed over him.


    While she was still giving herself a mental pep talk, Ellis was already sprawled across the bed, amusement flickering in his eyes as he watched her. He could more or less read her like a book.


    “If you’re the shy type, we can always switch roles,” he murmuredzily, his voiceced with teasing mischief.


    “No need,” Freya shot back firmly.


    She walked over and turned off the main light, leaving only the soft glow of the bedsidemp behind.


    But the dimness didn’t soothe her nerves—it only made them worse. As she climbed into bed and brushed against the warmth of Ellis’s body, her heart nearly leapt into her throat.


    “If you’re nervous, I can get you some water,” she offered, trying to steady her own nerves. “Or maybe tell you a story?”


    Ellis gave her a smile. “I’m not nervous.”


    Freya fell silent. But she was.


    “When do we start?” He leaned in closer, his voice deliberately dropping to a murmur. “I’m all set.”


    “I don’t think you’re ready.”


    “I am.”


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    “No, you’re not.”


    “Freya.”


    “Yeah?”


    “Are you backing out?” he asked inly, mischief dancing in his smile. Freya wanted to protest, but she knew better—he could read her too well. And with the state she was in, there was no denying she’d probably screw it up.


    “If you’re not up for it, we can save it for another time,” he said softly, never pushing. “Or I can take the lead if that’s easier.”


    Freya didn’t answer.


    Ellis didn’t press.


    After a moment of heavy silence, she held out the now slightly damp box, turned away, and mumbled, “You do it.”


    So what if she wasn’t the one calling the shots tonight? It wasn’t like Ellis would take advantage of her.


    And if he did, she’d make sure to get eventer.


    “You sure?” Ellis asked, feeling the faint trace of sweat on the box.


    “Yeah,” Freya mumbled, barely audible.


    He set the box aside and pulled her gently into his arms. Her back pressed against his chest, and she could hear the steady thud of his heartbeat.


    In that moment, her whole body went stiff.


    Her thoughts spiraled, running wild with possibilities of what was toe. The more she imagined, the more worked up she got.


    “It’ste. Let’s sleep,” Ellis whispered, his voice husky, tightening his arms around her.


    Her body rxed all at once, but she blinked in confusion. “We’re not doing it?”


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