<b>Chapter </b><b>238 </b>
“That was fast,” Ethanmented, looking up from his work.
“I’m efficient,” I replied, settling back on the couch. The dog jumped up beside me, his head resting on myp.
I could feel Ethan’s gaze lingering. “What?” I asked.
“Nothing,” he said quickly. “I’ve just never seen you in a dress before.”
I ran a hand self–consciously over the soft material. “It’s a nightgown, not a ballgown. Don’t make it weird.”
“I’m not,” he defended. “You look nice, that’s all.” He cleared his throat. “I finished your assignments and sent them to your professors. Your academic standing should be safe for now.”
“You have water on your ear,” he said, his voice suddenly much nearer.
Before I could respond, I felt his fingertips brush against my earlobe, gently wiping away a droplet. The touch was brief but sent an unexpected shiver down my spine.
“Thanks,” I murmured, unsure why my heart rate had picked up.
We were interrupted by a knock at the door. Lawrence poked his head in, his eyes taking in the scene.
<b>“</b>Am I interrupting?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
“No,” I replied quickly.
Lawrence’s cat slipped into the room, leaping onto the couch beside me. The dog raised his head, eyeing the feline
warily.
“I’m taking the menagerie for their evening constitutional,” Lawrence exined. “Thought I’d check if you needed anything.”
“We’re fine,” Ethan answered.
Lawrence’s gaze flickered between us, a knowing smile on his lips. “You know, one room would have been sufficient,” hemented before retreating, closing the door behind him.
I felt my face warm slightly. “He’s impossible,” I muttered.
After a moment of silence, I stood up decisively. “I’ve been cooped up in here for days. Let’s go out.”
“Are you sure that’s safe?” Ethan asked, concern evident in his voice.
“I need fresh air. Besides, Selene isn’t in Spain anymore–she was hurt worse than she let on. Shadow Organization knows I’m here with Lawrence; they’re not going to waste resources watching me<b>. </b>They’re regrouping, waiting for me
back home.”
Ethan considered this. “Alright,” he agreed. “Where do you want to go?”
“Just outside,” I said.
I changed into casual clothes with the maid’s help, and soon Ethan and I were walking down the grand staircase. The Doberman saw me heading for the door and bounded over, determined to join us.
“Looks like we have apanion,” Ethan observed as the dog jumped into Connor’s car, settling in the passenger seat and refusing to budge.
“He’s protective,” I exined, sliding into the backseat beside Ethan.
Connor drove us into the city, to a bustling street lined with cafés and shops. When we stopped, Ethan got out first, then came around to open my door. His hand gripped my elbow gently as I stepped out, his other hand moving to shield my head from the car frame.
“Careful,” he murmured, close to my ear.
We walked slowly down the street, Ethan describing the scenery. “There’s a fountain ahead, carved stone, probably eighteenth century. Street performers to the left–a guitarist and a dancer. The buildings here are all old, traditional Spanish architecture with intricate ironwork on the balconies.”
I could make out most of what he described, but his voice made the images clearer somehow. The dog walked ahead of <b>us</b>, asionally looking back to ensure we were following.
–
“The street was busy with people,” Ethanmented. “There’s a young couple just ahead of <b>us </b>the guy has his arm around her shoulders, and she’s leaning into him as they walk.”
As we passed by them, I could make out their blurred silhouettes and hear their soft murmurs of affection. Ethan’s hand, which had been holding my elbow to guide me, slid down to catch my hand. His fingers intertwined with mine naturally, as if we’d held hands a hundred times before.
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