?Chapter 36:


    For crying out loud! She didn’t want to touch him!


    Ellie shook her head vigorously, struggling to free herself. “Let me go!”


    But in her effort to escape, she identally collided with Kaiden.


    To avoid falling, she instinctively reached out, one hand clutching his broad shoulder, the other grabbing his arm.


    The lingering water droplets on his skin were unmistakable.


    Close to him, she could sense every detail of his physique.


    “Finished touching yet?” Kaiden asked, standing rigidly and making no move to assist her. Without looking up, Ellie could picture the disdain in his eyes.


    “How much longer do you n to keep your hands on me?” Kaiden’s impatience was evident.


    Internally cursing, Ellie felt mortified. She quickly withdrew her hands, steadying herself against the wall. “You were the one who said I could touch,” she mumbled, trying to sound confident despite her stutter.


    Kaiden observed her, noting her flushed face and averted gaze.


    This was interesting.


    He never knew she had a shy side.


    Kaiden briefly surveyed her drenched state. With a tone of disdain, he remarked, “Clean yourself up. You’re a mess.” With that, he strode out of the bathroom.


    After he left, Ellie locked the door, leaned against the wall, and let out a frustrated sigh.


    Why had she gone straight to the bathroom?


    Why hadn’t she knocked first?


    After showering, Ellie realized another serious problem. She hadn’t brought any clean clothes with her!


    Kaiden sat in an opulent rosewood chair, sipping cool water.


    g?lnσν???s﹒??o?? is where stories live


    When Ellie had inadvertently bumped into him, he was surprised to find that he didn’t recoil in disgust. Instead, her softness had momentarily disarmed him, stirring an almost instinctive desire to hold her.


    He found himself slightly irritated… a feeling he had never felt before crept up on him.


    Suddenly, the bathroom door cracked open slightly, and Ellie’s voice, tinged with unease, came through.


    “Um… Mr. Thorpe… I didn’t bring any clothes in. Could you… help me out?”


    Ellie had rushed into the shower, forgetting that Kaiden also used the room. Now, she deeply regretted her oversight.


    Kaiden, his expression unchanging, replied coolly, “Mrs. Thorpe, you cane out and get them. You’re with your husband.”


    Ellie was at a loss for words.


    “I’m rather traditional and predictable. I can’t just do that. Mr. Thorpe, I hope you understand,” she said, her gaze fixed nkly on the wall. “Could you please help me by getting my clothes?”


    Traditional and predictable?


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