?Chapter 41:


    With this thought, Ellie quickly changed into her pajamas and hurried to the bed.


    Dibs!


    When Kaiden emerged from the bathroom, he found Ellie in the middle of the bed, only her head visible above the nket. She appeared indifferent, yet her wide eyes asionally flicked his way.


    “Mr. Thorpe, you wouldn’t want to share the bed, would you?” Ellie’s bright eyes gleamed under themplight, her posture implying, “I’m good here! You figure out where you’ll sleep!”


    Kaiden nearlyughed in amusement.


    Did she truly think he had no intention of joining her on the bed?


    Ellie’s smirk abruptly disappeared as she watched Kaiden calmly approach the bed.


    Kaiden had emerged fresh from a shower, his hair still wet.


    Wrapped in a navy blue silk bathrobe, its belt hanging loosely, Kaiden’s movements offered glimpses of his defined chest and muscles.


    Ellie felt an unexpected warmth in her earlobes.


    She had seen her share of well-built men, but why did Kaiden’s physique affect her so much?


    Then, the mattress beside her dipped as he sat down.


    Kaiden perched on the bed’s edge, one leg bent casually, drying his hair with a towel from the nightstand.


    “What are you suggesting? You want to be intimate with me, eh?” He looked at Ellie pointedly.


    Had this been just after their marriage, Ellie might have boldly insisted on sharing his bed, doubting he’d take her up on it and expecting his disdain.


    Yet now, she sensed no revulsion from him.


    Instead… it seemed he was yfully challenging her.


    Ellie’s eyes fleetingly noticed several colorful boxes on the nightstand.


    Condoms?


    Why would the maids prepare such things?


    “No!” She shook her head emphatically. “I just want to sleep!”


    With that, Ellie closed her eyes and turned away, choosing to ignore the situation.


    She didn’t think Kaiden would actually join her on the bed.


    But then, the nket lifted, and a warm, slightly damp presence neared.


    Ellie’s reflexes kicked in, and she bolted from the bed, only to stumble as shended at the edge.


    Kaiden could have helped her, but instead, he watched as she fell to the floor, her expression one of utter disbelief.


    “You, you, you…” Ellie stuttered.


    “Use your words.” Kaiden reclined on the bed, one knee raised, his cheek cradled in his hand. His gaze leisurely fell on Ellie, who was on the floor.


    His rxed posture was a striking contrast to his usual reserved and icy exterior.


    Ellie needed a few seconds to process that Kaiden had joined her on the bed, despite her upying the center. She pondered whether Kaiden was acting impulsively today, or if she should regret her earlier apprehensive behavior. What was there to fear?


    .


    .


    .