+25 BOHUS


    Wendy never expected Stanley toe back. After hearing How demanding, Jessica had been on the phone, practically ordering him toe over, she thought he would go for sure,


    Jessica was his sweetheart, the one he always ran to. Even when he was drugged, just one call from Jessica could pull him away.


    This was the first time he hadn''t gone.


    Wendy wondered just how furious Jessica would be tonight


    Stanley looked at her. "What were you thinking just now?"


    He had stood behind her, watching her with her head lowered so quietly. He couldn''t tell what was on her mind.


    Suddenly, he remembered the girl he had met in the cave years ago. She had been just as quiet, just as isted. It made him want to cherish and protect her. Stanley didn''t know why, but something about Wendy reminded him of that girl from the past.


    Wendy didn''t want to answer. "I wasn''t thinking about anything."


    Stanley didn''t press her. He nced down at his wet shirt and trousers. When he had turned earlier, the water from her cup had sshed all over him. "My clothes are wet."


    Wendy quickly grabbed a tissue and started wiping him down. "I''m sorry. It was an ident."


    The white shirt clung to his body, and Wendy could almost see the muscles beneath. She wiped down further, moving past his waist and the ck belt, reaching his damp pants...


    "Wendy."


    His voice, low and husky, sounded from above her head.


    Wendy kept wiping, focused. "What is it?"


    "Was that on purpose?"


    What?


    Wendy froze. When she saw the distinct outline on his trousers, her face flushed a deep red.


    She stepped back several paces. "Of course not..."


    9


    Stanley gave her a quick nce. “My clothes are wet. I''ll go take a shower. My assistant will bring me new clothes soon, and you can take them from him."


    With that, he turned and walked into the bathroom.


    The sound of water flowing soon echoed from behind the bathroom door. He was taking a shower.


    Wendy''s face was a fiery red. She didn''t do it on purpose. Why did he...


    Right then, a knock sounded at the door. Zayn had arrived.


    "Mrs. Hawk, these are Mr. Hawk''s clothes."


    "Okay."


    Wendy took the bag from him and pulled out the new shirt and trousers, His clothes were hand-washed by the


    *


    maid, soaked in fabric softener, and then ironed to perfection-stiff yet elegant. Wendy walked up to the bathroom door and knocked. "Your clothes are here."


    The sound of running water continued from inside, but Stanley''s deep voice came through. "Come in and leave them on the counter."


    She opened the door and stepped inside.


    He was in the shower, the frosted ss door obscuring him Wendy didn''t look in his direction as she ced the clothes on the counter. "I''ve ced them here."


    She turned to leave.


    But his voice stopped her. "Where''s the shower gel?".


    He was looking for the body wash.


    Today, she had ced her shower gel on the sink. Wendy picked it up and walked over to him. "It''s here."


    As the frosted ss door slid open, Wendy lowered her head, holding out the body wash.


    But Stanley didn''t take it.


    Her arm was growing tired.


    What was he doing?


    Wendy finally looked up, confused.


    And in that moment, her eyes met his. Stanley had a small, teasing smile on his


    lips as he looked at her. "Afraid to look at me?"!


    He was doing this on purpose!


    Wendy''s face burned brighter. "Forget it!"


    She turned to leave.


    But just as she did, Stanley grabbed her delicate wrist and pulled her into the bathroom.