?Chapter 848:


    But before she could take a single step, the bathroom door suddenly swung open. In one swift motion, Nate caught her wrist and pulled her inside.


    The door mmed shut behind them with a resounding bang. Corrine’s back hit the smooth wood, and in the next breath, she found herself trapped, facing Nate.


    Her pulse stuttered. “What are you doing?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Her eyshes fluttered as she struggled to hold his gaze.


    The confined space, the steamy warmth of the bathroom—it was too easy to imagine things taking a turn she was not prepared for.


    Her heart pounded against her ribs.


    “Help me take it off.” Nate’s voice was low, deliberate. He guided her hand to his shirt cor.


    A quiet exhale left her lips as warmth bloomed across her cheeks. Her fingers trembled slightly as she undid the first button, and then another.


    With each movement, more of his sculpted chest came into view—chiseled lines, toned muscle, a stark contrast to the cool detachment he usually wore like armor. Tonight, however, something in his demeanor had shifted. He was untamed, raw.


    Corrine’s breath hitched as she fought the absurd urge to trail her fingers along the defined ridges of his torso.


    Nate’s dark eyes burned with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. A predator savoring the sight of his prey.


    Slowly, his fingers traced along her cheek before gliding to the delicate curve behind her ear. “You are sweating again,” he murmured.


    Corrine stiffened. She needed to regain control. Forcing aposed expression, she cleared her throat. “I should go now,” she said, though her voice betrayed her unease.


    But just as she attempted to turn, his handnded firmly on her waist, keeping her close.


    Even through the thin fabric of her dress, she felt the warmth of his palm. Her heart pounded wildly, a frantic rhythm she could not control. Instinct took over as she pressed her hands against his chest, desperate to create distance.


    Th3n r34d th3 l3g1t v3rs10n: g4ln0v3ls.c0m.


    “Why leave so soon?” Nate’s voice held a teasing lilt. “Join me for another shower.”


    Corrine’s eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat.


    She gave a hasty shake of her head. “No, I have things to do. I will not disturb you,” she blurted.


    Without giving him a chance to respond, she twisted out of his hold, slipping away like a fish escaping a. She did not dare to nce back as she darted out of the bathroom. A deep chuckle followed her retreat.


    Corrine all but dove onto the bed, yanking the covers over her head as she tried to calm her racing heart. Taking a shower with him? The mere thought made her skin tingle with embarrassment.


    The sound of running water drifted from the bathroom, filling the quiet room. She bit her lip, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. She threw off the nkets and tiptoed toward the walk-in closet. She rummaged through the shelves, searching for the box Karina had given her, but it was nowhere to be found.


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