Droplets of water slid down his defined abs, outlining every sculpted muscle. When he raised an eyebrow and caught me staring, I panicked and turned to leave, only to catch his amused gaze.
“Seen enough?” he teased.
I turned away quickly, my ears burning.
That night, he brought me a cup of calming tea. His voice was low and gentle.
“Do you remember that prank in high school?” he asked. “Someone posted in the class group saying they were so hungry they’d even eat leftover instant noodles.”
“Everyone laughed at how pathetic she sounded. But you, you messaged her privately.”
His gaze softened.
“And when you found out it was just a dare, the first thing you said was, ‘I’m relieved she wasn’t actually in trouble.’”
Bernard leaned in, eyes locking with mine.
“Eleanor, you’ve always been like this. Worrying about a stranger’s meal, mourning someone else’s sadness.”
I stared at his face, so close, so full of emotion.
His voice trembled slightly.
“You saved my life ten years ago. Now it’s my turn to return the favor.”
“Stop wasting your tears on people who never deserved them.”
My fingers brushed against his waist before I could stop myself. He let out a low grunt and suddenly scooped me into his arms.