"What else do you want?" Janelle's tone was cool.
"Your hair's still wet. Sleeping like that will give you a headache tomorrow." He pulled her to sit on the bed. Then he went into the bathroom, grabbed a fresh dry towel, and stood behind her, patiently drying her hair.
Janelle sat on the edge of the bed. He stood before her, close enough that if she opened her eyes, she'd see the perfect lines of his physique through the thin fabric of his loungewear.
Once her hair was mostly dry, Erik tossed the towel onto a nearby sofa.
"Ready to sleep now?"
"If you are, I can blow-dry it the rest of the way."
"I'm not sleeping yet."
"Can't sleep? Or is it because you napped in the car?"
"Just not tired. Go do what you need to. Don't worry about me." She was perfectly content alone.
Erik reached out his hand. "Come on. Taking you somewhere."
"Now?" Rain still lashed the windows outside.
"Yes. Now." Seeing her hesitation, he simply grasped her hand and pulled her up.
The villa's rooftop held a stunning glass conservatory. Inside bloomed a vibrant array of flowers. Raindrops pattered against the crystal-like glass roof, while inside, a riot of colors flourished. Nestled among the blossoms was a pristine white swing. The whole scene looked lifted from a fairy tale.
Erik led Janelle's hand into the sea of flowers. "Like it?"
Janelle settled onto the swing. Who didn't have a little princess hidden deep down?
"Erik, this place is truly beautiful." Like a crystal palace from a storybook, everything here was enchanting.
"It is beautiful."
"Who did you build it for?" This wasn't just wealth; it spoke of immense care and dedication.
"My mother cultivated this herself."
"Oh." Janelle sat on the swing, gently swaying. She didn't press further. Between them, it was attraction, physical pull. Best not to weave in other threads.
Erik sat cross-legged on the floor beside the swing. Outside, a downpour raged. Inside the glass sanctuary, it was peaceful, serene.
Janelle didn't speak. She sat on the swing, absorbing the beauty. His mother must have been a very happy woman. Only true happiness could nurture such a place.
Erik noticed a nearby white rose blooming perfectly. He picked the finest one and offered it to her.
Janelle accepted the rose.
"For you. Come on, time for bed." She'd had a long day, only a brief nap. She must be exhausted.
Erik stood before her.
"Mm." In such a beautiful, intimate setting, Janelle half-expected something more to happen. Yet, Erik truly did nothing further.
Erik personally escorted her back to the master bedroom. Janelle stood inside the doorway; Erik stood outside.
"Goodnight." His gaze was intense, fixed on her.
"Goodnight." Janelle replied. He still didn't leave. She raised an eyebrow. What else did this man want?
The next instant, he stepped close. His hands found her waist, pulling her firmly against him. He lowered his head and captured her lips in a kiss.
"..." No wonder he was staring at my lips. He definitely wanted things unsuitable for minors.
The heat of his hands seeped through the thin robe, branding her skin.
The butler, coming upstairs to ask about supper, witnessed the scene: their young master pinning the girl against the doorframe, engaged in a fiery kiss. The old man blushed. His young master, famously aloof with women… this was the first time he'd seen him so utterly unguarded. Am I getting old? So this was how young people kissed these days, sparks flying? If Madam knew the young master had a girlfriend, she could rest easy. Silently, the old butler retreated. He absolutely would not disturb the young people.
Erik genuinely wanted to push her down onto the bed right then. Yet, he restrained himself. He didn't want her to think he only wanted to sleep with her. If that were the case, countless eager young women were available. What he wanted was her willing surrender.
He released her, scooped her up in his arms, and deposited her gently onto the bed.
"Goodnight," he murmured softly near her ear. Then he turned and left the master bedroom. Tonight, this room belonged solely to her.
"..."
Erik was ruthless with others, and equally demanding of himself! The desire was palpable, yet he could master it and walk away.
Sitting on the bed, watching him close the door, Janelle unconsciously licked her lips where he'd kissed her. The man certainly knew how to tempt.
After leaving the master bedroom, Erik headed straight for the gym. His pent-up energy had nowhere else to go. He channeled it into lifting weights. An hour on the treadmill, an hour lifting – only then did the urge to possess her subside.
His loungewear was soaked through.
Janelle hadn't meant to tempt him. She'd slept a little, woken thirsty, and gone searching for water. Unfamiliar with the villa's layout, she wandered. The butler was asleep; she didn't want to disturb him. Then she encountered Erik, freshly showered and in his robe, accidentally bumping right into his chest.
"What's wrong? What do you need?" The girl had collided with him willingly; he had no intention of letting go. He held her tight.
Janelle tried to push back slightly. This man… freshly showered Erik was hard to resist. Such a specimen – truly, who could refuse?
"Thirsty. Came out for water. Erik, let go. You're too hot."
"Come on, I'll get you water." He'd rushed her here today; he hadn't shown her around. Erik guided her downstairs, settled her on the sofa, and went to boil water himself.
"Cold water's fine."
"No. Your stomach. Warm water only." He boiled the water, but it was scalding hot, undrinkable.
He brought two glasses to the coffee table and sat beside her. He wore only the robe, slightly open, revealing the hard planes of his chest.
"Why aren't you asleep?" He'd already showered once. Was his cleanliness obsession this extreme?
"A certain little vixen kept me awake. Went to lift weights." Erik noticed her lips looked dry. He picked up one glass and gently blew on the steaming water.
"..." Honestly, he didn't need to be quite so meticulous.
Erik felt his cold shower had been wasted. The girl wore only a simple white nightgown, her hair cascading down her back – an image of ultimate temptation. It sent his thoughts wandering down dangerous paths.