My thoughts were scattered again.
I tried to resist, but he was so strong that he completely overpowered me.
All my efforts to resist were useless, and I ended up facing him.
âWhy are you so cold?â Caleb asked, his voice low and his expression unhappy.
I felt a twinge of guilt under his intense stare.
Could I really tell him that I had taken a cold shower on purpose to clear my head and avoid being tempted by him?
It was too embarrassing to admit.
I pursed my lips and quickly made up an excuse.
âThe water heater seemed to be broken when I was showering.
I couldnât get any hot water, so I had to use cold water.
â
After saying that, I quickly wrapped myself in the bedcover, trembling.
Caleb blinked, then sighed and pulled me into his arms.
The warmth from his body seemed to chase away the coldness in mine.
His familiar scent and the warmth of his embrace made me feel safe and relaxed.
Slowly, my body warmed up and the shivering stopped.
But Caleb continued to hold me, resting his head on my shoulder.
His warm breath tickled my ears, stirring my emotions.
Despite my attempts to remain composed, my heart was once again fluttering uncontrollably.
Calebâs voice turned husky as he said, âDebra, I wonât pressure you anymore.
You can tell me anything, but please donât hurt yourself.
â
My heart skipped a beat.
Did he doubt the truth of what I had just said? Did he think I was avoiding intimacy by harming myself to keep him from touching me?
That idea was absurd.
I would never do such a thing, and it certainly wasnât my intention.
I opened my lips and explained to him, âItâs not what youâre thinking.
â
Caleb didnât respond verbally.
Instead, he just held me close and gently stroked my hair.
I had to admit, I was inexplicably drawn to him.
Even his smallest gestures could make my heart beat faster.
Just as I was about to explain further, he suddenly released me and got out of bed.
He turned to face me and said, âIâll stay at a hotel.
You get some rest.
â
I glanced at the time on my phone.
It was almost midnight.
It wasnât safe to go out at this hour.
Besides, it was quite possible that the witch clanâs patrolmen might arrest Caleb as a suspicious person.