Chapter 75

Cecilia Alpha Sebastian remained motionless, his deep amber eyes studying me with an intensity that made my skin tingle. I avoided meeting his gaze directly. Every time our eyes connected, I quickly looked away, focusing instead on the elegant line of his collarbone visible through the partially open robe. Our gazes were misaligned - him watching my face, me staring at his chest. The seconds ticked by in the quiet room, and still, he made no move to remove his clothing. My anxiety grew with each passing moment. Surely he didn't expect me to... Unable to bear the tension any longer, I lifted my eyes briefly before blurting out, "I'll help you undress!" [It was just changing bandages, for heaven's sake! Better to get it over with quickly than prolong this awkwardness!] Not waiting for his response, I leaned forward, reaching for his chest. My hands hesitated just above the smooth silk of his robe, my fingers finally pressing against the firm warmth of his pectoral muscles. Time stopped.