Chapter 1025

The car came to a smooth stop in the underground garage. Hazel was just about to open her eyes when Frederick had already circled to her side, unfastened her seatbelt, and slid a strong, firm arm beneath her knees, effortlessly lifting her into his arms. She lingered in the comforting warmth of his embrace, breathing in the subtle, woody scent that clung to him, reluctant to open her eyes just yet. So she let him carry her all the way into the elevator and back home. Once inside, Frederick gently laid her down on her bed, carefully removed her shoes, adjusted the air conditioning to the perfect temperature, and tucked her in under the covers. She was acutely aware of every one of his movements, and the defenses she had painstakingly built up on the ride home were on the verge of crumbling. How could this man be so irresistibly alluring? Her heart began to race again, completely beyond her control. Just then, Frederick’s cool lips brushed against her forehead, and his deep, magnetic voi