Chapter 55 Taking a Bath

"Shut up!" A cold, familiar voice echoed from above.

I blinked in shock, staring at the man sharing the tub with me. Eric? What the hell was he doing here?

Before I could ask, Eric casually sat up, his eyes locked on me with a possessive glint.

I bit my lip, suddenly realizing I was completely naked. Did he see everything?

Panicking, I sank deeper into the water, crossing my arms over my chest. "You creep! Sneaking into the tub in the middle of the night without a sound, what are you up to?"

Eric raised an eyebrow, his tone amused. "Emily, you barged in here, and now you're blaming me?"

Okay, maybe I did just walk in.

Eric chuckled, reaching out to pull me into his arms.

Our bodies pressed together, making me freeze. He was naked too.

I covered my face, squirming. "Eric, it's late, and you're not fully recovered. Jonathan said you need rest. Don't do anything crazy."

His long hair brushed against my chin as he laughed softly.

It tickled, and I reached out to touch it. It felt so nice. How did he keep it so perfect?

Eric lifted my chin, his voice gentle. "I really don't know how your dirty mind got you into college."

Before I could snap back, he hooked his arm around my waist and lifted me.

I yelped as he pulled down a towel and draped it over my head.

Everything went dark, but Eric could still see.

"Eric, you're doing this on purpose. Close your eyes; don't look." I struggled, my hands finding his cool lips.

Eric froze, then kissed my hand lightly.

The spot where he kissed felt like it was on fire.

Just as I was about to pull away, he bit my pinky finger hard. "This is your punishment for taking advantage of me."

A shiver ran through me.

Before I could feel embarrassed, he added, "I've seen every part of your body. What's there to be shy about?"

Under the towel, I mumbled, "It's just different."

Eric asked, "What?"

I muttered, "You've seen me naked, but I haven't had the chance to see you yet. It's not fair."

Outside the towel, Eric held me with one hand.

He heard my muttering clearly and found it amusing.

When he heard the last part, he noticed the faint blush on my exposed skin.

Eric's lips curled up, his mood lifting.

The moment he tossed me onto the bed, I rolled into the covers as fast as I could.

Once I was securely wrapped, I looked up at Eric.

"You're so quick, not giving me a chance to see anything. So stingy." I pouted, watching him already in a robe.

Eric squinted, then casually picked up a nightgown matching his robe.

He tossed the silk nightgown in front of me. It was backless with spaghetti straps. Super sexy.

I didn't really want to wear it. "Can I change to another one?"

Eric glanced at me, "Then just sleep like this."

He was a man of his word. Not wanting to give him the satisfaction, I quickly slipped into the nightgown.

After I lay down, Eric pulled me into his arms. "Where did you go in the middle of the night?"

I stiffened. "Just went out for a walk."

"Really? Then who was the lover you met?" His voice turned icy.

His accusation made all the pent-up frustration spill out.

I sat up and glared at him.

Under his cool gaze, I spilled everything that happened tonight, including the run-in with Amelia.

When I got to the part about the mark on my back and the bite from the little white snake, tears started streaming down my face.

I was crying so hard I could barely breathe, and I even started blaming Eric. "When I was alone in the cemetery tonight, I was scared out of my mind. The gatekeeper kept questioning me. That cemetery was so creepy; if I hadn't been clutching the ring you gave me, I don't think I would've had the courage to run out."

I continued, "When the little white snake bit me, I wished you were there. Eric, it hurt so much. I was so sad. Why do you only care when there's someone else around me? You're so amazing. How could I think about anyone else?"

I cried until I was exhausted and just lay in Eric's arms.

Eric swallowed all his questions, his hands stiff, his deep eyes filled with pain.

He gently patted my back, trying to comfort me. "Alright, don't cry. I won't doubt you anymore."

I took a deep breath but still shook my head.

Eric asked helplessly, "Then what will it take for you to believe me?"

I raised my tear-streaked face and said, "Unless you kiss me, I'll believe you. Otherwise, you must dislike me and don't trust me at all, because you always doubt me."

As soon as I finished speaking, Eric's handsome face was in front of me. Then, a cool sensation brushed across my lips.

By the time I realized it, Eric was already semi-reclining against the headboard, his arm casually draped over my shoulder. "Are you satisfied now?"

I touched my lips in a daze, feeling like Eric's scent was still lingering there. He was really gentle just now.

"Be good; lie down." Eric patted my shoulder, his tone indifferent.

I pressed my lips together and obediently leaned into his arms.

As I lay down, Eric checked the wound on my back. Seeing the small mark, his face darkened. "Doing this right under my nose, they must have a death wish. It seems they knew I took medicine and was resting yesterday; otherwise, they wouldn't dare be so bold."

Hearing this, I quickly looked at him. "Yeah, Jonathan said you need at least two more days to fully recover. How did you wake up tonight?"

Eric pinched my face. "I was worried some idiot would be deceived."

He was implying something, but I felt a warmth inside.

It seemed Eric wasn't completely unconcerned about me. It looked like he was actually quite worried about me.

"How much do you know about Willie?" Eric changed the subject.

I blinked. "He said his mom and my mom were friends."

Eric pinched my face harder. "You believed that?"

I quickly waved my hand. "Of course not. I don't remember anything he said, and my mom was acting strange at that time. We'll talk about it when we go back to my hometown. I'll keep my guard up around him for now."