Chapter 324 No Hiding What the Heart Wants

Chapter 324 No Hiding What the Heart Wants

As he spoke, his warm breath drifted across her skin, making the delicateskin along her neck tremble. The intimate sensation traveled downward, following the curve of her throat.

Perhaps it was the pull of Michael's low, rough voice, but the small patch of skin where his lips had brushed seemed toburn,heat blooming beneath the surface.

Amelia tilted her head slightly, her voice soft. "Okay."

She didn't completely understand what Michael had arranged.

Before coming here, she had checked the reviews for this hot spring inn—nearly every comment mentioned how crowded it became each night, guests packed in.

Yet tonight, the place was empty, as if the entire property existed solely for them.

She suspected Michael had paid a high price to reserve the whole venue.

Orval, Dorian, and Asher had already wandered off to the other pools. Seeing Amelia nod, Michael bent down and lifted her into his arms in one fluid motion.

No one else was near.

The moment he lifted her, Amelia looped her arms around his neck, his name falling from her lips instinctively. "Michael..."

For once, Michael didn't answer.

Something about him felt off tonight.

Usually he was gentle, controlled. Now there was an edge to him—a rare intensity she wasn't used to.

His expression was unreadable, his posture tense as he carried her straight toward the private couples' pool.

The couples' section was tucked away in the deepest corner of the inn—one room, one bath, completely secluded.

The room required a key for entry. Amelia had no idea when Michael had obtained it.

Once inside, a path of black marble and smooth river stones stretched before them, flanked by tasteful displays of greenery and delicate flowers.

At the center of the room sat the couples' pool, steam rising from its surfacein gentle curls.

White gauze curtains hung in layers around it, intertwining with the mist to create an atmosphere that felt private and intensely intimate.

Through the window beside the pool, she could glimpse the view outside—moonlit trees barely visible through the fog, making the interior feel even more hidden.

"What's wrong with you? You seem off tonight."

Amelia raised her hand to his handsome profile, her finger tapping gently at his cheek.

Michael remained silent, simply carrying her to the edge of the pool and placing her down on the stone rim.

The water looked deep, the amber lighting making it impossible to spot the bottom.

Amelia braced herself with her hands, lowering onto the submerged stone bench. The moment her body sank into the steaming water, heat surrounded her completely.



The water level reached just above her shoulders.

The sensation was incredible.

At first her muscles clenched, the initial contact almost scalding.

But within seconds her body adjusted to the temperature, her nerves gradually relaxing.

Gentle ripples lapped against her skin as the heated water held her, lifting her body with a buoyancy that brought relief from the core out.

Without thinking, Amelia rested back against the pool wall, tilting her head and closing her eyes to enjoy the rare moment of peace.

The next second, she felt cool fingers curl around her chin.

Her eyes flew open to find his gaze locked on hers, softened by the steam.

Those eyes still held their familiar depth, but tonight they seemed almost unreadable—as if some hidden flame flickered behind them, burning with a heat that was both fierce and hardly restrained.

"Michael?"

"You—mmph..."

At some point Michael had joined her in the pool. Unlike her, he was on his feet.

He stood before her, the water reaching just past his waist.

His fingers gripped her chin firmly. The moment she opened her eyes, he leaned down and pressed his mouth to hers in a consuming kiss.

Michael's upper body was bare, his powerful build gleaming with a golden sheen under the soft lighting.

His broad chest, defined abs, narrow waist, and the sculpted muscles of his arms—every inch of him was desire incarnate.

The kiss deepened, their bodies pressed close, temperatures rising in unison.

Michael's arm circled her waist, pulling hercloser against him. His palm roamed across her back before sliding purposefully elsewhere.

The kiss was searing, stealing every bit of air from her lungs.

Amelia arched her neck, her arms curled around his back, her nails dragging across his skin hard enough to leave pale marks—the only way to win herself a brief gasp of oxygen.

She looked up at him, her eyes glassy—whether from the kiss or the steam, she couldn't tell—the cornerstinged pink.

Michael's control was clearly slipping.

His chest heaved, his desire impossible to conceal.

Amelia drew a shaky breath, steadying slightly from the intensity. She tightened her hold around his waist and turned her head to sink her teeth into his shoulder.

The sharp sting made him still, his eyes lifting to hers.

"What's wrong?" Her hand followed the line of his throat, the gesture somewhere between calming and questioning. "Tell me. Why are you acting like this so suddenly?"

Amelia knew her lover all too well.

Normally, Michael was the model of restraint. But just now, his aggression and possessiveness had been undeniable.

Michael didn't answer straight away. After several seconds, he pressed his forehead to her shoulder, his voice hollow and rough.

"Why were you so interested in a guy you just met?"

"A guy I just met?" Amelia blinked, confused for a moment before understanding hit. "You mean Seth?"

Michael made a low sound of agreement. He didn't lift his head, but his tone carried an unmistakable note of pain.

"So you're jealous because I was asking about Seth?" she couldn't help but ask.

Michael's arms held her tighter.

He didn't respond, which was reply enough.

Amelia exhaled softly, surprised that this had affected him so much. She ran her fingers through his damp, disheveled hair and explained quietly.

"I know this sounds strange, but when I first saw Seth, I thought he resembled my mother."

"I was asking Orval about Seth's parents and background because I wanted to know if there might be some link to her."

"Your mother?"

At that, Michael finally raised his head, surprise crossing his features.