Chapter 92

Chapter 92

The next morning.

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the gap in the curtains, illuminating the room.

Catherine was awakened by a faint tickling sensation. She groggily opened her eyes, and as her vision focused, she suddenly widened them in shock.

Richard's handsome face was inches away from hers, his breath gently brushing her forehead.

What startled her even more was that one of her arms was draped over his waist, and she was practically nestled in his embrace!

Last night... didn't they agree to "keep each other warm"? But wasn't this method of warming up a bit too... intimate?

She tried to pull her arm back as if she had touched a live wire, but a warm, large hand held it in place.

Richard had woken up at some point and was looking at her with a teasing glint in his eyes.

"Awake?" His voice was husky with the unique roughness of the morning, deep and pleasant. "Throwing yourself at me first thing in the morning, can't wait, huh?"

Catherine's face turned bright red, the blush spreading from her cheeks to her ears.

"I... I didn't!" She was both embarrassed and angry, trying to pull her hand back with force. "You... you moved closer to me!"

She distinctly remembered sleeping properly last night, keeping at least an arm's length away from him!

"Really?" Richard raised an eyebrow, not only not letting go but pulling her closer, their bodies almost touching, their heartbeats palpable. "Where's the evidence? All I know is, when I woke up, someone was clinging to me like an octopus."

His gaze fell on her arm draped over his waist, making his point clear.

Surrounded by his warm, masculine scent, with a faint hint of his body wash, Catherine felt her heart racing as if it would leap out of her chest. This guy, with his cool demeanor, how could he speak so... shamelessly!

"You're lying! I sleep very still!" Catherine retorted angrily, trying to break free from his grip, but his strength was astonishing.

"Really?" Richard chuckled, his chest vibrating, the sound sending shivers through Catherine's body. "Maybe even in your sleep, you lack a sense of security and need a solid support."

He patted his chest meaningfully.

Catherine was both ashamed and furious. Richard was definitely doing this on purpose! What mutual warmth, he was clearly taking advantage of her!

"Let go!" She glared at him, trying to look fierce, but under Richard's amused gaze, she seemed more like a paper tiger.

Richard found her flushed cheeks and watery eyes incredibly amusing. He let go of her hand, watching leisurely as she quickly retreated to the other side of the bed, pulling the blanket around herself, leaving only a pair of wary eyes peeking out at him.

"Alright, I won't tease you anymore." Richard sat up, stretching lazily, revealing his well-defined arms. "Get up, we have a lot to do today."

His tone returned to its usual calm, as if the person who had just spoken so frivolously wasn't him.

Catherine watched him nonchalantly throw off the blanket and get out of bed, heading to the bathroom, feeling a wave of frustration. He was the one taking advantage, yet it seemed like she was the one being unreasonable.

She punched the bed in frustration but couldn't help recalling the sensation of their bodies pressed together and his low laughter, her cheeks flushing again.

This guy, Richard, was too dangerous.

Downstairs in the dining room, Lucas sat at the head of the table, his expression dark. The butler stood by, keeping his eyes down.

The clock pointed to 9:30 when Richard finally strolled downstairs, holding Catherine's hand.

"Richard, what's going on? Do you know what time it is?" Lucas's tone was harsh, carrying the authority of an elder.

"Catherine was... a bit tired last night, not feeling well, so I let her sleep in a bit."

Richard's voice was just loud enough for everyone in the dining room to hear. His tone was ambiguous, with a deliberate emphasis on "tired. "

Catherine cooperatively lowered her head, her cheeks flushing at the right moment. Her fingers nervously twisted the hem of her clothes, looking shy and exhausted.

Lucas felt a surge of anger, almost fainting.

The implication of Richard's words was clear. He was showing off! Lucas suppressed his fury, his gaze like a knife cutting through Catherine. She was nothing but trouble!

Richard seemed oblivious to Lucas's expression, continuing, "Lucas, I remember Grandpa said that in the Smith family, as long as... as long as I have a son, he would be... the rightful heir, right?"

Lucas's facial muscles twitched, "Yes... Let's eat." He was just about to take back TY Group, and now they were already planning for an unborn son...

Breakfast ended in an awkward silence.

Back in the bedroom, Richard began changing clothes, deliberately slowing his movements. He took off his robe, revealing his well-defined, muscular back and broad shoulders.

Water droplets rolled down from his hair, tracing the contours of his bronze skin, disappearing into his waistband.

Catherine sat on the couch, pretending to look out the window, but her peripheral vision couldn't help but sneak glances.

She had to admit that Richard's physique was visually striking, full of strength and... temptation. Her face grew hot, and she quickly looked away, her heart skipping a beat.

Richard picked up a shirt, slowly putting it on, buttoning it halfway before picking up his trousers. He fumbled with the belt buckle as if he couldn't manage it.

He turned his head, looking at Catherine with a slightly helpless and dependent expression. "Catherine, this... is a bit tricky. Can you help me?"

Catherine sighed, "Stop pretending, act normal..."

Despite her words, she reluctantly walked over, keeping her eyes down, not daring to look directly at his partially open shirt and the chest beneath.

Her fingers inevitably brushed against his warm, firm skin, and she quickly pulled back as if burned, her cheeks instantly turning red.

"The buckle... is here." Her voice was barely audible.

Richard looked down at her flushed earlobe, a barely noticeable smile tugging at his lips. He straightened slightly, closing the distance between them, their breaths mingling.

Catherine felt her heart about to leap out of her chest. Fumbling to fasten his belt, she almost fled in panic.

Richard watched her retreating figure, the amusement in his eyes deepening.

Catherine needed to calm down, so she walked into the bathroom.

The warm water washed over her, taking away some of the heat. She closed her eyes, but the images from earlier kept flashing in her mind, and the sensation of touching his waist lingered.

After her shower, she reached for a towel but found nothing. Damn! In her flustered state, she had forgotten to bring clean clothes and a towel.

The bathroom was filled with steam. She hesitated for a moment, thinking Richard should be dressed and downstairs by now. She bit her lip and quietly opened the door a crack, peeking out.