Charlotte lifted her gaze to Sean, tilting her lips into a faint smirk. Since you canceled tomorrow’s schedule just to come back. and explain yourself, I’ll forgive you. But…”
She paused for a beat.
“But what?” he asked.
“But you upset me. I’m still angry,” she said seriously. “Zoe has bad intentions. I want her fired.”
Sean didn’t hesitate for a second. “That’s already done. She’ll pay for what she did tonight.”
Charlotte’s voice turned cold. “For the next two weeks, I don’t want to see you.”
“That’s not happening,” he shot back immediately.
His voice was low and smooth. “Two weeks is too long. Not seeing you feels like a lifetime.”
“That’s not my problem.” Her tone stayed icy.
“Then give me another option.”
“No negotiating,” she said flatly. “Now go. I’m going to sleep.”
“Lottie…”
“Remember, two weeks. If you don’t keep that promise, I’ll never speak to you again.”
Two weeks later, Charlotte and her friends arrived at the resort, a property owned entirely by the Riley family.
Its breathtaking scenery drew visitors year–round, and the sprawling estate offered luxurious accommodations, endless activities, and secluded areas reserved for private use.
One of those hidden spaces was Charlotte’s personal bathhouse.
Tucked inside a traditional courtyard and surrounded by a quiet bamboo grove, it felt like a world apart. Birds sang in the branches, flowers bloomed in bursts of color, and the warm air carried the faint, sweet scent of summer.
Beneath the bamboo eaves, the pool shimmered with clear, spring–fed water, its surface sprinkled with soft rose petals., In the heavy heat of midsummer, it was the perfect retreat–a place where coolness lingered in the air and time seemed to slow.
It was eight o’clock in the evening.
Charlotte was soaking in the pool, completely bare, with the moonlight spilling over her porcelain skin.
Her dark hair was loosely pinned up, a few damp strands clinging to the back of her neck. Her pale shoulders rose above the water, while the rest of her figure remained hidden beneath the rippling surface. Soft, soothing instrumental music drifted through the courtyard, mingling with the night air.
Sean stepped quietly into the courtyard, following the shadowed bamboo path until he reached the edge of the pool.
For a moment, he simply stood there, taking in the sight before him.
Charlotte’s eyes were closed, her expression calm as she soaked under the moonlight. Then she opened them, and their gazes locked.
“What are you doing here?” Her brows drew together. She was naked in the bath, and he had just walked straight in.
“Two weeks are up. I couldn’t wait any longer.” His voice was low and rough.
“Couldn’t you wait until I was finished?” she murmured.
1/3
Chapter 514
+15 BONUS
“No,”
He untied his robe and stepped into the water, moving slowly down the stone steps toward her.
“What do you think you’re doing?” she asked, her tone wary.
“Joining you.”
She instinctively tried to back away, but he caught her and pulled her into his arms.
Their skin touched, and the heat radiating from his body was almost overwhelming. His eyes were dark with desire. A soft gasp escaped her lips, only fanning the flames in hint.
With moonlight glinting in his gaze, he said softly, “The moon’s beautiful tonight.”
Charlotte pressed her lips together and didn’t answer.
A moment later, he lowered his head to kiss her.
She quickly turned away and whispered, “Don’t. Mia and Lena are right next door. This courtyard is open–air, and it’s not soundproof.”
Sean let out a low chuckle, the sound vibrating in his chest. She could feel every shift of his breath against her.
When she tried to step back, he only tightened his grip on her waist, holding her firmly in place.
.
