She only wore a bathrobe before she entered. The staff informed her that the water had been changed overnight and no one had used it yet. They suggested going to the hot spring naked, but failed to mention that there would be other people there. From the looks of it, Ethan had indeed come in bare as well. She immediately wrapped her arms around her chest, feeling exposed all over her body. She lowered her head, avoiding eye contact with him.

The mist at the pond was too thick, obscuring anything beyond 15 feet. It was only later that she noticed Ethan. Bilan was also bare-chested, but he was wearing shorts. By the spring, there were even a few bottles of premium alcohol and some fruits. He certainly knew how to enjoy life. Had Grace been completely naked, she might have greeted them with ease. However, she was a bit far from where she had entered the water. In order to retrieve her bathrobe, she would have to pass by them.

Grace hesitated and quietly planned her escape. Ethan's hair was dripping with water as he slowly opened his eyes. Grace shifted uncomfortably, trying not to offend him. The distance between them was so close she could feel his breath. His face and physique were so perfect that they seemed almost unreal, especially in such a misty setting.

She stole glances at him several times, only realizing she had been staring at him for a full minute after hearing him ask, "Have you seen enough?" There was probably nothing more embarrassing than being naked, so she managed to calm down at that moment. "It's just an appreciation of beauty. Mt. Henderson, you've definitely..." After considering her words, she suddenly remembered that Bilan was also there, imperiling her. She immediately fell silent and gazed at the water in confusion.

She heard a soft laugh, low and gentle. At first, she thought it was her imagination, but when she turned her head, she saw Ethan smiling at her from the corner. His smile was subtle, his eyes locked with hers as he handed her a bathrobe. "It's mine. Put it on now," he said in a pleasant voice. She blushed realizing he had seen her without it earlier. Her cheeks flushed, and she hurriedly put on the bathrobe, tying it tightly.

Follow new episodes on the CrushnovelS.Com

There was nothing special in his eyes since he wasn't interested in women. Thinking back on his impression of... Later, by the edge of the spring, she addressed Andrew respectfully. "Andrew, the fool left..." Underwater, she couldn't hear Eluris's conversation clearly but let out a relaxed sigh. She put together that the people who put sulfur in Southbrook were sent by Arshew. Chaos was everywhere. Did they need to intervene? Grace, who was in the water, felt like the odd one out.

She gestured to Tim, "You may leave." Tim was puzzled but left anyway. As soon as he was gone, Ethan approached. Grace immediately panicked and gasped, wishing she could disappear as she felt his breathing quicken. She quickly grabbed the edge of the spring, trying to get out, but her footing was unsure. Coupled with her nerves, her hand slipped. Ethan grabbed her by the waist, and they both fell back into the water, creating a loud splash. His voice echoed in her ears.

"Why are you in such a hurry?" With them being so close, it was hard for her not to have improper thoughts. She pushed him away quickly, trying to maintain a distance. But when her hand touched his warm skin, it felt as though she was taking advantage of him. Ethan's eyes darkened when he saw her hands resting on his chest. The space between them was filled with tension. With his arms around her waist, she seemed very petite.

In that moment, Grace suddenly understood that no matter how sexually abstinent Ethan was, he was still a man with normal physiological needs. If he did not respond in such a situation, he would be impotent. But as it turned out, he was quite a healthy man. A feeling that if she kept moving, she couldn't be sure what would happen next overwhelmed her. Thus, she instantly stayed still and stopped acting recklessly.

He firmly tightened his grip on her waist, slowly leaned forward, and rested his chin on her shoulder. In a softer tone, he said, "Stop moving around." Hearing that, Grace froze as if her entire body was enveloped by his breath. In that moment, he was dominant, gentle, aloof, and forceful - all at the same time. His breath seemed to weave a cage that entrapped her.