Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 558

As the towel brushed against my neck, it no longer felt as cool as before. Maybe it had absorbed my body heat, or perhaps Nicholas' hands were even hotter than my feverish skin.

His Adam's apple bobbed visibly, the sound of him swallowing echoing in the quiet room. When he spoke again, his voice was hoarse.

"Let me wipe you down. You'll feel more comfortable without all the sweat sticking to you."

He gently tugged at my collar. A faint blush spread across his cheeks as he caught a glimpse of my skin. He immediately tilted his head back and closed his eyes. His lashes quivered lightly as if he was struggling more than I was.

The sunlight streaming in bathed him. It cast a glow on his faintly red ears, making them appear almost translucent. For a moment, it wasn't just him who felt their heart stir.

"Nicholas!" I weakly pushed his hand away, my voice more like an after-sex breathless complaint than a firm protest.

His chest heaved, and his breathing grew heavier. He opened his eyes, shooting me a warning look.

"Don't move. This is for your own good. If you really don't want me touching you, get better faster. Otherwise, you'll have no choice but to let me do as I please."

As Nicholas recalled those blissful days from the past, his movements became almost reluctant to stop. If it weren't for my weakened state, he might have been even bolder.

His words were undeniably shameless. But when I caught the flicker of unease and embarrassment in his usually inscrutable dark eyes, I found myself unable to respond with the harsh words I'd intended.

"I'll do it myself!" I was both embarrassed and flustered. But no matter how hard I tried, I didn't have the strength to stop him as he continued to wipe my body.

Thankfully, Nicholas knew where to restrain himself. After finishing with my back, he quickly retreated to the bathroom. He only emerged when the doctor rang the doorbell.

He led the doctor inside with a calm demeanor, while my flushed face betrayed the storm of emotions still lingering.