Chapter 13 - My Waist Is Numb

Rhysand finally turned and walked away, leaving Ariel to finish changing.

Her heart raced as she realized he had probably seen her. His gaze had been so direct, like he could see right through her.

Her cheeks burned, and she felt a bit flustered.

Last night, she had slept on the floor, but in the middle of the night, Rhysand had picked her up and put her on the bed with him.

She thought about it and decided that if she slept on the floor again tonight, it would be like she didn't appreciate everything he had done for her.

So, she grabbed two pillows and placed them on the bed, her heart pounding nervously. Jessica's words echoed in her mind: _"The colder the guy, the more passionate he gets when he opens up."_

Ariel's eyelashes fluttered, and her cheeks grew hotter just thinking about it.

This morning, Rhysand had changed clothes right in front of her, and she was so embarrassed that she ran away.

She had to admit, though, that Rhysand had the most perfect body she had ever seen.

Thin in clothes, but once he took them off, all muscle.

When he wore his black suit, he looked so cool and sophisticated, even better than those guys on the runway.

But as soon as he got home and changed into his tight T-shirt, his strong, muscular physique was on full display.

His eight-pack abs were so defined that it was hard for Ariel to breathe.

She had only been with him for a short time, but she was already overwhelmed by how perfect he was.

Just as she was thinking, the door opened.

Rhysand had finished his shower and returned to his room. He sat at the desk with his laptop to handle some work.

He was now wearing a black T-shirt, his short hair still damp, and for some reason, he didn't seem as cold. Actually, he looked really handsome.

Ariel felt nervous, pretending to tidy up the room beside him.

She poured him a cup of coffee and brought him some fruit, sneaking glances at his face, wondering if he was like what her friend had said.

Rhysand took a sip of the coffee and glanced at Ariel out of the corner of his eye.

She thought he didn't notice her, but he could see her stealing glances. She was acting weird tonight.

When Rhysand looked over, Ariel was standing on her tiptoes, hanging up clothes.

The white cotton nightgown she wore barely covered her knees, and her legs were long and straight.

His eyes paused for a second before he turned away and went back to work.

He wasn't usually interested in girls, but for some reason, he couldn't concentrate.

He stopped typing and rubbed his forehead.

It was strange having someone else around.

He usually worked just fine alone, but now, with Ariel walking around in a nightgown, it was hard to focus.

When he came in earlier, she had just changed, revealing only a little bit of her waist.

He looked down at his hand, remembering how Ariel had kicked him a bunch of times last night.

He had gotten so annoyed that he pulled her over and hugged her. Her waist had been really soft, even softer than he expected.

Steven looked over at Ariel again. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, folding his shirt.

The light from the lamp shone on her face, making her look extra pretty. A few strands of her hair fell over her collarbone.

He accidentally knocked something off the table, and papers went everywhere.

"I'll help," Ariel said quickly. She put down the shirt and helped him pick up the scattered papers.

As she turned to leave, she bumped into the table and stumbled.

Before she knew it, she fell straight into Rhysand's lap.

Ariel was so embarrassed, especially with how close they were. Her face turned red as she tried to get up, but she couldn't move.

"My waist is numb… I can't move…" she whispered, her face turning even redder.

Rhysand stayed still, like a statue, and she was so flustered she couldn't even think straight.

His cold trousers pressed against her leg, and she thought he must be judging her.

Then, unexpectedly, Rhysand placed his hand on her lower back and gently pressed.

Suddenly, her back felt better, and she let out a little gasp before quickly covering her mouth.