The scent of gardenias was the most prominent, a familiar fragrance that soothed her frenzied heart as she detected the rhythmic throb of the man''s heartbeat within his chest.


    Quinn extended her arms, wrapping them around his sturdy waist, and buried her face in hisforting embrace, greedily inhaling his scent.


    In response, Alexander held her close, his hand gently stroking her back in a silent reassurance.


    After a period of time that seemed both eternal and fleeting, the trembling figure in his arms finally stilled. Alexander gently released her and whispered, "Why don''t you go sleep in the bedroom?" Lifting her gaze to meet his, Quinn''s eyes were a stormy sea of red and watery, silently questioning him if he intended to leave her alone.


    With a tender touch, he wiped away the tears pooling at the corners of her eyes and murmured, "I''ll stay with you."


    With those words, he scooped Quinn into his arms and carried her into the bedroom.


    He pulled back the pristine white sheets on the bed, gentlyying her down. He then moved to the closet, retrieving a nket which he carefully draped over Quinn.


    Throughout this, Quinn''s gaze never left him, her eyes tracking his every movement around the room, as if fearful he would disappear.


    Catching her anxious gaze, Alexander reassured her, "You sleep first. I''ll take a quick shower."


    He grabbed a robe and pushed open the bathroom door, the sound of running water soon filling the room.


    Gradually, Quinn''s grip on the corner of the nket loosened. Her eyes slowly closed, the storm raging outside no longer instilling the same fear within her.


    In the past, whenever thunder roared, he was always there. Quinn knew that as long as he was home, she had nothing to fear.


    However, the tumult outside was still deafening. Despite the soundproof ss doors, the muffled rumble of thunder was audible.


    asionally, shes of lightning would prate the room, visible even with her eyes shut.


    To shield herself, she pulled the nket over her head.


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    After a while, the sound of water rushing in the bathroom began to lull her, her body rxing as sleep started to im her.


    The bed dipped beside her, a cool breeze slipping under the nket, followed by a colder touch tracing her face and body.


    Quinn''s eyes fluttered open, greeted by the sight of a handsome face.


    Alexander''s icy fingers gently brushed her cheek before slipping under the nket, encircling her waist and drawing her into his embrace.


    Quinn studied him, trying to decipher his intentions.


    Unsure if the man before her was a figment of her imagination, she mustered her courage and reached out to touch his cheek.


    His skin was soft and warm, the sensation akin to touching a living, breathing person.


    Alexander caught her hand and stared at her expressionlessly.


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Their eyes remained locked for a long moment before he finally broke the silence, his tone unreadable, "Quinn, what is it that you want?"


    Taken aback by his question, Quinn''s gaze flickered, confusion clouding her eyes.


    Alexander continued to stare at her, his silence hanging heavy in the air, as if he was awaiting her response.


    Quinn averted her gaze, pressing her face against his chest, and nestled deeper into his embrace, her arms tightly wound around his waist.


    She closed her eyes, the sound of his steady heartbeat lulling her into a sense of tranquility.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    It was as if the raging storm outside had receded, reced by a serene calm. Alexander didn''t push her away, instead, he held her close, his gaze thoughtful as he stared out the window. The floor-to-ceiling window mirrored their entwined figures on the bed.


    Quinn drifted off to sleep in his arms. It had been a long time since she had experienced such peaceful slumber, her dreams filled with pleasant images. In her dreams, Alexander morphed into a brown teddy bear, holding her close with a gentle, soft embrace.


    Quinn couldn''t fathom why she dreamt such a dream, but she clung to the bear, refusing to let go, as if it was her lifeline. Perhaps she held on too tightly, for the bear suddenly lowered its head and kissed her.