Chapter 396

"I'm just uncomfortable," Liam murmured, his voice strained.

Evelyn assumed he meant his injury. "I'll be gentle and avoid your wound," she promised softly, her fingers already dipping into the warm bathwater.

Liam's brow furrowed. "Don't you understand?"

Ignoring his question, Evelyn's hand moved across his abdomen, the washcloth gliding over his skin.

When Liam opened his eyes, his intense gaze locked onto her face. Suddenly, he seized her wrist and guided her hand lower.

Evelyn recoiled as if burned. Her breath hitched, cheeks flaming crimson as she jerked her hand back.

Liam's actions made his discomfort painfully clear - he wanted her to leave.

Flustered, Evelyn turned away from his piercing stare. "Are you sure you don't want me to go?" Liam asked.

"No, I'm staying. Just... get undressed," Evelyn replied, keeping her back to him.

"Alright then." The rustle of clothing followed.

Evelyn's pulse raced, her skin prickling with awareness. "Why are you announcing it? Just hurry up," she snapped, nerves making her voice sharper than intended.

Silence. Then the sound of water displaced by his body.

When Evelyn finally dared to look, she found Liam submerged to his shoulders. She exhaled in relief and knelt beside the tub, reaching for the soap.

"Is your shoulder wound waterproof?" she asked.

Liam leaned back, eyes drifting shut. "Not entirely."

"Then I'll work around it."

"Fine."

An awkward silence fell.

Evelyn squeezed body wash into her palm. "Should I... wash here too? How should I—" Her hand brushed lower.

Liam jerked as if electrocuted. Desire surged through him with startling intensity.

Evelyn froze at his reaction. Liam caught her wrist, his breathing ragged. "You did that on purpose," he accused hoarsely.

Innocent eyes met his. "What's wrong?"

Liam exhaled sharply, heat flooding his body. Words failed him.

Evelyn noticed his flushed ears. "Liam, is the water too hot? Your face is red."

"Do you really think it's the temperature?" he ground out.

"Then what?"

"It's your touch," Liam admitted bluntly. "When you bathe me... my body reacts. Strongly."

Evelyn's mouth fell open, shock and embarrassment warring on her features.