Katelyn's mind stuttered to a halt. Wasn't he supposed to be sleeping in his own room? Wait… did he intend to spend the night with her?

Though they'd fallen into the rhythms of a couple, their relationship was still in its tender beginnings. Was this sudden shift to sharing a living space moving too quickly?

The sound of the bathroom door clicking shut pulled Katelyn from her thoughts. She let out a soft sigh and turned her attention to drying her damp hair.

But before she could finish, warm hands gently pried the hairdryer from her grasp, and Vincent began tending to her hair with unexpected tenderness.

Meeting his reflection in the mirror, Katelyn was struck by the intense focus in his normally stoic eyes. All her prepared questions and concerns melted away in the intimacy of the moment.

As the whir of the hairdryer faded to silence, Katelyn found her voice again. "Has everything been well arranged?"

"Yes. But there is one more thing…"

Katelyn's eyes flickered with confusion as she met Vincent's gaze. "What?"

Setting the hairdryer aside, Vincent took a seat before her, his expression turning serious. "Do you believe what Sophia said?" Deep down, he harbored serious doubts about Sophia's trustworthiness.

Understanding bloomed across Katelyn's features. A gentle smile played on her lips as she shook her head. "I don't believe a word." Even now, Sophia's words echoed in Katelyn's mind, but she refused to let them take root.

"Good," Vincent nodded, his voice dropping to a protective tone. "You should still be cautious around her. She's more devious than you realize."

Everything about today's events seemed to fall perfectly into Sophia's lap — from the life-saving moment to her apparent surrender. But was there more lurking beneath the surface? The seamless way it all unfolded only heightened Vincent's suspicions.

Katelyn understood this all too well. Her numerous encounters with Sophia had given her a keen insight into the woman's nature.

Noticing Vincent's worried expression, Katelyn's features softened. "Don't worry, I'll be careful," she assured him, her voice gentle as a summer breeze.

In one fluid motion, Vincent bent down and swept Katelyn into his arms.

The sudden movement caught her off guard, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. "Vincent, what are you…?"

"Sleeping with you," he replied simply. His steps were already carrying them toward the bed.

Katelyn's voice was barely above a whisper as she asked, "Don't you have your own room here?"

Vincent leaned in close, his warm breath tickling her ear as he murmured, "Sharing a bed with you is more enjoyable."

Words failed Katelyn completely. How had this bold side of Vincent escaped her notice until now?

.

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