Chapter 419

Hailey stared out the window at the heavy downpour, unsure how she would manage to return to campus in such a storm.

Alleen said, "Hadley, it's too dangerous to go out in this weather. You should stay here tonight."

"Absolutely," Pamela added. "Feel free to stay here and sleep in Aldren's room." Pamela genuinely liked Hailey, but as an elder, she was mindful of boundaries. She wouldn't allow Hailey to stay in Declan's room.

Hailey nodded in agreement. "Looks like I'm staying with you tonight, Alleen."

Alleen beamed and linked arms with Hailey. "Come on, I'll show you to the room."

As Hailey stepped into Alleen's room, Alleen handed her a fresh nightgown. "It's brand new. You can wear it."

Hailey took it gratefully. "Thanks a lot, Alleen."

"Feel free to take a shower first," Alleen suggested. The house had three small rooms—Pamela's, Declan's, and Alleen's—and the bathroom was shared by all.

Halley clutched the nightgown as she made her way to the door. "Alright, I'll go take a shower now."

As she stepped out, she bumped into Declan. "Declan, it's pouring outside, so I'll be staying here tonight. Don't worry, I'll behave and won't cause any trouble." Declan glanced at the heavy rain outside before turning his gaze back to her. "So, where will you be sleeping?"

Hailey winked at him teasingly. "With you, of course."

Declan froze for a moment, clearly taken aback. "Hailey!"

Hailey dashed him a mischievous smile. "What's with the shouting? Of course, I'm not sleeping with you. I'll be sharing a room with Alleen! Anyway, I'm going to take a shower now!" With that, she quickly turned and headed toward the bathroom.

Declan stood there, tension rising within him. He knew Hailey was only teasing him, but the way she did it left him feeling unsettled. Didn't she realize the danger of toying with him?

Suddenly, a deafening boom rang out as lightning struck, followed by Hailey's terrified scream. Declan quickly set down his glass of water and rushed to the bathroom door. "Hailey, what's wrong?"

Without thinking, Declan grabbed the doorknob and swung the door open. "Hailey, you—"

His words died in his throat as he saw her sprawled on the floor, having tripped and fallen. What struck him more than her fall was her state—most of her clothes had come off, leaving large portions of her delicate skin exposed, a sight so dazzling it almost burned his eyes. Declan's throat went dry, and he swallowed hard.

Meanwhile, Hailey hastily covered herself with her clothes and cried out, "There's a rat! A rat!" Hailey had a deep fear of rats. One had startled her, causing her to lose her balance and fall.

Declan quickly turned his gaze away. "Where's the rat?"

Hailey pointed toward a corner. "Over there! It's so scary! Declan, I'm terrified!"

Just then, the rat scurried out from the corner, heading for Hailey. Hailey was so startled that she jumped up, immediately throwing herself into Declan's arms. "Declan, help me!" Her long, toned legs wrapped around his narrow waist. Her hands gripped his neck, clinging to him desperately.

"Declan, the rat is still there! Please, help me!"

A sweet, intoxicating scent surrounded Declan as his hand brushed against her soft skin. The rat had already scurried away, and in a hoarse voice, he reassured her, "It's okay, the rat's gone."

Hailey looked at the floor and saw that the rat was indeed gone. But then, realizing she was still wrapped around Declan, her bodies in an undeniably intimate position, Hailey gasped.