Chapter 421

It was unclear whether the bathtub water's high temperature or Byron McDaniel's proximity caused Maeve Reese's skin to flush. Heat surged through her, and the overwhelming tension paralyzed her.

When his kiss landed, her nearly frozen heart trembled, then pounded heavily. It was more intense than anything before.

Unnoticed, Byron McDaniel's hand had slipped to the back of her neck. He held her close, pulling her in. A fervent kiss began at the corner of her lips, tracing its path down her slender neck and collarbone, zeroing in on her most sensitive spots.

Maeve Reese's skin, especially her chest, was snow-white, fair and soft as a stream. In moments, a constellation of hickeys appeared, tantalizingly alluring.

Then, Maeve Reese remembered her nudity. She felt like a cleaned fish, ready for the pan, waiting to be consumed. She found a small comfort in Byron McDaniel's seemingly gentle approach.

Splash!

A significant amount of water spilled from the tub, creating ripples. Maeve Reese opened her hazy eyes, unable to resist Byron McDaniel's increasingly intense kisses. She looped her arms around his neck and, without thinking, threaded her slender fingers into his short, black hair.

She wanted to push him away, but under his repeated advances, she involuntarily leaned forward, as if initiating the movement herself. She tried to speak, but her voice caught in her throat, replaced by a wave of heat spreading through her body.

"What do you want to say?" Byron McDaniel, sensing her hesitation, planted a few kisses on her neck and asked in a raspy voice. At his question, Maeve Reese could bear it no longer. Leaning close to his ear, she softly moaned, "Can you stop dragging your feet?"

The slow pace made her uncomfortable.

At this, the desire in Byron McDaniel's dark eyes erupted. He'd initially feared overwhelming her, making her believe he only wanted a one-night stand. He had been holding back, striving for gentleness. But she was different.

Her single sentence shattered his restraint.

Chapter 421

"Gotcha," Byron McDaniel lifted his head, kissing Maeve Reese's now-red lips. He chuckled huskily. "Don't come crying later."

Once they finished, the bathroom steam cleared, and the tub water drained, trickling down the walls and glass. The shower ceased its hiss. Byron McDaniel scooped up the exhausted Maeve Reese, wrapped her in a clean robe, and carried her from the bathroom.

He placed her on the bed, untied her robe, dried her, and helped her into her pajamas. Maeve Reese was not fully asleep. Sensing his movements, she shyly tried to hide under the covers.

"Don't move," Byron McDaniel restrained her slender legs. His dark eyes darkened slightly, but he did nothing further, only assisting her into her pajamas.

Maeve Reese's face was buried in the pillow; her ears were so red they seemed about to bleed. She dared not look at him.

Reflecting later, she thought it insane. She must have been out of her mind to be so involved with him in the bathroom.

Byron noticed the redness of her ears. His lips curved as he tucked her under the covers and climbed in beside her.

"What's on your mind now?" He pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on her forehead. "Nothing," Maeve's voice was still raspy. Her back pressed against his warm chest; her cooled body began to heat up again.

Byron chuckled softly, winking. "You still think I'm just using you for a hookup?"

Maeve squeezed her eyes shut, mortified. "Who knows? You could be thinking anything."

She blamed herself for being so easily swayed, so compliant, even after he'd had his way with her. What was the difference between this and serving food and volunteering for the dishes?

"Oook."

Byron McDaniel clicked his tongue, narrowing his dark eyes, sliding his palm under her shirt. "Oh, really? Why don't we keep going?"

Maeve Reese, her back aching, quickly grabbed his hand. "No, no! I'm tired and want to sleep!" She didn't want to embarrass herself tomorrow.

"What you said hurt my feelings," Byron McDaniel casually twirled a strand of her hair. "Give me some payback, and I'll let you sleep." Maeve had never met such a cheeky man; his shamelessness was astounding. But compared to staying up all night, it was manageable.

Chapter 421

This was how one's bottom line was eroded, step by step.

Maeve Reese wriggled in his arms, pinning his arm with one hand. Tilting her head, she kissed his lips.

"Is this good enough?" Maeve feigned toughness.

How could she be so cute?

Byron McDaniel laughed, lowering his head to kiss her slightly fragrant, red lips. He kissed her passionately before releasing her. Maeve Reese panted, glaring at him.

"Go to sleep," Byron stroked the back of her head, pulling her close.

Maeve Reese opened her mouth, then let out a small grunt and closed her eyes.

After a while, Maeve Reese couldn't take it anymore. "Can you put that thing away? Are you planning to kill me in my sleep?"

"You're too close."

"Then let go. I'll sleep on the other side."

"That's a no-go."

Serves you right for holding back.

The next morning. Maeve Reese woke late. Downstairs, Byron McDaniel was preparing breakfast with the two children.

She was surprised he hadn't hired a maid. Nightfall Manor had at least twenty servants; the household ran smoothly.

Curious, she asked. Unexpectedly, Byron McDaniel said, "Our family of four is reunited. Why do we need those eyesores?" The family of four.

Maeve Reese's face flushed. She muttered, "Who's with your family of four? You don't even have a status."

Hearing this, Byron McDaniel looked at her. "I made that fried egg for my future wife. How's it taste?"

Maeve Reese, mid-bite, almost choked. She didn't know whether to spit out or swallow the egg.

"Mommy, Baby's fried egg is up for grabs. Give it to Mommy!" Theo stood, handing Maeve Reese his fried egg. "Give Mommy's to me!" Maeve Reese, overjoyed, exchanged eggs. "Okay, here you go."

Let's see what else Byron McDaniel could say.

Byron McDaniel snorted, looking at Theo. "You have to call me Daddy after eating my fried eggs. Do you want one?"