Ariana glanced down at her still-stained body, feeling a pang of embarrassment, and instinctively submerged herself further into the water, leaving only her head exposed. “Come in," she said.

With a gentle push, Holden entered the room and set down the shower gel he had brought. Observing Ariana's reddened neck and shoulders from her vigorous scrubbing, he settled beside the bathtub.

Ariana's eyes locked onto Holden as he sat down, her gaze vigilant.

She instinctively covered her chest with her hands and asked, "What are you going to do?"

Holden deftly dispensed a dollop of the special shower gel, ready to wash away the paint. He gently lifted her hands. “I'll help bathe you," he said.

"I..." Ariana hesitated. Holden interjected, "I've seen you naked before. Just relax now."

As Holden's words sank in, Ariana felt a rush of heat flood her cheeks, coloring them crimson. Memories of their last encounter in the bathroom, clouded by alcohol, rushed back, making her want to disappear beneath the water's surface. She lowered her head, unable to meet Holden's gaze.

Holden couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Ariana's blushing cheeks, a playful glint in his eyes. He started to cleanse the paint from her skin.

Ariana pressed her lips together, choosing to remain silent. She relaxed into the moment, allowing the tranquility of the water and Holden's attentive care to wash away any lingering tension.

By using his strength properly, Holden wash the paint off Ariana's body.

After Ariana finished showering, Holden couldn't contain his smile at the sight of Ariana's flushed face. He inquired, "Would you like to stay and sleep with me?"

"No." Ariana snorted, her hand reaching for the doorknob as she prepared to step outside. However, before she could make her move, Holden took a step forward, blocking her path and fixing his gaze on her. "You seemed scared earlier. What if you can't sleep well on your own?" he said.

Today's events had left Ariana with a lingering fear that was hard to shake. She hesitated visibly, uncertainty clouding her features.

Sensing her unease, Holden spoke softly. “Stay with me. I've been restless lately and just want to hold you close."

Holden's words seemed to be a plea, yet it was evident he didn't plan to let Ariana leave no matter what.

Ariana sighed in resignation. With a nod, she conceded and settled onto the bed in Holden's bedroom.

Observing Ariana's acquiescence, Holden's face lit up with a gentle smile as he joined her on the bed. He reached for a storybook on the bedside table and began narrating a tale to help Ariana drift to sleep.

Ariana, worn out from the day's events, found solace in the sound of Holden's voice. She gradually succumbed to exhaustion, eventually drifting off to sleep in the warmth of his embrace.

Holden watched Ariana sleep, her breaths steady and peaceful, a faint smile gracing his lips. Leaning in, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead and whispered, “Good night.”

Then, with Ariana nestled in his embrace, Holden closed his eyes and fell asleep.