As Mitchel stepped in, he quietly shut the door.

Raegan's attire was an apricot silk nightgown trimmed with white lace, complemented by white fluffy open-toe slippers. Her just-washed face gleamed with freshness, its softness and allure impossible to resist.

Mitchel observed her with an intensified look, complimenting, "You look beautiful."

"What was that?" Mitchel's voice was gentle, causing Raegan to strain to catch his words.

Mitchel stepped closer, saying again, “The nightgown suits you well."

Raegan felt uneasy with him so close. She stepped back, saying, "Please, keep your distance..."

Before Raegan could finish, the light in Annis's room switched on abruptly. Then, the door swung open from inside.

In a rush of panic, Raegan shoved Mitchel against the door and then tiptoed to cover his mouth, fearing any noise he might make.

Forgetting their height difference, this move made Raegan unsteady, almost causing her to fall.

Mitchel quickly put his arm around Raegan's waist, pulling her close to steady her.

Raegan found her face against his chest. All she could hear was the strong, steady, and rhythmic heartbeat. "Thud, thud, thud..." Echoed each heart pulse.

Some noises echoed from the kitchen. It was Annis getting water to drink.

Feeling Raegan's stiffness, Mitchel's comforting pat on her back did little to ease her tension.

Raegan grew even more anxious from the warmth of his touch. Her heart pounded harder, and her breath quickened slightly.

Finally, Annis returned to her room after drinking her water.

Eager to step back, Raegan felt as if her feet were stuck in place, unable to step back.

"Stay still." Mitchel's deep, resonant voice reached her.

Raegan was taken aback, feeling her hand captured by his.

Raegan tensed up, an innate reaction to pull back, but Mitchel traced her hand from the back down to the fingers, gently holding them.

Then, his dry, slender fingers gently parted each of her fingers, clasping them firmly.