"As intensely as this," he replied as he grabbed her hand and squeezed it tightly for about two seconds before loosening his grip on it and gently laying it back down.

Claudia was stunned for a moment, unable to say anything.

Claudia's hand recoiled as if it had brushed against a hot stove, the sting of Bennett's unexpected move lingering. Her ears blazed crimson, the embarrassment radiating down her neck like wildfire.

“What are you doing?" she questioned, teeth gritted, utterly taken aback by Bennett's audacious behavior.

Leaning against the bed, Bennett raised his eyes slightly, meeting her gaze with a faint smile. “Didn't you ask me?" he responded, the smirk on his face suggesting an unspoken challenge.