Bennett didn't elaborate. Instead, he checked the water's temperature with his finger. Turning back, he caught her eager gaze fixed on the mug. “It's still a tad hot. Give it a minute."

“Sure thing."

Claudia felt parched which was typical for Linmarsh in winter. With no heating in the room, she couldn't help but groan. During their sex earlier, she hadn't noticed any discomfort, but now her throat was screaming.

Recalling their recent escapades, she blushed even more, feeling bashful.

To distract herself from steamy thoughts, Claudia glanced away.

“Aren't you cold?" she asked, eyeing Bennett.

With a gentle smile, Bennett held out his hand. "Why not feel it yourself?"

Claudia hesitated before placing her hand in his.

His palm was warm, not at all chilly. In fact, it felt quite warm.

Bennett realized his choice of attire wasn't exactly appropriate.

After Claudia withdrew her hand, he got up and changed into pajamas.

Then, he stooped to gather their scattered clothes from their earlier frenzy.

Only then did Claudia notice the mess on the floor. As she turned, she caught sight of Bennett picking up her underwear.

Her mind whirred, and she instinctively reached out. "Bennett!"

Claudia was in a rush, so she lost her balance, and crashed into the quilt.

Bennett reached out to catch her but missed.

Claudia wished she could disappear into the quilt after such a clumsy fall.

She felt totally embarrassed.

She lay still on the bed, her face buried, her ear red under her long black hair. Seeing her embarrassment, Bennett quietly took their clothes to the Laundry.

He thought she'd feel better once he'd returned, but she had stayed the same.

Worried she might feel suffocated, Bennett sat beside her, lifting her gently. "You'll catch a cold like this."

Claudia, held in his arms, couldn't meet his gaze and hid her face.

Bennett smoothed her hair and asked, "What's wrong?"

"It's so embarrassing," she whispered.