“If I relinquish you, you may revert to your elusive ways."

Instead of complying, he secured her waist and effortlessly lifted her, positioning them face to face.

The unmistakable scent of polished wood permeated the air. Claudia's visage blushed like a simmering shrimp, yet she persisted in her explanation, "Pray tell, when did I adopt such an elusive demeanor?”

Bennett regarded her with an enigmatic smile but offered no verbal response.

Claudia, unable to withstand his penetrating gaze, cried out, “Very well, very well, I will move to the master bedroom forthwith! I shall vacate the guest chamber immediately!"