After staring at her for a moment, Bennett ceased his playful teasing, turning back into the bathroom.

With a quiet sigh of relief, Claudia set the glass on the nightstand, contemplating how to discuss the Aurora situation with Bennett.

Just as she had collected her thoughts, Bennett emerged from the bathroom, his hair now dry.

“What's on your mind?" he asked.

He then approached her, leaning down slightly to catch her eye. Meeting his dark gaze, Claudia hesitated briefly before reaching up to loop her arm around his neck.