"Could you help me down the stairs?"

Claudia, usually accustomed to being spoiled by Jace, now found herself seeking Bennett's assistance, and her tone was endearingly childish.

However, as the realization of her actions dawned on her, she blushed, quickly Let go of his shirt and clenched her fist. Avoiding his gaze, she stuttered, "I... I can manage the stairs. Just assist me with the wheelchair."

As she said this, she gripped the stair rail and rose.

However, as she stood, she accidentally knocked into Bennett's chin.

The man let out a pained grunt.

“I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I didn't anticipate--" Claudia started to say, her hand instinctively moving towards Bennett's chin.

“Hold stilt."

His deep voice resonated just as her ring finger brushed something cold and soft.

The next moment, she felt a warm puff of air circling her middle finger and ring finger.

Claudia stood as still as a statue, her eyes fixed on Bennett as he tenderly took hold of her hand and bent down to lift her up.

Balance eluded Claudia in that moment, and without thinking, she Looped her arms around his neck for support.

She was engulfed by the fresh, woody scent of him, her fingers instinctively dancing around the back of Bennett's neck.

Their acquaintance was recent. Just the day before, her fingers had made contact with his Adam's apple, and today, they had brushed against his lips!

Post breakfast, Bennett settled her into his arms, climbed into his vehicle, and drove off. An unfamiliar warmth coursed through Claudia's right hand, specifically the middle and ring fingers.

Her gaze flicked from her fingers to Bennett sitting next to her. Her lips, flushed a deep crimson, quivered as she struggled to articulate the flurry of thoughts inside her head.

Should she clarify it was unintentional?

She decided against it.

Much to her surprise, she realized her dexterous piano-playing hands had a knack for unintentional mischief too.

In an attempt to deflect the awkward situation, Claudia feigned sleep, closing her eyes tightly.

The morning traffic had come to a standstill, leaving the Bentley trapped in front of an obstinate traffic light for nearly seven minutes.

Such scenarios typically frayed Bennett's patience, but today, he seemed unruffled. His hands were casually resting on the steering wheel, eyes shifting to the sleeping Claudia.