Chapter 405

Xavier lifted his hand and braced it against the wall, just beside her ear. Scarlett's cheeks flushed. "I'm not giving you that therapeutic soak anymore." Xavier chuckled. "Do you really mean that?" "Why wouldn't I? Worst case, I'll give it to you tomorrow night instead. Your soak schedule is in my hands, so I decide when you get it," she replied with a hint of defiance. Scarlett shifted nervously before blurting, "I want to ask you something." "What is it?" Xavier asked, lowering his head so that his breath drifted closer to her face. Scarlett leaned back slightly. "Don't you smell something strange?" she asked warily. "I do," he answered without hesitation. Her heart skipped a beat. Her gaze dropped, and the warmth on her face faded, replaced by unease and disappointment. Xavier studied her carefully, catching every subtle change in her expression. He leaned in so close that his nose grazed her cheek before sliding past her ear. "It's a sweet, tempting scent," he murmured