Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts

Chapter 23

Ethan could be quite bossy sometimes, and Ines knew all too well. Right now, she was being hugged tightly from behind, pressed against his half-naked chest, feeling his deep and strong heartbeat.

"Ethan, can you not hold me so tight? I'm uncomfortable." Ines squirmed in his arms, trying to create some distance.

"Stay still," Ethan said sternly, tightening his grip around her waist, leaving her unable to resist.

Ines was close to tears, "But I can't sleep like this." She had no experience being with a man. Sharing a bed was too much for her. Her mind could accept it, but her body couldn’t control itself.

"Izzy, just get used to it. We didn't go through the normal dating steps before getting together, so we must adjust soon. Please don't reject me. Try to get used to my presence. I'm not just an ordinary man. I'm your husband, the man who will be with you until we're old. Trust me. I won't do anything without your consent."

Ines was shaken but still resilient, "Ethan, I get what you mean. I'm just not used to it. Give me some time, and I'll adjust." Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Ethan rested his chin on her head, sighing softly, "Silly girl, you don't understand men. If a man wants to do something to you, you can’t avoid it by hiding at the edge of the bed. Go to sleep. That performance was enough. No need for more. It won't be funny."

His words sounded a bit like he enjoyed her misery. Ines elbowed him but hit his bare chest instead. She quickly pulled her hand back as if she got electrocuted, muttering, "Can't you just wear proper pajamas? Why do you have to show off your skin?"

Ethan whispered, "You might not know, but I like to sleep naked, no matter the season." He implied that he was compromising to make her feel comfortable.

Ines' heart raced as she felt his hot breath close to her. She decided to stop talking, knowing she wouldn’t get the upper hand. She was better off keeping her mouth shut.

Even with his promise, Ines didn’t dare to fall asleep immediately. She forced herself to keep her eyes open until she heard his long, steady breaths, then finally relaxed. She closed her eyes, followed his breathing, and slowly drifted asleep.

She thought she'd have a restless night, but surprisingly, she slept deeply. She never imagined that she'd sleep so sweetly in the arms of a man she hardly knew.

She wouldn’t have woken up if it weren't for Phoebe Wagner's call. She reached for her phone by the pillow, but didn’t find it. She opened her eyes and realized she was not in B City but in A City, and her phone was on the bedside table.

"Izzy, many days have passed since you last called me." Phoebe sounded angry on the phone.

"Miss Phoebe, please forgive me this time. I know I messed up. Is there something you need?" Ines apologized in a pleasing tone, knowing how to make her best friend happy.

"Hmph, I don't want to argue with you. I just wanted to ask, are you're still receiving shipments? This time, I asked my mom to find you some good stuff. I've also helped you by selecting only excellent young people. They definitely won't be those insecure and narcissistic weirdos. You can trust me and accept them. They won't disappoint you."