Novel1Chapter 1485
“I...” Ariana hesitated.
Holden interjected, “I've seen you naked before.
Just relax now.
As Holden's words sank in, Ariana felt a rush of heat flood her cheeks, coloring them crimson.
Memories of their last encounter in the bathroom, clouded by alcohol, rushed back, making her want to
disappear beneath the water's surface.
She lowered her head, unable to meet Holden's gaze.
Holden couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Ariana’s blushing cheeks, a playful glint in his eyes.
He started to cleanse the paint from her skin.
Ariana pressed her lips together, choosing to remain silent.
She relaxed into the moment, allowing the tranquility of the water and Holden's attentive care to wash away any
lingering tension.
By using his strength properly, Holden wash the paint off Ariana’s body.
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After Ariana finished showering, Holden couldn’t contain his smile at the sight of Ariana’s flushed face.
He inquired, “Would you like to stay and sleep with me?”
“No.
” Ariana snorted, her hand reaching for the doorknob as she prepared to step outside.
However, before she could make her move, Holden took a step forward, blocking her path and fixing his gaze on
her.
“You seemed scared earlier.
What if you can’t sleep well on your own?” he said.
Today's events had left Ariana with a lingering fear that was hard to shake.
She hesitated visibly, uncertainty clouding her features.
Sensing her unease, Holden spoke softly.
“Stay with me.
I've been restless lately and just want to hold you close.
Holden's words seemed to be a plea, yet it was evident he didn’t plan to let Ariana leave no matter what.
Ariana sighed in resignation.
With a nod, she conceded and settled onto the bed in Holden's bedroom.
Observing Ariana’s acquiescence, Holden's face lit up with a gentle smile as he joined her on the bed.
He reached for a storybook on the bedside table and began narrating a tale to help Ariana drift to sleep.
Ariana, worn out from the day’s events, found solace in the sound of Holden's voice.
She gradually succumbed to exhaustion, eventually drifting off to sleep in the warmth of his embrace.
Holden watched Ariana sleep, her breaths steady and peaceful, a faint smile gracing his lips.
Leaning in, he pressed a gentle ki*s to her forehead and whispered, “Good night.
Then, with Ariana nestled in his embrace, Holden closed his eyes and fell asleep.
In her dream, Ariana found herself back on the eerie, deserted street, haunted by a horde of grotesque corpses
drenched in blood.
They crawled and sprinted after her relentlessly, sending a shiver of terror down her spine.
Ariana ran frantically, her heart pounding, but the nightmarish creatures multiplied, closing in on her until she
was engulfed in their menacing presence.
“Ah!” Ariana jolted awake with a sharp scream, her body drenched in sweat and her breaths coming in rapid
gasps.
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She remained in a daze, her heart racing from the intensity of the nightmare.
Holden's eyes flickered open as Ariana’s scream pierced the silence.
Concern etched across his face, he sat up and switched on the bedside lamp.
Wrapping his arms around her, he offered gentle comfort.
“What's wrong? Did you have a nightmare?” he asked.
As Holden spoke, he soothingly patted Ariana’s back.
“It’s all right.
I'm here with you.
Don’t be afraid.
Nestled in Holden's embrace, Ariana remained unsettled by the earlier encounter.
Despite her attempts to relax, she couldn't fall asleep again.
Every rustle outside seemed amplified, keeping her in a state of restlessness as she tossed and turned.
Holding Ariana’s wrist gently, Holden asked, “Are you having trouble falling asleep?”
“Yes,” Ariana admitted, tucking herself in closer to Holden in search of a sense of security.
However, despite her efforts, she remained flustered and unable to calm her racing thoughts.
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