Chapter 422

Rosalind had done something even more daring - she'd removed her outer garments.

A soft gasp escaped her lips. "Oh-!"

She was about to cry out again when Everett swiftly covered her mouth with his palm, silencing her instantly.

"Quiet," he hissed urgently. "My mother and sister are home. Do you want them finding us like this?"

Rosalind blinked rapidly, her wide eyes filled with startled confusion as she stared at him. She pulled his hand away. "I'll be silent. Just let me down."

Everett released his grip, allowing Rosalind to carefully dismount from him.

As she moved, her fingers accidentally brushed against something unfamiliar. It wasn't their first accidental contact, but this time curiosity overpowered her better judgment. "What's this?"

"Rosalind, don't!" Everett tried to intercept her wandering hand, but she was too quick. He couldn't stop her in time.

His entire body tensed. A flush of arousal spread across his face, creeping up from his neck to his temples.

Rosalind suddenly understood what she'd touched. Her mind reeled as she stumbled backward several steps, eyes widening in shock. "Y-You..."

Seeing her innocent, bewildered expression, Everett immediately turned and strode quickly from the room.

Rosalind stood frozen in place.

What had she just done?

She pressed both hands to her burning cheeks, mortification washing over her. She couldn't possibly face him now.

Everett had already disappeared down the hall when Rosalind's voice called out from the bathroom doorway. "Everett!"

He stopped mid-step.

Her voice carried a new urgency. "I'm terrified that rodent might return. Could you just... stand guard while I finish? I'll be quick, I swear. Please?"

Refusal wasn't an option. "Fine."

Moments later, the sound of running water filled the small space as Rosalind resumed her shower.

Everett moved to the window, throwing it open to let in the crisp night air. Her delicate floral scent was intoxicating - dangerously so for any man's self-control, and Everett despised how easily it affected him.

Approximately ten minutes later, Rosalind emerged. "Done."

Everett turned, his gaze landing on her. Her dark tresses were damp, clinging to her shoulders, and she wore one of Lillian's delicate floral nightdresses.

The garment was modest but slightly too small. Lillian was still a growing girl, while Rosalind had fully matured. The fabric clung to her curves, accentuating every feminine swell - her bust and hips particularly pronounced.

Everett caught one fleeting glance before sharply looking away. "Good. I'm going to bed."

He started toward his room.

Then a small, determined hand caught his sleeve.

Everett paused, attempting to pull free.

But her grip was surprisingly strong, wrinkling the fabric as her fingers twisted into the material.

He turned to face her. "What now?"

Rosalind looked up at him, a mischievous smile playing at her lips. "Everett... do you like me?"

He opened his mouth to deny it.

But girls never really needed verbal confirmation - they always knew.

Rosalind's grin widened triumphantly. "I knew it! You're attracted to me!"

Everett scowled. "I'm not."

She laughed softly. "If not, then how do you explain your... reaction earlier? Doesn't matter. You want me!"

With that bold declaration, Rosalind slipped back into her room, leaving Everett speechless.

He stood rooted in place for several heartbeats before finally retreating to his own quarters. Sitting at his desk, he pulled out all his research on Phantom.

Just then, his phone buzzed with a message from Reginald.

Everett opened it to find a video attachment.

What could this be?

He tapped play...