Free Web NovelChapter 182: Chapter 182 New Flame
Christina’s POV
Ysolde tried to deny it, but failed spectacularly.
Then she made a weird little giggle.
Akira snorted in my head. "Looks like someone’s got a new romance brewing."
"I might be seeing someone. Just casually. Definitely not living together. I’ve just been busy lately, that’s all," Ysolde admitted.
"Wait, what?" I leaned forward eagerly. "Damn, Akira, you’re good."
"Who is he?" I pressed.
"Here."
Ysolde pulled out her phone and shoved the screen in my face.
A baby-faced boy’s selfie filled the screen. His features were unnervingly symmetrical. Full lips, thick eyebrows, and practically poreless skin.
I narrowed my eyes. "I’ve seen him before. Isn’t he one of those shirtless lip-syncing social media guys?"
"That’s him," she said, beaming. "He has two hundred thousand followers."
"Does he actually look that good in person? Or is it just lighting and filters? And isn’t he like eighteen? What could an eighteen-year-old possibly want besides access to your American Express?"
Ysolde rolled her eyes. "He’s twenty-one, three years younger than me, and still in college. Yes, I’ve seen him in person—he’s even better-looking than his photos. No filters, no catfishing. And before you ask, he hasn’t asked me for money. Though if he did, I could afford it. I don’t mind paying for some emotional support. He’s gorgeous, clingy but not annoying, doesn’t sulk, and has plenty of stamina..." She fanned her face. "Trust me, I know what I’m doing."
"So you weren’t planning on telling me at all?" I leaned back, crossing my arms. "What if he’s just a Cassian knockoff and you’re using him to get revenge on your ex?"
Ysolde looked slightly offended, which meant I was right.
"I was going to tell you eventually."
"You better. Bring him around next time. I want a good look at him before you let him sleep over."
"He’s not sleeping over," she said quickly. "Anyway, he’s studying film. Has a little following online. He wants to break into the industry eventually. It’s just casual. I’m just... keeping it casual."
For her sake, I hoped that was true.
***
Later that night, I returned home and immediately regretted it.
My bedroom was freezing like an icebox.
I walked around it twice, rubbing my arms.
The vent in the corner clicked softly but produced no warm air.
I checked the guest rooms.
Same problem.
I stood in the hallway, debating my options—couch or hotel—when a voice came from behind me.
"Planning to sleep on the couch to avoid sharing a bed with me? What exactly do you think I’ll do to you?"
I jumped and grabbed the railing.
My heel slipped on the edge of the step, nearly cracking my tailbone on the marble.
Hudson was leaning against the doorframe, his hair slightly damp.
His casual posture contrasted sharply with his tone.
"Are you afraid of me now?"
I forced a smile, acting nonchalant. "Just didn’t want to disturb your sleep."
"How considerate. Planning to catch pneumonia in the living room despite being a werewolf in these temperatures?"
"The living room is warm," I said, glancing downstairs. That was a complete lie.
Hudson walked toward me.
He didn’t stop until I was trapped between him and the railing. He didn’t touch me, but he was close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his skin.
"Is there a problem? Worried I might do something inappropriate?"
I pressed my back against the railing.
As I leaned back, my elbows hit the upper railing as I tried to maintain some distance.
He moved closer.
I shifted.
He followed.
I was half-bent backward like a folding chair.
He grabbed my arm and pulled me upright.
"What is this? Staircase yoga?"
I glared at him, snapping, "I’m not afraid of you."
He gave me a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. "Then why are you acting like I’ve grown fangs?"
"I’m not. I’m just standing here. You’re the one crowding my space."
His gaze moved slowly over my face, assessing. He chuckled softly. "You’re nervous as hell. Now you’re pretending you’re not."
His smug expression made my throat tighten.
I stepped forward.
He didn’t move.
I stepped into his space again. This time, I invaded his personal bubble.
"We’re both adults," I said, lifting my chin. "What exactly should I be afraid of?"
He raised an eyebrow without answering, but his smirk grew more pronounced.
This time, he stepped back.
He moved with lazy steps, as if indulging me. As if he could have stood his ground but didn’t need to.
"So... I’m not scared to try?"
"Obviously not," I snapped.
He laughed softly, reaching for my wrist, his warm fingers connecting with my skin. My mouth went dry at the electric touch.
"Come on." He led me into his bedroom.
The bed was huge, the down comforter crisp and clean, pillows stacked at the headboard, looking utterly inviting.
"Right," I said. "Shower time."
I grabbed my stuff and went to the bathroom.
After a quick shower, I wiped down the counter, hung up my towel, and even stuffed my fallen hair into the trash can.
I arranged everything in perfect order. freёwebnovel.com
When I came out, he was sitting in a low armchair by the bed with a tablet across his lap.
He didn’t look up, but I caught the flash in his eyes.
Tonight I wore all-cotton pajamas, buttoned all the way to my neck, with the hem neatly tucked into the waistband.
I toweled my hair dry and nodded toward the bathroom. "All yours."
"Need help with your hair?"
"No, I’ve got it."
He stood and walked past me into the bathroom.
The door closed softly behind him.
When he came out, his hair was wet and slicked back.
He’d exchanged his suit for a black t-shirt and drawstring pants that clung to his muscular thighs and defined abdomen, showing off his powerful Alpha physique.
I was already in bed by then, pressed tightly against the edge as if there was border patrol on the left side.
My eyes were barely open.
My eyelids drooped.
But I deliberately stayed awake until he came out.
He dimmed the lights to a soft orange glow, then climbed in beside me.
"Want to put a glass of water between us? Or maybe set up a laser tripwire?"
