CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

"I didn't take it, Mr. Carl," I blurted out as soon as I entered his room, after hesitating for what felt like an eternity outside his door. I had debated whether to turn the handle, ring the bell, or simply stand there until my phone rings again, summoning me to his room one more time.

Finally, I mustered the courage to twist the knob to the right and push the door open. It was totally wrong of me because I should have knocked. What if he was naked? The thought of him being naked made my heart race and my veins tingle, a sudden shiver running down my spine. The room felt eerily cold, but maybe it was just my own nervousness that made it feel that way.

Carl sat at the edge of the bed, his feet tapping gently on the marble tiles. My gaze traveled up from his feet to his chiseled face, which seemed perfect even in its imperfections. But then, our eyes met, and I was frozen by the icy intensity of his stare. It was as if he was ready to pounce on me like a predator, if I took an