Chapter 42: Spar day.

“Need I emphasize that by dawn, you should be on the training ground waiting for your trainer, and not in the bathroom, indulging in a leisurely shower?” His low but grave voice broke the early morning stillness, sending Kimberly’s heart racing.

Kimberly clutched her towel tighter, her mind wandering to the most embarrassing scenario where it could slide off her body.

Flustered, she lowered her head. “I… I’m sorry. I'll dress up and leave now.” Her cheeks flushed as she turned away, the sound of her bare feet pattering against the cool floor tiles as she scurried to the closet.

“I wasn’t done.” Nicholas’s voice stopped her in her tracks, her eyes frantically darting around the floor.

She felt his sharp gaze on her as he stood up from the armchair, his deliberate footsteps echoing as he approached her from behind. “Do I make you nervous, Kim?”

In response, Kimberly inwardly gulped hard in utter nervosity, proof that he actually did. But she wondered if he would be annoyed if she sai