Chapter 82

I would much rather not take a dip in this body of water knowing that I will be ogled by Lowell who is smugly perched there at the corner.

The idea of being so exposed and vulnerable to his piercing gaze is one that does not settle well with me. He may think he holds dominion over this place, but I know better than to let him have even an ounce of power over me here. This feeling of uneasiness has been growing inside my chest ever since the moment he took me here.

I wrapped the blanket tightly around myself and glanced away, thinking about whether or not I should go ahead with it. But then I felt a wave of heat rush over me, like a scorching wind was blowing through the room. It was unbearable; I couldn't even take a full breath without feeling my skin burning up in the unforgiving heat. Then my eyes fell on Lowell, who seemingly wasn't fazed by the blistering temperature at all. He simply sat there, watching me expectantly.

“Hurry up, Daciana. I am waiting.”

I could feel my jaw clenc