Bound To A Scarred Billionaire: Can Love Bloom From Ashes?

Still without clothes, he carried her straight into the bathroom, holding her with ease. "I've already seen more than just your chest, Carolina."

"Aren't you planning to shower too? You seemed pretty interested not that long ago."

"Oh... but... You're unbelievable."

Color rushed to her face, and the reaction entertained him more than it should have. Before everything changed, his humor had been lighter, easier. He used to joke without restraint, except when work was involved.

For a brief moment, he forgot what people called him. A quiet laugh slipped out as he looked at her. Carefully, he lowered her into the bathtub, where the water had already been prepared at the right temperature.

While she worked shampoo through her hair, he pushed up one sleeve and began washing her back.

"You're really not going to shower?" she asked, unaware of what held him back. If he kept the mask on, there was no chance he would undress in front of her.

"I'll do it later." Normally, he would have taken offense at a question like that and answered sharply, but this time he noticed there was no ill intent behind her words.

Once she finished, he lifted her again and brought her back to the bedroom. He dried her hair with care, then moved toward the door.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"I'll get you something to sleep in." A faint hint of mischief showed on the side of his face that remained untouched. "Unless you'd rather go without anything."

The thought crossed her mind to say they probably wouldn't be sleeping at all, but she held it back. Instead, she only shook her head. Máximo noticed, and although disappointment flickered through him, he said nothing. He turned away and left to do what he had said.

When he entered her room, his attention went straight to the wardrobe. It stood open, but there was nothing inside. A quick glance at the dresser brought the same result.

"What?" he muttered. His gaze shifted to the corner, where her suitcases rested. "That can't be right..."

He didn't bother opening them at first. The moment he nudged them, he could tell everything was still packed inside. Nothing had been taken out. It looked like she was ready to leave at any time.

His jaw tightened, but he forced himself to breathe through it. She had only just arrived. It made sense she hadn't unpacked yet. There was no reason to get angry over something like that.

He lifted one of the suitcases onto the bed and opened it. Inside, her things were neatly arranged. His hand paused when he reached her underwear. Without hesitation, he picked a few pieces up, studying them.

He pictured how they would look on her, and the thought lingered longer than it should have. What caught his attention was the contrast. Some were simple, like the ones she had been wearing earlier. Others were smaller, more delicate, with lace and sheer fabric.

"Did she bring these for me?" He pondered, a faint crease forming between his brows.

Doubt followed right after. She already knew what he looked like. That thought didn't sit well with him. Another possibility crossed his mind, one he didn't like at all. Maybe they weren't meant for him.

He continued searching and pulled out a nightgown. As he lifted it, something small slipped into view. He picked it up and quickly recognized what it was.

Back in the bedroom, Carolina lay on the bed, her eyes fixed on the ceiling as she waited.

The door opened, and he stepped inside. Without a word, he placed the folded clothes on the bed, switched off the light, and walked straight into the bathroom.

His silence caught her attention, but she let it pass. She had already decided he was unpredictable. If he was upset, it could have been over something she didn't even notice.

When the sound of running water finally stopped, she knew he would be out soon.

By then, she had already changed into the nightgown Nadia had left for her. The fabric felt light against her skin, and the small piece she wore underneath made her sigh under her breath.

The bathroom door clicked open, but she kept her back to him, wrapped beneath the covers. Darkness filled the room again, just like before. The scent from his shower drifted through the air and reached her, and she found herself drawn to it.

The mattress dipped as he climbed onto the bed. A moment later, his hand settled at her waist and pulled her closer.

"Don't touch me," he said in a low voice.

She understood right away. He didn't want her hands wandering where his scars were.

"Alright," she answered.

His lips brushed along her neck, then lingered near her ear. Without thinking, she shifted back against him, and the reaction drew a faint smile from him.

"You really like this, don't you?" His question caught her off guard, and her eyes widened at once. Was he really going to speak to her like that?

"I am your slut..." she managed between uneven breaths. "I'm yours."

Without another word, he moved beneath the covers, pressing himself against her back. The heat from his body spread into her, making her feel like she was burning from the inside.

Her clothing shifted out of place, and she instinctively tried to remove it, but he stopped her before she could. A faint mechanical sound reached her ears, and she frowned, confused for a second. The thought vanished the moment a sudden sensation made her gasp.

"Oh!"

"You like that, don't you?" he murmured near her ear. Her response came in soft, broken sounds as she struggled to steady herself. "So responsive..."

When he finally moved forward, the feeling made her tense for a brief second before she gave in to it. The sensation spread through her, and she couldn't hold back the reaction.

His movements didn't slow. There was no hesitation in the way he handled her, shifting her position and guiding her without pause.

"Má... oh— Don't stop..."

The intensity built repeatedly, each wave hitting harder than the last. She lost track of time, of everything around her, as the feeling took over.

At some point, her body trembled under him, and the reaction seemed to pull him deeper into it as well.

When it was over, he leaned over her, his arms wrapping around her as his breathing tried to steady.

"That was... a lot," Carolina said softly. Though she couldn't see his face, he gave a small nod while catching his breath.

"You've got quite the spark," he remarked, and a laugh slipped from her.

"I didn't even know that myself."

He drew her closer, keeping her within his arms.

"Still, I had no idea you were into using things like that."

"What are you talking about?" she asked, confused at first. Then it clicked. "Oh... you mean that thing you used?" A faint amusement colored his tone.

"I know you enjoy what I can offer," he replied. "And you don't need permission for that. But I'm talking about this."

He took her hand and placed the small object in her palm. It was light, unfamiliar, and she turned it slightly, trying to understand it.

"But... what is it?"

"It's yours. A vibrator."