The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

She barely dared to breathe too loudly, terrified that any sign of her uneven breaths or racing heartbeat would give away how she truly felt, possibly leading to misunderstandings.

It irked her, knowing full well that Lysander was head over heels for Rosalind, that Rosalind was the one he planned to marry. And yet, he'd go to such lengths to make Rosalind happy, even if it meant letting Susan metaphorically 'eliminate' her, removing the thorn in Rosalind's side once and for all.

Despite understanding the futility of her feelings toward Lysander, that they could never be, she had resolved to treat him as a familiar stranger. But whenever he came too close, her body betrayed her, tingling uncontrollably, her heartbeat quickening. She despised this weakness in herself, this lack of control.

Lysander gently lifted Thalassa's leg onto his lap, leaning in to inspect the bruise on her leg. It was just a bruise, no cuts or scrapes. He straightened up, his deep gaze meeting Thalassa's, and asked, "Do you have any ice at home?"

"In the freezer, down below," Thalassa replied. This was the first time she had held his gaze for more than a few seconds. Seeing his calm demeanor, she realized her leg was still resting on his, his thigh warm against her skin. The warmth spread up her leg to her heart, coloring her cheeks red.

withdrew her leg, stating, "I'll

insisted, making his way to the freezer. Soon, he returned with a large block of ice, pulled a throw from the couch to wrap it,

YOUR

leg rest on his. He held her ankle with one hand while reaching for the wrapped ice with the other. His fingers brushed her skin inadvertently, the roughness of his touch against her soft skin sending

stranger, her body

your injury?" Thalassa fluttered her eyelashes,

you really think we can live without owing each other anything?" Lysander's voice was deep, husky, unsettling Thalassa's heart.

not distancing herself, letting go of all grievances to