The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

Hertha's breathing hitched, her eyelashes fluttered, and as she closed her eyes, she could feel Alaric's hot breath on her cheek, his lips inching closer and closer, almost about to kiss her when- "Hertha, why can't I open your room?" Suddenly, Kimberly's voice echoed from outside the door.

Hertha's mind raced, shocked, she opened her eyes wide and saw Alaric's handsome face so close to hers. Hastily, she pushed him away with one hand and nervously responded to her mother outside, "Oh, the door lock is acting up..."

After she spoke, Hertha twisted her face in guilt, amazed at her own ability to lie on the spot.

"The lock's broken? What a hassle, can't even get into the room. I'll go out and buy a new one," Kimberly said before leaving.

Only after hearing the door close did Hertha let out a huge sigh of relief, nearly scared to death.

Her heart was like a roller coaster, soaring and diving, thrilling yet terrifying.

Just as Hertha relaxed, Alaric's deep, teasing voice sounded in her ear: "I helped you out. How are you going to thank me?" Hertha looked at him incredulously, "Have you no shame? When did you ever help me?"

"The keys are on the dining table," Alaric said.

Seeing his amused expression, Hertha instantly understood-Alaric had locked the room from the outside when he came out. That's why her mother couldn't open the door.

mockingly, "Didn't know you had psychic abilities.

in the bathroom, wrapped it around herself,

on the floor, not bothering

detergent, she

she quickly went back to her room to change into a fresh set

her tense nerves

nice shower, but now, even after changing, she felt uncomfortably

with her mother's

wardrobe, Hertha realized not a single piece of

the bathroom door and

done showering,"

like taking a shower at my place? Go back to your own house!" Hertha

took off my clothes here; it's only right I wash here," Alaric

and get out, or you won't be able

I won't leave. Might as