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However, despite the luxury surrounding me, I still felt anxious, and I wasn’t sure why.

It’s because he’s breaking down your defenses.

I dismissed the bothersome voice in my head immediately, determined to just enjoy the moment.

It’s like I told Ally—live for today. Just take it as it comes.

I stepped into the bath fit for a god and sunk into its sweet foam. Leaning back, I appreciated a few minutes of uninterrupted relaxation.

When Alexander returned, he was carrying two glasses of wine and was wearing nothing but a towel around his waist. The lines of his abs rippled when he bent to set the glasses down on the ledge of the bath. I wanted to reach out and run my hands over his muscular contours but stopped myself when I remembered why I couldn’t.

“Alex, I’m sorry. But if you have plans to join me, I can’t when I have my—” I started.

“Relax, Krystina. I have no expectations. Tonight, it’s all about you. Now slide up in the tub,” he ordered.

I hesitated for a moment but then did as I was told.

Alexander dimmed the lights so there was only a soft glow about the room, adding to the tranquility. When he shamelessly dropped his towel, I found myself blushing for some unknown reason. I cast my eyes down, not wanting to brazenly ogle while he climbed in behind me.

Once he had settled, he procured matches from somewhere and lit the candles placed in the corners of the marble surround. Pulling me back against him, he left me little choice but to settle in.

After a moment or two, he began to massage the muscles in my shoulders. A sigh of appreciation escaped as I sipped on a delightfully sweet white wine and absorbed the music. I literally felt like a pampered queen.

“This song that’s playing—it’s really good. Who is it?” I asked, curious about the female artist’s sensual lyrics and textured contemporary sound.

“It’s called “Breathe” by Of Verona. It’s on one of the playlists I made for you.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize. But then again, I haven’t had a chance to listen to all the songs yet.”

“That’s a shame, but it might explain why I still have to try so hard to coerce you,” he laughed.

“What do you mean?”

“This particular song is on the Surrender playlist.”

“I see,” I mused, suddenly very intrigued by what Alexander hoped to accomplish with his playlists. “I’ll make a point to listen to them all soon.”

“Actually, it’s okay if you don’t. I like seeing your reactions when you hear a song you like. You’re very responsive to music.”

“I know. It’s hard to explain. It’s like I can feel music—if that makes any sense,” I told him.

Alexander shifted his position slightly, causing his manhood to brush against my backside. The seductive music alone was doing a fine job of provoking my already heightened sexual ache—the last thing I needed was to feel that. A shiver of desire raced down my spine.

“Is the water too cool?” Alexander asked, seeming oblivious as to why I had quivered. I gave myself a lecture in an attempt to ignore the longing I felt.

Focus on the massage. Tune out the music. Just disregard the feel of his body.

That’s wet and warm.

And slick with bath oils.

“No, the water is fine. Perfect actually,” I said, my voice sounding slightly higher pitched than normal. It was a real struggle to focus exclusively on the kneading of his phenomenal hands on my shoulders.

“Hmm, yes. This is nice,” he agreed easily, but he seemed distracted.

I glanced up at him. He looked lost in thought and totally unaware of the torment I was experiencing.

“What are you thinking about?”