Chapter 189 Dragged Into the Bathtub
With a chuckle, Aaron addressed his grandfather. "To you, Grandpa, I may hold a noble status. But to others, I might be nothing more than a burden." His words rang with a stark truth. To Nora, his prestigious lineage was nothing but a source of trouble.
Jacob grumbled under his breath, "Ungrateful," a scornful snort escaping his lips as his face contorted into a scowl. Yet, despite his annoyance, he was grateful that Nora hadn't seized this opportunity to ensnare Aaron in matrimony. Aaron chuckled knowingly at his grandfather's reaction, while Jacob averted his gaze, clearly vexed.
"Enough," Jacob finally declared, shifting the focus. "Wasn't Jackson seriously injured? Get him home and ensure he's well taken care of. We don't want any lasting damage."
Caleb exhaled in relief, promptly acknowledging the command. "Yes." The message was clear - secure Jackson's safety now, and deal with the troublemaker later.
Once Caleb had departed, Jacob turned his attention back to Aaron. "That rascal, was all this just a scheme to strip Jackson and Caleb of their authority?"
Aaron's eyebrows shot up in response. "Given Caleb's way of handling things, trouble was inevitable. I can't let them drag down the Gordon Group."
Jacob scoffed at his grandson's retort. "You're clever, using a condition to manipulate me. But I'll repeat myself, you can marry anyone, just not her."
Aaron merely smiled, offering neither agreement nor objection. "Alright, Grandpa, my leg still needs treatment. I should be going." His tone was unhurried, confident that his grandfather would eventually consent to his union with Nora. After all, the girl he was smitten with was talented, beautiful, and kind-hearted. Anyone who spent time with her was bound to fall under her spell. His priority now was to cement his relationship with Nora and ensure she was by his side for the challenges ahead.
Once Aaron had departed, Jacob sighed, "Stubborn as a mule."
The butler chimed in, "Aaron is indeed stubborn, but he's much like you—once he's set on something, there's no turning back. It's that kind of determination that builds empires."
Jacob unconsciously nodded, a look of satisfaction in his eyes. But upon reflection, he shot the butler a stern glance. "Don't advocate for Aaron. I won't allow him to bring a commoner into the family." The butler simply smiled, offering no rebuttal. But inwardly, he was certain - Jacob would capitulate eventually. It was merely a question of when.
Aaron, meanwhile, was in high spirits. Upon reaching the villa, he called Nora. "Come out, I'm at your gate."
Nora, who had been waiting for him at home, responded. After ending the call, she informed her recently returned roommate, "Jenny, I'm off to provide treatment for Aaron."
Jenny poured herself a glass of water and blinked, feigning nonchalance. "Should I leave the door unlocked for you?"
Nora felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. "I've got a key, you know?"
Clutching the glass, Jenny feigned a sigh. "Looks like it's another night home alone for me!"
Nora was momentarily speechless. Then, with a playful smile, she replied, "Well, I'll leave the kids in your capable hands then."
Once they had departed the villa, Nora found herself in the passenger seat of Aaron's car, their journey home a shared experience.
"Mr. Gordon, I believe it's time for me to take my leave," she declared, deciding it best not to overstay her welcome.
Aaron, acknowledging her statement with a nod, allowed Nora to assist him up to the third floor of his residence.
"Perhaps you should take a shower," she proposed, leaving him at the threshold of the bathroom.
However, Aaron didn't release her as expected. Instead, he encircled her slender waist with his arm, spun her around, and pressed her against the wall.
Caught off guard, Nora queried, "What are you doing?"
His gaze locked onto hers, Aaron's long fingers gently cradled her delicate chin, "Merely indulging in a small privilege," he murmured.
His breath was warm and close as he leaned in, planting a tender kiss on her lips.
Nora's body stiffened, her hands instinctively clutching the hem of his shirt.
Sensing her tension, Aaron deliberately slowed the rhythm of their kiss, his movements gentle yet insistent.
His softness and persistence gradually coaxed her into a state of relaxation.
Unconsciously, Nora closed her eyes, surrendering to his lead and embarking on a journey of sensual discovery.
It was undeniable that Aaron was a man accustomed to being in control, in every aspect of life.
Under his guidance, Nora's body relaxed. She raised her arms to encircle his waist and began to reciprocate his advances.
Feeling her response, Aaron's breathing deepened.
What began as a tender exchange escalated into a passionate encounter, charged with emotion.
The intensity left Nora feeling dizzy, her legs threatening to buckle beneath her.
However, when his hand slid under her shirt, the heat from his palm jolted her back to reality.
She pushed his hand away, breathless, "Enough, go shower. I still need to administer your acupuncture treatment."
Aaron's eyes were dark and intense, his desire to keep Nora close was palpable.
Suppressing his desire, he asked in a husky voice, "Will you help me?"
"You're capable of showering independently," Nora retorted, her eyes glistening as she gently pushed him away.
"No, I want you to assist me."
Without further discussion, Aaron led her into the bathroom.
Nora had previously cared for him in a professional capacity, maintaining a focused and detached demeanor.
However, her feelings had since evolved, and facing the same man, her reactions were markedly different.
So, when Aaron stood naked before her, Nora couldn't suppress the rapid beating of her heart or the flush that spread across her cheeks.
She averted her gaze, attempting to maintain an air of composure.
"What are you contemplating?" A man's gentle voice suddenly shattered the silence.
Nora instinctively responded, "Maintain your cool."
Aaron, seated in the bathtub, was initially taken aback by her reply, then burst into laughter.
"Maintain my cool? Nora, you're anything but calm," he teased.
Nora felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her.
Clearing her throat to dispel the awkwardness, she continued to wash him while attempting to steer the conversation in a different direction, her cheeks still aflame.
"What did your grandfather summon you for?"
At her inquiry, Aaron's playful smile faded slightly.
"Jackson has landed himself in trouble, and Caleb pleaded with Grandpa Jacob to persuade me to be lenient."
Nora paused mid-motion, "Did you let him off the hook?"
"Yeah, I did," he admitted.
Her brows knitted together involuntarily.
Observing her expression, Aaron queried, "Are you displeased?"
Nora remained silent for a moment, then relaxed her brows, "No, I trust you had your reasons."
'She truly understands me,' Aaron mused, his deep, dark eyes gazing at her as he took her hand in his.
"The evidence against him isn't sufficient for a severe sentence, so I decided to release him. However, I seized the opportunity to secure Grandpa's agreement on two conditions."
"What conditions?"
"Firstly, I've assumed control of the operations from Jackson. Secondly, Grandpa can't coerce me into marrying someone I don't love."
Nora listened attentively, her heart fluttering at his second condition.
She looked up into his bottomless eyes, a spark of hope igniting within her.
'Is he laying the groundwork for our future marriage?'
'Without Grandpa Jacob's interference, does that mean he could soon marry the woman he truly loves?'
"I'll wait for you outside. Please finish up," she said, feeling the intensity of his gaze.
However, just as she rose to leave, Aaron tightened his grip on her hand and, in one swift motion, pulled her into the bathtub with him.
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