The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

Ethan was sprawled out on the bed, his body a canvas of discomfort. Lydia, despite her frequent irritation with him, had a duty to perform. She approached, bending over in front of him to carefully remove the acupuncture needles one by one.

It seemed Ethan could feel her breath on his back, gentle and shallow, a stark contrast to her normally fierce demeanor.

As she leaned in, a faint, pleasant fragrance emanated from her, enveloping Ethan in its subtlety.

Ethan's heartbeat rhythmically altered, captivated by her presence.

With his hands clasped under his chin, a smirk adorned his lips. "So, Lydia, what do you think of this bod? Muscular and fit, right?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Lydia's movements halted, fully aware of the playful challenge in his tone. With deliberate precision, she twisted the needles slightly deeper into his skin, her teeth clenched. "Oh, it's sturdy alright. Typically, sturdy muscles don't mind a bit of pain!"

ouch, OUCH! Easy, easy!" Ethan winced, his

be tough? Why the complaints then?" Lydia

the better of her. After years of military service and rigorous training, she had seen her fair share of muscular men and was hardly impressed. Ethan's physique, in her eyes,

you know? How could it not hurt?" Ethan gasped, still reeling

muscles are almost as hard as stone, didn't you know?" Lydia replied,

home now," she said, packing away the

and sat up, rubbing his back where the needles had been. "You really don't have a romantic bone in your body, do you?" he

about?" Lydia snapped back, her gaze sharp enough to silence him. Hastily, Ethan grabbed his

riddance. Don't bother returning!" Lydia replied

frustrated yet also feeling a sense of loss. Lydia's indifference to his charms was both baffling and intriguing. Accustomed to attention, especially from women, he found her lack of interest

let it go, Ethan dialed Thalassa as soon as he left the