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You step out of the pool, water trailing down your skin, your blue bikini clinging in ways that make even you feel a little shy. You adjust the thin, sheer cover-up around your waist, trying to hide yourself, but the fabric clings just enough to reveal your curves.

You don’t notice the door opening — not until you hear slow, heavy footsteps.

You lift your head and freeze.

Stellan stands by the entrance, his jacket slung over one arm, his sleeves rolled up, and his glasses perched low on his nose. His eyes are dark and locked onto you. His gaze sweeps down your body so slowly it makes you shiver.

Your cheeks burn instantly. You tug at the cover-up, nervously trying to make it sit better.

“I-I didn’t know you were home,” you stammer, voice small.

Stellan doesn’t answer right away. He just watches you, his lips curving into a slow, knowing smirk that makes your heart beat wildly. Before you can hide further, he steps forward, voice rough.

“Don’t,” he says, his gaze intense as he stops you from adjusting the cover-up. “Don’t hide from me.”

You nibble your bottom lip, shifting on your feet, feeling more exposed under his gaze than ever.

“I look ridiculous,” you mumble, hugging the cover-up tighter.

In two long strides, Stellan closes the distance between you. Before you can even think of moving away, his strong hands are gripping your waist — and then you’re suddenly lifted off the ground with a soft gasp escaping your lips.

“Stellan!” you squeak, clutching at his shoulders, your face burning hotter.

He chuckles lowly, the sound vibrating against your body as he carries you easily over to the nearest table. Carefully, almost teasingly slow, he sets you down, his palms lingering at your sides. His knee gently presses between your legs, parting them just enough for him to stand closer, making your breath hitch.

You sit there, flustered, your legs dangling slightly off the edge, staring up at him with wide, embarrassed eyes.

“I should cancel all my meetings,” Stellan murmurs, one hand tilting your chin up so you can't hide from his gaze. “Just to keep you to myself.”

You blink up at him, heart hammering in your chest. “W-Why?” you whisper shyly.

He leans down, so close his forehead almost touches yours, and smiles — a rare, soft smile only you ever get to see.

“Because when you look at me like that,” he whispers, voice like velvet, “I can't think of anything else but you.”

You let out a small, breathless laugh, feeling completely overwhelmed and utterly his.