Chapter 23. Naked

“Are you all right?” Garrett asked, his voice filled with concern as he helped Lily up. “Why did you attempt to get out of the bed on your own? Are you trying to making your injuries worse?” His tone held a hint of admonishment, reflecting his worry for her well-being.

Lily, determined to assert her independence, waved her hand dismissively. “I’m fine. Really, I am,” she replied. She didn’t want to be seen as fragile or helpless; she wanted to prove her strength. After last night, Lily didn’t want to seem fragile ever again.

“You’re a stubborn she-wolf, you know that? You don’t have to prove anything to me,” Garrett responded as he helped her to her feet.

Raising her head to meet Garrett’s gaze, Lily’s breath caught in her throat. She was taken aback by his appearance—completely naked, droplets of water cascading down his sculpted physique. Her cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and attraction.

“Oh!” she gasped, instinctively covering her eyes. “W