The words caught her off guard for a moment. Her eyes darted away before she fired back, Last I checked, you don t need feet to wash yourself. Your hands work just fine.

Rather than address her logic, Collin shifted tactics entirely. You are my wife. A wife has duties to her husband.

This marriage was forced on me, Linsey shot back, her voice ringing with defiance.

Collin s expression turned thunderous, his eyes boring into her with icy fury. She met his glare without flinching, her own gaze blazing with stubborn resistance. His perpetual sternness didn t intimidate her anymore.

This time, she refused to back down no matter what threats he made. Helping him bathe crossed every line she had left. The very idea was absolutely ridiculous. She simply wouldn t do it.

In the bathroom, Linsey found herself crouched beside the pristine white bathtub, testing the water temperature with trembling fingers.

Minutes earlier, Collin had once again dangled Felix s company over her head like a sword, forcing her to surrender to his impossible demands.

While she adjusted the water, Collin remained comfortably seated in his wheelchair, his penetrating gaze never leaving her. A satisfied smirk curved his lips as he watched her every movement.

The water temperature finally reached the right setting, and droplets began falling steadily into the tub with soft, rhythmic plops.

Linsey. His voice cut through the bathroom s stillness, low and commanding. Her shoulders tensed involuntarily. Every fiber of her being wanted to ignore him, but she knew better than to try. Turning reluctantly, she managed a tight, What now?

Something dangerous flickered in Collin s eyes as he gestured toward the shallow puddle of water collecting in the tub. Keep stalling like this, and I ll make you join me in there as punishment.

Water suddenly gushed forth in a torrent, cascading down like a miniature waterfall and sending droplets flying in all directions.

Finally, Collin looked pleased with her urgency.

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Once the tub filled to his satisfaction, he beckoned her over with a simple gesture.

Linsey forced herself to stand and walk toward him, each step feeling heavier than the last.

Even though she stood while he remained seated, something about Collin s overwhelming presence made her feel utterly small. When their eyes met, it was as if he loomed over her despite the difference in their physical positions.

Why are you just standing around? Come here and give me a hand, Collin called out.

A soft Oh, escaped Linsey as she stepped behind his wheelchair, pushing him forward at a careful pace.

When they reached the bathtub, she leaned in to help, but Collin s hand caught her wrist before she could do anything else. He gave the slightest pull, closing the distance until their breaths mingled. Those deep eyes of his drew her in, and for a second, Linsey s heart hammered against her ribs.

Amusement flashed in Collin s gaze. Is that it? You re looking for an excuse to get in here with me, aren t you?

Warm breath teased her cheek, sending her nerves into overdrive.

Fighting the heat rising in her face, Linsey yanked her arm away. That s absurd! Who would want to do that with you?

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