My God. Kate cried out inside. Now? She was in such a state.

She could not do it now.

He grew impatient and came over to do it himself. He was an expert in stripping, and soon she was left in just bras and underpants. She held her arms against her chest by instinct.

Tristan didn’t continue and carried her to the bathroom. Tristan put her into the tub already filled with water. “It is cool.” Kate hunched her shoulders and wanted to get out.

He pushed her back and said, “It is warm. You are almost frozen. Cannot use water that is too hot.”

Kate touched her own knees,...