Chapter 16 : Hidden Feelings and Gentle Surprises - 1 Chapter 16 : Hidden Feelings and Gentle Surprises ( Olivia's POV ) Perhaps Connor noticed my uneasiness with him in the hotel suite . He gestured toward the stairs with a slight nod . " Check if you're missing anything and let me know . I'll go upstairs to take a shower , " he said . His voice carried the natural authority of an Alpha , yet remained gentle with me . I appreciated the space he was giving me , allowing me to settle in without pressure . " Wait a second . " Connor stopped , turned back , his ice - blue eyes questioning . " What's wrong ? " I hesitated , then reached into my backpack . The bottled water I'd been suspicious of was still there , untouched since I'd found it in my room at Moonlight Manor . I pulled it out and handed it to Connor . " Con , can you help me contact a testing facility ? This water might have been tampered with . " His gaze instantly sharpened as he grasped the implication . The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees . " Is someone trying to hurt you ? " His voice had hardened , all traces of gentleness gone . I nodded gravely . " I think so , but I can't be sure . Better to be cautious . " Without hesitation , Connor took the bottle , his fingers brushing against mine . " Alright , leave this to me . " He immediately pulled out his phone and dialed . " Henry , come over . I need you to handle something . " His tone was curt , brooking no argument . As he strode away , disappearing around the staircase corner , I finally let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding . My tense body relaxed slightly , the weight of my suspicions now shared . Just moments before , when I handed him the bottled water , our eyes had unexpectedly crashed into each other's . His were bottomless pools of ice - blue , intense and deep . For a fleeting instant , my heart seemed to stop . His eyes were beautiful . No , not only his eyes - his entire face was like a masterpiece , so perfect my heart couldn't help but speed up . I'd forgotten how striking Connor was up close . After he left , I took time to observe the suite . It clearly bore traces of someone's long - term < Chapter 16 : Hidden Feelings . +25 Puntos > living : a jacket draped over a chair , several books on the coffee table , even a particular arrangement of items on the kitchen counter . These weren't the marks of a transient stay at all . That puzzled me . Wasn't Connor based in Riverdale ? Why did this Harbor City hotel suite feel like a second home ? Yet I quickly dismissed the thought ; it was none of my concern . I unpacked my luggage in the bedroom , only to realize I hadn't brought slippers for showering . As I hesitated whether to call Connor , the doorbell rang . I opened the door to a polite hotel attendant bearing a tray and a bag . " Hello , I'm here to deliver items for Mr. Rivers , " he said with a professional smile . I accepted the hot herbal tea and the bag , thanking him softly . After closing the door , I was surprised to see the steaming cup of herbal tea . Did Connor also have the habit of drinking ing tea before bed ? That was quite a coincidence . g the bag , I found a pair of brand - new women's slippers , two unopened towels , and e toiletries - clearly prepared just for me . A gentle warmth rose in my chest . Connor truly was attentive . At this moment , Connor appeared at the stairway , his powerful presence filling the room without effort . " Did everything arrive ? " he asked , his ice - blue eyes scanning my face . I looked up , feeling a strange flutter in my chest . " Yes , thank you , Con . " Our eyes met in the air , carrying an unspoken intimacy . He was no longer just my childhood friend but also my fiancé now . The realization made my cheeks warm . Connor approached , clarifying , " I ordered the tea for you . " " Huh ? I thought it was for you ," I replied , surprised . " I don't have that habit , " he said simply . " Drink it , it's good for you after the stress you've been through . " As he spoke , Connor turned to open the door again . Standing silently outside was his assistant , Henry Morris , whom he had summoned earlier . Connor handed over the suspicious bottled water . " Send this for testing immediately . I want to know if it contains any toxins , " he instructed , his tone leaving no room for questions . 213 < Chapter 16 : Hidden Feelings . Henry's expression remained professionally neutral . " Yes , Mr. Rivers . " +25 Puntos > When Connor turned back , he caught my curious , clear amber eyes . An indescribable softness brushed his expression . Unable to resist , he reached out and gently ruffled my honey - brown hair with a fondness that was almost habitual . " Go to bed early . What time do you want me to wake you tomorrow ? " he asked . " Ten o'clock ," I replied , looking up at him from the sofa . Unbeknownst to me , a faint line of herbal tea had stained my lips , creating an unexpectedly intimate and alluring scene . Connor's gaze deepened , his throat working slightly as he looked away . Comentarios