âOkay.
â
Still smiling, Barlow led them to his room, used his card to open the door, and they entered.
Karina helped him to the sofa.
Noticing his still pale complexion, a flicker of concern crossed her eyes.
âDo you need me to take you to the hospital?â
âNo, thank you.
A massage to help relax the muscles should be enough to make me feel better.
â
As Barlow stared, Karina felt her heart race.
Noticing his legs exposed beyond the hem of his bathrobe, she swallowed unconsciously.
She quickly diverted her gaze and suggested, âIâll ask the hotel receptionist to find someone to give you a massage.
â
Karina was about to exit when Barlow caught her hand, saying, âKarina, Iâve just done you a big favor.
Shouldnât you repay me?â
Repay him?
Did he mean she should massage him herself?
Feeling the warmth of his hand, Karina quickly withdrew hers.
âIâm not trained in massage.
I wouldnât know how.
â
âReally? But arenât you an agent? You are skilled at taking care of celebrities,â he remarked, a tinge of jealousy in his tone.
Karina felt a lump in her throat and averted her eyes from his piercing gaze.
His jealousy of her attentiveness to Jack strangely brought her a sense of satisfaction.
Maybe his jealousy appealed to her vanity.
She enjoyed the attention, the feeling of being desired.
Collecting herself, she conceded, âOkay, Iâll try, but Iâm not very skilled.
â
Considering his help earlier, she felt inclined to reciprocate.
âDonât worry, I donât mind.
Iâm grateful that you are willing to give me a massage.
Letâs start,â Barlow said with a smile.
He pulled up a chair and propped one of his long, muscular leg on it.
As he moved, the bathrobe fell open, revealing the edges of his underwear.
Karina blushed.
She tried to overcome her shyness and knelt down to massage him.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.