Page 23 of Branded Hearts

And then I freeze.

Because the person in the shower is, in fact, not Olivia. Nope, definitely not Olivia.

Standing in the shower is... Bradley.

Oh, my god!

Internally panicking, I have no idea what to do. The floorboards creak under my footsteps, and I stop dead in my tracks. Holy crap!

I’m rooted in place, captivated but terrified of the sight before my eyes. Bradley stands under the shower, running his hands throughhis hair. The door is only opened slightly, ajar, so I can’t see much, but I’m seeingeverything.I move to walk away slowly, but stop myself. I can’t.

I’m too… tempted. Intrigued.

I’ve never seen a guy naked before—sure, in porn once, but never in real life. And Bradley, right now, is every bit naked—everythingon display. My cheeks go all warm and fuzzy, and I feel tingles zipping down to my toes. I can’t tear my eyes away as he lathers up, hands gliding over those ripped abs.

My goodness, I’m seeing more dips and ridges than a mountain range!

My eyes wander lower, lower, and nearly pop out of my head at the sight of his... manhood. Why does that sound so weird in my head?Cock?Yeah, that’s what I hear most often.

Let’s stick with that.

Bradley’s cock is... massive. Like, seriously huge—just hanging out there.Jesus Christ!

Suddenly, Bradley shifts, catching sight of me in the doorway. His face morphs into complete shock. His eyes lock onto mine, wide and unblinking, like he’s seen a ghost. He raises his brows but doesn’t move to cover up. I’m frozen, like a deer caught in headlights, unable to look away.

Why am I still standing here?

I gasp, the realisation hitting me like a ton of bricks. I’ve been caught red-handed—okay, red-faced—snooping where I definitely shouldn’t be. With a sharp intake of breath, I bolt downstairs, mycheeks burning hotter than the sun.

As I tumble down the stairs, my mind still spinning, I crash right into someone with a loud, “oof!” and a startled exclamation of, “Oh, shit. What the fuck!”

Stumbling back, I try to regain my balance. “Oh my god, Liv! I’m so sorry!” I blurt out, realising I’ve bumped into her, who’s clutching a basket of eggs.

“Dude, where did you even come from?” Olivia exclaims, clearly shaken. “You scared the shit out of me.”

“I, uh,” I stutter, feeling my cheeks blaze with embarrassment, hoping they’re not turning as red as ripe tomatoes. “Don’t you check your bloody phone? I texted you that I was here!” I explain, gesturing between us.

“I was just out back, collecting these silly eggs for Mum,” Olivia says with an exasperated sigh, patting her pockets and realising her phone’s missing. “Shit, I must’ve left it on the table inside.”

“Well, that’s just perfect,” I mutter under my breath, feeling a mix of relief and humiliation.

“You okay? You look... all flustered,” Olivia observes, her brow furrowing in concern.

I huff out a nervous laugh, trying to shake off the awkwardness. How do I even begin to tell her I just stumbled upon her brother in the shower, all wet and completely naked? Oh right, I’m definitely not telling her.

No way.

“I’m good. You just startled me, is all,” I say, trying to soundnonchalant, but probably failing miserably.

“Righto,” Olivia responds, her smile now more amused than curious.

Clearing my throat, I feel the awkwardness settling in. “Um, those supplies you bought? I’ve just come to grab them and then I’ll be out of your hair.” Olivia places the basket of eggs on the kitchen bench, and I follow her.

“Oh yeah, they’re just here,” Olivia says, heading to the dining table to grab the plastic bag sitting on top. “I saw these today and just had to grab them for you,” she adds, giving me a playful wink.

Opening the plastic bag, I discover a round wooden paint palette, a set of graphite pencils, and a small pack of oil paints. Olivia’s thoughtfulness strikes me, and I silently marvel,wow.

“This is amazing! I actually needed a new palette,” I exclaim.

---