Nighttime Encounters - Chapter 31
As Trinity reached for the wardrobe’s handle, in an instant, she found herself suddenly pushed away by a strong force.
“Ugh.”
Before Trinity had time to react, something massive wrapped itself around her, pinning her firmly against the wardrobe. A large hand gripped her shoulder, and a thick arm pressed against the small of her back.
The chilling sensation of the wardrobe’s hardness against her flattened cheek sent shivers down her spine. She struggled against her with all her might, but she still couldn’t break free. He was just so much stronger than her that any attempt to escape was futile.
“Who told you to come into my room without my permission?” he asked in a low and menacing voice.
She could feel his breath on the back of her neck, carrying the thick scent of rich wine. Trinity couldn’t turn around, but she knew.
The sleeping giant had awoken.
Trinity closed her eyes, feeling lightheaded. Her lungs and heart squeezed inside her and she gasped for air.
She managed to pull herself together enough to say, “You requested laundry service.”
Would it work? If not, she’d have to risk it and use her magic.
Gritting her teeth, she prepared for him to strike, but instead Trinity heard something quite unexpected.
“Ah, I did say, didn’t I?” he muttered in a daze.
She felt his grasp weaken. He seemed to have confirmed that the intruder wasn’t an enemy and slowly dropped his guard. His hands lazily slid down Trinity’s body as he pushed himself against the wardrobe. The force that was restraining her all but disappeared.
Breathing easier, Trinity gauged the man’s reaction and said softly, “Yes, sir. I was told you had gone through a scuffle and that your clothes were damaged.”
“Oh. Right.”
He mumbled to himself, seeming to snap out of his stupor with a shake of his head. Trinity was taken aback as he started to lower his hand but was relieved when he touched the wood instead of her. Even as he leaned against the wardrobe, every movement seemed to drain him. He lowered his head in exhaustion, his forehead touching the back of Trinity’s head. Their shadows merged into one long, amorphous silhouette.
She didn’t expect this at all. Trapped between the wardrobe and the man, Trinity felt utterly helpless.
“Seems like you must be very drunk, sir. You’ve even forgotten that you signed up for our service.”
“That’s strange. I don’t usually get this drunk.”
His low murmur reverberated against Trinity’s back, sending shivers down her spine and through her body. His quick breaths were hot and sweet.
Trinity whispered, fighting to stay alert, “Fatigue might have gotten you more intoxicated than usual.”
Whether he agreed or not, she could feel his breathing gradually slowing—as gentle as a docile lamb. Even in his inebriated and unsteady state, he managed to offer her a sincere apology.
“I’m sorry, miss. Something’s been bothering me lately, so I overreacted.”
Overreacted? Was this something he considered as a mere overreaction? Making her heart nearly stop when he reacted with such crazy reflexes despite being drugged and drunk?
Trinity opened her mouth, barely swallowing the biting remark that threatened to jump out of her throat. Instead she said, “I understand. People tend to act like that when they’re drunk. I’m fine.”
Trinity made sure to emphasize the word “drunk” and glanced behind her. He was gripping the dresser with his large hands, leaning his forehead against the small of her back, breathing heavily. She shivered involuntarily at the tingling sensation running down her spine.
“Um, sir,” said Trinity. Her voice trembled softly, polite like a maid’s. “If you don’t mind, I can assist you to the bed.”
“Oh.”
Finally, the man staggered back and pulled himself away from her. “There’s no need,” he said. “I can manage by myself.” But just as he was refusing her help, he lost his balance and swayed unsteadily.
As Trinity freed herself, she swiftly slipped under his armpits and wrapped her arms around his waist to steady him. But because of their size difference, it looked like she was hugging him.
The other night when they were tangled up and rolling on the ground, she had thought he had a huge physique but now… His muscled body felt not just heavy but dangerously crushing. If she were to squashed underneath him, she might just scream.
Should she just leave him on the ground and go about her business? The idea tempted her for a moment, but then she thought better of it. She felt bad for drugging him, and she made a promise that she wouldn’t endanger his life.
Besides, he had gone through all the trouble to eat every last bite of the food she had so painstakingly prepared. Maybe, in a way, he might understand the conflicting emotions she had towards Luperne’s recipes… The subtle connection formed through food seemed to soften her boundaries and simmering resentment towards him.
Okay! First things first, she needed to get him to bed. Having made up her mind, Trinity pushed herself up on her legs.
“Sir, lean on me.”
Trinity tightened her arms around his waist and pulled him closer.
