Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 71
“I don’t… I don’t like this kind of thing.”
Her voice betrayed her words, sounding more flustered than before. She didn’t want to be misunderstood again, so she said it that way.
Eren seemed to think that Macy enjoyed physical contact with any man due to what happened last time. She didn’t want to be treated like a light woman by him again.
“You already told me that the day you came in drunk.”
“What?”
Macy tensed up instantly.
“You said you liked kissing me.”
“Did I say that…?”
“Yes.”
Was Eren’s statement true? Macy wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved or worried. It seemed better than a confession, but it was still somewhat like a confession…
“Was that all I said?”
“Is there something else you should have said?”
“No. No…”
Macy felt embarrassed and lowered her head. Even though her eyes were covered, she still felt shy about showing her face. It seemed like she had playfully asked for a kiss, much like a child.
“If that’s what I said… why have you been avoiding me?”
“Avoiding you?”
“Yes. Since then, you’ve been reducing your visits…”
“Hmm.”
He seemed lost in thought for a moment. If he was going to treat her like a child, he should have just ignored her like before and acted as usual. Macy felt a bit unjust about her concerns from before.
“I thought that since you liked it, you wouldn’t be so hesitant.”
“Pardon?”
Just as her mouth was about to drop open at the unexpected answer, their lips met again.
A warm breath flowed between them. The faint scent of cigars lingered in her mouth. Macy’s hand twitched at the sensation of her lower lip being kissed. Eventually, their lips parted with a soft sound.
“I don’t dislike it either, you know. Being like this with you.”
Her heart raced at those words. Macy was confused about how to interpret them.
“…Eren, you’ve had enough Name treatment now.”
He had clearly said that she was only useful for Name treatment. He had implied that if it wasn’t for that, he could end their relationship at any moment. And yet, he spoke so casually as if nothing had happened.
“So, do you dislike it?”
The question seemed off-topic. His voice held a hint of amusement.
For the first time, Eren felt like a bad person. At the same time, Macy felt relieved that he was bad.
‘I really am hopeless.’
Even though his actions were likely meant to stop her tears without genuine feelings, Macy still treasured it. She had no intention of rejecting it.
“…No. Please, continue.”
“I think you’re getting better.”
“No, I’m still sad.”
She was desperate to find even a tiny crack to get through and settle in. Every small act of kindness felt so sweet. It was delightful when he seemed to give in, treating her as if she were special.
It thrilled her that this arrogant man was treating her differently.
“You’ve become quite the crybaby.”
With that affectionate tease, their lips met again. His tongue entered slowly, gently caressing her inner mouth. His thumb brushed over the fabric, which felt like he was wiping away the tears from her eyes, making her emotions surge again.
Macy struggled to control her feelings and wrapped her face around his, making sure he couldn’t pull away. For a moment, Eren seemed to hesitate, but then his lips curled into a slight smile. His firm arms pulled her waist close, and his embrace felt as enchanting as a night sky filled with stars.
* * *
Her consciousness, previously locked away, gradually awoke. As she curled up, she felt the familiar scent of Eren’s body. She nestled closer into the warm embrace, thinking that if Eren was still next to her, it must still be night. Just as she was about to drift back to sleep…
“How long are you going to sleep?”
“Hmm… What time is it?”
“It’s past noon, it seems.”
“What?!”
Macy jumped up suddenly. She reached for her blindfold to check the time but hesitated.
‘Eren is right next to me. I shouldn’t take it off.’
She realized that her body felt too refreshed to have woken up in the early morning. There was even a hint of sunlight seeping in…
‘But why is Eren still in the cabin?’
The situation didn’t make sense to her.
“Do you usually sleep in this late on weekends?”
“Why are you still here, Eren?”
Eren, who had been lying beside her, seemed to stir, making the bed shift slightly.
“You wouldn’t let go of me.”
“Don’t lie. Normally, even if I hold on, you leave right away. Are you joking? It’s still night, right?”
There was no way he would stay beside her until morning, let alone all the way until noon.
