Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 83
“No, that’s not it. Not at all.”
Roel shook her head vigorously. The overwhelming emotion left her feeling like her heart might burst. No matter what she had, she couldn’t imagine being happier than this.
‘Kyden… he said he loves me.’
Tears streamed down her face, her lips trembled, and her breath came in ragged gasps. She felt foolish and unworthy, and she should have been thanking him for his affection. Instead, she could only gasp like a fool.
“I… I mean…”
Kyden pulled Roel into a tight embrace, burying his face in her neck. He too seemed anxious.
Even though he was determined not to let her go no matter what she said, he was still nervously waiting for her answer.
“Thank you so much… I’m so inadequate…”
“Thanking me means you like me, right? Hmm?”
“Yes, yes…”
“So you’re saying you’ll live with me again? You won’t leave?”
“Yes…”
“You’re saying you’ll only look at me for the rest of your life? Hurry up and answer.”
Kyden pressed on persistently. Roel nodded through her tears.
Only then did a bright smile appear on his face.
Kyden’s face came closer. As if seeking her permission, he gently placed his lips on her damp cheek.
The tickling sensation made Roel shrink her shoulders.
“Don’t lick…”
“Why not?”
“It’s dirty. I was sweating today while working.”
Ignoring her words, Kyden pulled her waist closer, sniffing her neck like a dog marking its territory.
“Please, don’t.”
Roel tried to push him away in alarm, but Kyden didn’t move. After thoroughly sniffing her, he lifted his head.
“It’s fine. You smell good.”
“…!”
“It smells like stew.”
What is he talking about? She had been working in the restaurant all day, so it wasn’t surprising if she smelled of food.
“And the sweat smells nice too.”
“Ugh…!”
Roel shuddered and stood up, unable to bear the embarrassment. She thought about running off to wash up, but Kyden was faster, grabbing her.
“Where are you going?”
“To my room…”
Kyden’s brow furrowed, and he pulled her back with irritation, as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“What are you saying? You just said you wouldn’t leave.”
“What does that have to do with me going to my room?”
“We used to sleep together every day…”
Roel’s mouth fell open. Was he suggesting they sleep together like before? Here? She knew Kyden’s desires and stamina all too well. But this was a place where she worked, and the soundproofing wasn’t great.
“Let’s just hold off until I’m done working here. I’ve already decided to quit after the Founding Day.”
Kyden, unusually whiny, clung to Roel and groaned.
“Stop saying to wait. We’ve already waited so much.”
His subdued tone, with his normally strong presence now appearing pitiful, softened Roel’s resolve.
“…Kyden.”
“Quit the job right now.”
“If I quit now, what will happen to running the inn…That’s not an option.”
Kyden resolved to go to the mercenary band the next day and bring Ace along. Ace had committed crimes, so he would have to work at the inn. If Ace was reluctant, he would persuade him gently until he was willing.
“Alright, come here for now.”
He kept pulling Roel closer, even though she was already in his arms.
“I haven’t washed…”
As Roel hesitated and lowered her head, Kyden lifted her chin. He stared into her eyes, listening to the pounding of her heart, and exhaled hot breath.
Kyden abruptly and roughly captured Roel’s lips. When she gasped for air and opened her mouth, he turned his head and sucked on her inner lips. The sound of slurping, heavy breathing, and shallow moans filled the space.
“Kyden… I can’t breathe.”
Roel clung to his shoulder, her voice pleading and tearful.
Kyden wrapped his arms around Roel’s waist and lifted her up. He then walked determinedly towards the bed. Noticing the hard mattress, he patted Roel’s backside.
“Next time, let’s do it somewhere nicer.”
“Are we… doing it now?”
He set Roel down, and she sat dazed in the middle of the bed, blinking.
Kyden was already shirtless. His toned, well-defined muscles and deeply contoured pelvis were striking, but Roel inspected his chest with a worried expression. It seemed a bit smaller now. Kyden had always had a broad chest, being muscular.
