Anderson secretly followed Celia's back as girls would fawn over him. Coldly ignoring them, his eyes could only focus on the small woman, whose height slightly passed his shoulders, rushing towards a small crowd formed at the end of the hallway.
"He—"
Before Celia could yell, someone bumped against her as she felt her body falling backwards. Closing her eye to embrace the impact, a soft and firm body wrapped hers with mahogany and fresh rain fragrance instead. A big and warm hand was circled her waist, and the other was holding her wrist tight but without pain.
"Are you okay?"
A melodic and husky voice whispered lightly on Celia's ears.
Shivering from the pleasant voice, Celia slowly looked up only to see the most handsome man she had ever seen. He looks like a god that was sent down to earth to do a mission. His build wasn't big like bodybuilders, but it was firm.
She could feel the firm muscles underneath the clothes. Upon thinking that, her cheeks and ears were covered in pink as she stuttered thanks to the stranger.
Anderson finds it cute, especially the colour on Celia's face. He couldn't let her go, and so he hugged her tight with a lame excuse.
"Don't move, or you'll bump into someone again."
"O-Oh…"
Celia remained still and nervously glanced around as she fiddled her hands while looking down. Anderson stealthily wrapped his arms around her waist. The feeling of her body against his was tempting and warm at the same time.
Finding her height that's perfect for him, he slowly leaned his chin on top of her head as the scent of flowers and herbs entered his nose.
"Who are you trying to call a while ago?"
"Oh, my friend—Oh goodness! Sandra! I have to help her!"
Celia jumped and turned to face the surprised Anderson. Her face was covered in determination to save her friend. He smiled, thinking that she still hadn't changed. She was still the same stubborn, brave, and strong justice Celia that he had accidentally met in their previous life.
Anderson smiled, and it surprised Celia. His smile was filled with sorrow, pain, and guilt, and it pained Celia to see him like that even if he had a handsome face. As if possessed by another being, Celia raised her arm and lightly patted his head.
"It's okay."
Anderson's heart was even more broken, and he couldn't imagine how Celia lived without hating her family. Indeed, she's the most kindhearted and strong woman he had ever met. He liked the feeling of her hand against his hair. It was the most comforting feeling that he couldn't get enough of it.
Celia was taken aback as he suddenly nuzzled his head against her neck while being hugged tight.
"Hey! What—"
Celia felt his nervous breathing, and she couldn't do anything to hurt him even more. Sighing, he lightly patted his back and head in a comforting manner as he tightened his grip on her.
"Umm… mister, I-''
"Andy. Call me Andy."
"Uh, yeah… Andy, I have to go and save my friend. She's in trouble."
"No need."
"Huh? What do you—"
"My friend saved her already."
Anderson stood up and glanced at his back. Celia followed his sight and tilted her head to take a peek. A man, who a half taller than her, gently wrapped his jacket at Sandra as securities escorted the troublesome men out of the bar.
"Since when?"
Celia looked up and raised one of her brows in a bossy manner. Her arms were no longer wrapped around his back but were folded against her chest, making her even more alluring.
Anderson found it sexy, and he felt his little Andy getting excited. He tried so hard to calm him down and immediately felt Celia's anger.
"Andy? Are you going to talk?"
"Uh… sorry. It was when I hugged you a while ago, about 3 minutes ago?"
Celia glared at him in anger. She could've saved Sandra if it wasn't for the handsome stranger named Andy who held her up. But Celia couldn't find it in her bones to get angry at him because he looked like a baby lizard who lost his home. And that's why she's furious with herself.
Misinterpreting Celia's anger, Anderson couldn't be tempted and apologized, which surprised his friends from behind, who came to look for him.
"Sorry. I won't do it again, Lilly."
"Lilly?"
"Because you have a scent of a flower but still can fight against bad guys whose strong against you. It reminds me of Lilly, so I called you Lilly. If you don't like it, I can—"
"Celia. That's my name."
Celia slightly blushed at Anderson's explanation.
"Lia."
"No. It's Celia."
"Can I call you Lia?"
"What?! No, you—"
"Please?"
"Hng!"
Celia couldn't say no to his pleading face, and she could only surrender. Getting Celia's permission, Anderson smiled from ear to ear, and it looked like a tail was wagging behind his back.