After the ugly ordeal, Calais walks me back to my room, where Aiko is waiting. I remember that she and I were supposed to visit the slaves tonight. I will finally meet the people who suffered from Lyrica's cruelty.
So I turn to look at Calais. "Good night," I say, smiling at him. Once he leaves, Aiko and I can proceed to that place.
Instead, Calais frowns. "Why are you saying good night? I just asked your father that I will take you back to my house."
I blink. "Isn't that supposed to be tomorrow?"
"Why? You are not excited to be with me?"
He moves closer, and he traps me on the wall. I flush. Aiko is looking at both of us.
Aware of the look that I gave Aiko, Calais leans closer and whispers, "Maybe you can ask your maid to prepare your clothes now? I want to be alone with you."
I swallow and look into his eyes. This man. He doesn't love me, but the way he acts seems like he's actually falling for me.
"Stop being unfair to me," I say. He's so close that I can feel the warmth of his body.
"You're the one who is being unfair," he whispers, his breath tickling my ears. "Will you order your maid now, or should I kiss you while she's watching us?"
Anxious, I push at his chest. He laughs at my attempt to get away from him. "You know that I can hurt you with my magic!" I threaten, my cheeks getting redder by the second.
"But you won't do that," he says, caressing my cheeks now. "Because you love me, right?"
I look at Aiko and say, "Aiko, please prepare four days' worth of my clothes. I will stay at Parcell's house starting tonight."
"But Miss—"
"Just obey, Aiko," I order, my voice trembling. "I will see you on the fourth day."
I watch Aiko comply until she enters the room. The instant I hear the door of my room close, Calais takes a hold of my chin and makes me face him. He touches his lips to mine, which I eagerly respond to. I even wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer to me.
Before long, I can feel his body pressing against mine. I can feel his hardness between my legs, and liking the feel of him, I moan in between our kisses. I am vaguely aware when he pulls up my skirt and touches my legs. I break away from the kiss and touch the hand that's exploring my body, guiding him. I make another sound of pleasure when his hands move to my inner legs.
Suddenly, he pulls away, taking a step away from me. "Seriously, Lyrica," he whispers. "You really should stop seducing me. I promised your father."
I make a step towards him and boldly wrap my arms around his body. I touch my ears against his chest, but like before, there is nothing. No hard thumping opposite to the state of my heart now.
"You're the one who started it," I say. "I am just responding to you."
I feel when his arms wrap around me too. And I feel thankful that he did. I am half-expecting him to push me away or something, but thankfully, he is a gentle soul. He does not love me, yet… But I will do the best that I can. Anything.
So, I stay in his arms, hugging each other in the middle of an empty hall while waiting for Aiko to finish the preparation of my clothes.
I didn't know how long the hug lasted. All I want is to be engulfed by his smell that has become familiar. I want to enjoy the warmth of his body. I might get addicted to his hug. This is the most comfortable place I've been in since I arrived in this world. That is, next to an empty library.
"Calais," I whisper.
"Hmmm?"
"I know that you don't love me, but in the future, will it be possible?" I ask.
He tightens his arms around me. "I like you now. I think love will not be far."
"Liar," I say.
Still, I like the way he said it, and so I snuggle to his chest. He touches my head and plays around with my hair, twirling it into his fingers.
"Do you really love me?" he asks this time.
"You just said that I love you."
"Ah! So you have an unrequited love for me."
I pinch his back, and he laughs.
"Miss, the clothes are ready," Aiko interrupts. "Where should I bring it?"
I turn to look at Aiko. She's holding a big cylindrical bag that reaches up to her waist. It looks like a duffel bag, but it's made of leather instead.
Calais places his arm around my shoulder, and I wrap my arm around his waist.
"To the carriage," Calais says. "The space is big enough for that."
"I understand, General."
Calais pulls me with him and we move towards the front door. Aiko follows us. I enter the carriage with Calais while Aiko places the bag inside.
"Miss, give me a few minutes. I will prepare my clothes too," Aiko says.
I frown and look at Calais. "She doesn't need a personal maid this time," he informs.
"My mistress can't be without a maid, General Calais."
"I can manage, Aiko. You don't have to worry about me," I try to assure her.
"But Miss, I—"
"Aiko, I told you. I will return on the fourth day." Besides, I need her to stay so she can take care of Lyrica's slaves.
Calais closes the door, and the carriage moves away from Dunnett's property. I glance at Aiko. She's still staring at our carriage as if she can't believe that I will live alone in Calais' house.
"Your maid is worried about you," Calais comments.
"It's expected. I am about to stay with a man who is not my husband for a couple of days. It's ground for anxiety." I shift my attention from Aiko's forlorn form to Calais. "But she doesn't have to worry. My reputation is safe with you, right?" I jest, giggling at my own joke.
"I did, so don't make it hard for me."
"Somehow, that's tempting me," I admit.
"You finally admit that you are the temptress!"
I stretch and lean the back of my head on the carriage while looking at the ceiling. "Do you have any activities we can do at your house?"
"We haven't taken a bath naked on the river. That's one activity."
I roll my eyes at him. "I mean something wholesome, like magic practice, perhaps?"
"If my impending death is wholesome to you, then so be it."
I cringe at his sense of humor. Then I watch him stretch his arms towards me. "Come here," he offers.
"Where?" I ask, looking at his seat. "There's no space."
"Into my arms, stupid. Let's continue where we left off earlier, while your maid is packing your bag."
"We left nothing unfinished," I say, giggling.
"Ha! You're being cheeky now."
He pulls me towards him. I sit on his lap, with both my legs on either side of him. I am quiet now, like how his nearness had always done to me. He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me even closer to his body.
"Now, let me smother you with hugs and kisses," he says.
But before he can, I reach up to his face and initiate to taste his lips again.