Chapter 7

Levi could feel the solid expanse of Mike’s chest every time her back pressed against it. A strange current seemed to surge through her body, awakening something in her muscles—something she fought hard to ignore. She tightened her grip on the horse’s reins.

“Are we there yet?” she complained once more.

“Why, are you in such a rush?” he teased.

“You ride too slowly, that’s why. Do you really think we’ll make it to our destination like this?”

“Could you just shut up, woman!” Mike snapped, striking Tigrel’s flank. The horse immediately picked up speed, forcing Levi to clutch his arms for dear life. Thunder cracked above, and she screamed in shock.

Mike smirked quietly to himself. Whether he admitted it or not, her tight grip on his arms stirred a sensation he had never experienced before. He frowned at the unfamiliar feeling, unsettled by it.

“Great. It looks like it’s going to rain—just our luck,” Levi muttered.

The sky darkened, and rain poured heavily. Ahead, they spotted a small hut—probably a resting place for workers. They were only a short distance from their intended stop, but the downpour made it impossible to continue. Mike guided the horse toward the hut.

By the time they dismounted, both were drenched. Mike carefully helped Levi inside. Fortunately, the hut had a lamp and some basic supplies.

He quickly set water to boil. Levi remained silent, hugging herself, and Mike couldn’t help but worry. His eyes flicked, almost involuntarily, to her wet clothes clinging to her figure. He hated to admit it, but Levi was beautiful—slim, intelligent, kind… though her sharp tongue was another matter.

Mike peeled off his shirt and hung it near the window to dry. He searched for something Levi could change into, but found nothing. Cursing under his breath, he realized she needed to get out of her soaked clothes or risk getting sick.

As he approached, he noticed her wincing in discomfort.

“What are you staring at? If you’re thinking I’ve got a fever—hey, I don’t!” Levi snapped.

“Did I say that? Then why did you suddenly go quiet?” he shot back.

“Because… because… Mike! Take it off! My pearl—my pearl might get bitten!” she shrieked, pointing at the centipede crawling up her thigh.

“What the hell!” Mike blurted.

“Hurry!” Levi pleaded breathlessly.

“Stop squirming. Close your eyes, will you?” Mike ordered.

“Why do I need to close my eyes? Mike, hurry! It’s almost at my pearl!” she cried, half-hysterical.

Despite himself, Mike smirked at the sight of her panic. Up close, she was stunning—those soft, kissable lips tempted him, reminding him of the kiss they once shared, the one that still haunted his thoughts. He had forced himself to bury it, but Levi was not the type of woman his guarded heart should fall for.

In one swift motion, he flicked the centipede away and crushed it underfoot, just as Levi let out a piercing scream that nearly deafened him.

“Levi, seriously, did you have to scream that loud?” he grumbled.

“Of course! That’s a normal reaction. Wouldn’t you scream if a poisonous creature crawled on you?”

“Better take off your clothes before you catch a cold. Hang them by the window. You’re wearing a bra anyway. Don’t worry—I won’t lay a hand on you.”

“Me? Undress in front of you? I’d rather get sick! You say you won’t touch me, but I know how men’s minds work.”

Mike shook his head in disbelief. Levi was impossible—and yet, even he was starting to get caught up in her unpredictable ways.

His eyes flicked briefly to her thighs before he swallowed hard, tugged her damp shirt lower, and turned away sharply. Levi smirked at his reaction, secretly amused.

She followed him with her eyes as he sat across the hut. The small space was surprisingly well-built, just enough for two people.

The cold breeze slipped through the cracks of the hut, brushing against her skin and making her shiver. Mike approached with a steaming cup and handed it to her.

“Drink this,” he said, taking the seat opposite her.

“Good thing this hut has supplies. I wonder who owns it?”

“I don’t care enough to think about that,” he replied curtly.

Levi rolled her eyes. But when her gaze drifted down his bare torso—his sculpted abs leading down to that dangerous v-line—her throat went dry. She swallowed hard, her heart thumping wildly as her eyes traveled back to his face. His gaze, she realized, had been fixed on her soaked clothes clinging to her body.

“What are you staring at? Ha! I knew it—you do want me,” she accused, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Levi, stop being paranoid. I’m a man, not a statue. It’s normal to look. But just because I glance at you doesn’t mean I want you. Didn’t I already say you’re not my type? I don’t go for flat-chested woman.”

Levi’s face twisted into a scowl. She turned her head toward the window, where rain continued pounding alongside fierce winds—it felt like a storm was brewing.

Mike picked up his now-dry shirt and tossed it at her face. Annoyed, she yanked it off, though she couldn’t help noticing it smelled good. Before she could protest, Mike cut her off.

“Put it on. Stop wasting time. If you won’t do it yourself, I’ll do it for you.”

“Wow, what is this? A movie? Yna and Angelo? Excuse me, I can handle myself.”

“Try me, Levi. I’ll do it if I have to.”

“Fine! But don’t you dare peek. If I catch you, you’re dead.”

“Just get on with it.”

She huffed and stood, but winced as pain shot through her wounded foot. Blood seeped fresh from the cut. She swallowed hard, panic fluttering in her chest—please, not now, she prayed.

“You done yet?” Mike asked.

“Not yet!” she snapped.

“You’re so slow. Hurry up already.”

“Shut up! I said wait!”

She tried again, only to lose her balance and crash onto the floor.

“Ow!” she cried. Mike spun around immediately. Thankfully, she hadn’t undressed yet. He frowned and helped her up.

“I told you to change clothes, not sprawl on the floor,” he teased. She smacked his arm.

“Hey, I was just kidding. Now tell me, what happened?”

Levi said nothing, only pointed at her bleeding foot with a grimace.

“Damn,” Mike muttered, crouching to examine it carefully.

Levi’s breath caught as she watched the worry on his face. Was she imagining it? Or did he genuinely care? She wanted to believe it was real, but her mind reminded her—it was probably just guilt. Still… why did it matter so much to her?

Mike fetched a medicine kit and knelt in front of her, gently tending to the wound.

“Thank you,” she whispered softly.

“Don’t thank me just yet. There’s a price,” he said with a smirk.

“What? A price? And here I thought you were helping out of kindness.” Levi pouted, glaring at him.