Chapter 4

The scent clinging to the young man was a world away from Claus' aggressive mix of liquor and beast blood.

This stark contrast only made the fire burning in my chest flare up even more.

I reached out and grabbed the collar of his shirt. "What's your name?"

"Ryan."

"Alright." I looked into his dark, gleaming eyes and lowered my voice. "Ryan, do you have a place to go tonight?"

His Adam's apple bobbed slightly. "I did."

"And now?"

"Now, I'll do as you say."

My heart skipped a beat, and I suddenly smiled.

This was interesting.

I stood up, grabbed my bag, and headed for the stairs. After a couple of steps, I noticed he was still sitting there, watching me.

I turned around. "Aren't you coming?"

Ryan finally got up and followed me.

Just then, his phone in his pocket lit up. A woman's name flashed on the screen.

I glanced at it but said nothing.

However, he didn't even frown. He just pressed the screen off.

I raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you going to answer it?"

"There's no need."

"What if it's her, trying to explain?"

Ryan looked down at me. His voice was soft but carried an edge. "Betrayal is betrayal. If she chose someone else, then she can't expect me to wait around for her."

I stared at him, oddly satisfied with his words.

At least they made more sense than Claus' nonsense about "it's just a minor matter" or "don't make a fuss".

I turned toward the parking lot.

Ryan followed quietly, like a well-behaved shadow.

But for some reason, as I reached for the car door, an odd feeling hit me.

From the moment I looked back at him, I knew this wasn't just a random encounter.

Still, it didn't matter. Whether he had other motives or not, that wasn't important.

What mattered was, from this moment on, I wasn't going to be the Aserina who only had eyes for Claus.

I got into the car, glanced at him, and lifted my chin. "Get in."

Ryan bent down to close the door for me. That smile of his was so innocent it almost felt unreal.

"Alright, my lady."

The moment the door clicked shut, I knew there was no going back tonight.

Ryan slid into the passenger seat, quiet as ever. He only buckled up after I started the car, like he was handing himself over to me.

I looked at his compliant demeanor and couldn't help but laugh. "You're really compliant."

He turned to look at me, his eyes shining dark.

"Compliant is not the right word," he said. "I'm just afraid you'll change your mind."

I drove us to an old house no one knew about. Not even Claus knew its exact location.

Looking back now, maybe deep down, I'd never trusted him that much.

Once we stepped inside, the house was silent. Only the motion-sensor wall lamps flickered on, casting a dim glow across Ryan's face that made his youthful features look even more pronounced.

He stood at the door, not looking around or touching anything. He just softly asked, "My lady, what do you need me to do?"

I threw my coat onto the couch, walked up to him, and grabbed his collar. "It's simple. Don't disappoint me tonight."

He whispered an "okay" in response, his voice hoarse.

But as soon as I pulled him closer, it was he who lost his breath first. I could almost feel his heartbeat pounding against mine.

He was nervous. Or maybe excited.

As I stared into his eyes, a mischievous thought crossed my mind.

I stood on tiptoe and kissed him.

Ryan visibly stiffened for a moment. In the next second, his hand hesitantly rested on my waist.

His movements were restrained, as if waiting for my permission. It wasn't until I pushed him against the wall and bit his lower lip that his calm facade finally broke.

He let out a low, ragged breath, his gaze darkening.

The rest was almost inevitable.

He was like a shy yet ferocious young wolf, so mindful of my feelings. Yet, almost as if it were intentional, he left marks all over my shoulders and collarbones.

By the time it was over, the sky was already beginning to lighten.

I lay back against the headboard, panting, while Ryan crouched at the bedside, pulling the blanket back up over me. He then kissed the back of my hand.

That kiss was so soft, almost nothing like the man who had backed me into a corner earlier.

I lowered my gaze to him. "Addicted to playing the good boy?"

He looked up at me and smiled. His eyes were a little red at the corners, making him look innocent. "No. I just don't want you to deny me after."

His words had me laughing.

Just as I was about to say something, my phone suddenly began vibrating like crazy.