Chapter 433

Beta thought she had misheard, but Stephan truly stopped and stood there, waiting for her to attend to his injury. He hadn't even bothered to treat his hand.

Felicia froze. Intimidated by Stephan's commanding presence, she hesitated to approach him.

"I could ask one of your subordinates," Felicia offered.

Stephan glanced at her, a teasing yet judgmental smile curving his lips. "It's not your first time taking off my clothes, anyway. Are you afraid?"

His words, bold and direct, shattered the unspoken tension between them. They had slept together, after all.

Felicia's face burned with mortification. She wanted to flee, but remembering Stephan's injury was sustained while saving her, she remained rooted to the spot.

Felicia sighed and approached Stephan. Under his intense gaze, she began to remove his clothing. His strong, muscular physique was revealed. Stephan possessed a classic physique; slim in clothes, powerfully muscular without. His toned waist, firm chest, and strong back radiated power, the muscle lines smooth and defined. Yet his body was covered in countless scars, each mark exuding ruthlessness and danger.

Felicia was stunned. "Why is it so bad?" she asked.

Stephan's newest scar was from the night he saved her. Although she had tended to the wound then, the dim light prevented a proper assessment. She'd assumed he'd care for it properly at home. She hadn't expected the injury to remain so severe. Overwhelming guilt washed over her; regret ached in her heart. She wished she had inquired about it, shown more concern.

Now, Stephan's wound showed signs of infection; the necrotic tissue needed immediate removal.

Felicia explained the condition, but Stephan didn't flinch. He simply nodded, a silent assent.

Felicia frowned, raising her voice. "It'll hurt. You don't even have anesthetics in your first-aid kit. We should go to the hospital or my medical center."

"There's no need," he replied, the corner of his lips curling up. He seemed in good spirits.

Felicia clenched her teeth, realizing only then the worry etched on her own face. She had no choice but to proceed.

Felicia's hands were steady, her demeanor calm. But as the sharp scalpel cut through the flesh, she couldn't help but glance at Stephan's expression. His gaze remained fixed on her, his pupils startlingly dark and intense. There was no doubt he was in pain, yet he didn't flinch. Still, the faintly visible veins in his neck and the tension in his flexed muscles betrayed his suffering. Felicia saw it all. "We could've gone to the hospital for anesthetics," she said. "You didn't have to endure this pain…"

Stephan let out a soft laugh, his Adam's apple bobbing. His voice was raspy. "You could do something about that," he murmured.

Before Felicia could react, a shadow fell over her. She felt warm breath on her face, followed by a soft, cool sensation on her lips. Her mind exploded with sensation; her heart pounded wildly. Her vision blurred, all her senses focused on her lips. The sensation of his bite, her teeth parted by his, was vivid.