Stephan maintained his posture, gently rubbing Felicia’s hand while issuing commands into the phone. Felicia tilted her head to listen; it seemed to be work-related. Several documents lay open and unfinished on a nearby table.
Soon, the call ended. Felicia tried to withdraw her hand, but Stephan had already turned to face her. His brows furrowed as he examined her face. “Why do you look so pale? Are you feeling…”
Felicia yawned. “I’m just tired and hungry.” After all, she had stayed up all night, climbed near-vertical mountains, and endured a harrowing ordeal; it was taking its toll.
Stephan stared into her eyes, trying to discern the truth. Felicia remained unbothered, letting him look freely. She even blinked and smiled innocently. “Do I look good?”
They stood close, and her playful breathiness tickled his ear, stirring something within him. Stephan swallowed hard, his gaze darkening as his voice dropped to a hoarse murmur, “You look good.” Then, he added, “I can’t get enough of you.”
Felicia stifled a laugh and playfully stood on tiptoes, preparing to kiss him. Just as she was about to, Stanley’s loud voice echoed from outside. “Mrs. Russell, the food is ready in the dining room. Is there anything else you’d like…” The last word trailed off as Stanley saw them. He retreated quickly, but the sound startled Felicia, who immediately turned away.
Stephan glanced at Stanley menacingly. Stanley bolted before Stephan even finished his retreat. Felicia choked, slipping from Stephan’s embrace.
After finishing her meal, Felicia headed to the bedroom to sleep. Scarlet had intended to stand guard but was persuaded by Felicia to rest as well. Scarlet, having treated her injuries and changed her clothes, looked less disheveled. However, her bloodshot eyes betrayed the exhaustion from the long night. Even so, she stubbornly refused to leave and insisted on guarding the door. Felicia could only send her away with a firm push. “We’ll head back to Khogend in a couple of days,” she added. “Get some rest and recover.”
Felicia slept until 3:00 PM. She hadn’t yet opened her eyes when she felt an arm draped across her waist. The arm’s owner noticed her shift immediately. Stephan’s low voice sounded beside her ear. “You’re awake?”
Felicia hummed and turned to see Stephan. His face was captivating, always making her heart race. She couldn’t help but think how incredibly handsome he was.
But Felicia didn’t know that Stephan felt the same way about her. Their eyes met, and the air tensed. It only needed a spark to ignite the unspoken tension between them. She felt powerless.
Felicia cleared her throat and pressed a hand against Stephan’s chin. She said softly, “I’m heading back to Khogend the day after tomorrow. There are patients waiting at the clinic. My reputation might suffer if I don’t return soon.”
Stephan’s brows furrowed. Felicia thought he might protest, but to her surprise, he simply said, “Alright.”
“So quick to agree?” she telegraphed.
Stephan chuckled. “Wherever my wife is, that’s where I’ll be.” His seductive tone was barely a whisper.