Chapter 27: Do You Dare to Bite Me?

After being yelled at, Olive hid in the corner, staring at him with watery eyes. Elvis took a deep breath, resisting the pounding of his chest. “Don’t pretend,” he said. “You know you did something wrong. Look at me. I won’t pity you.”

Olive’s white hands clasped the wall. “I’m sorry, Mr. Augustine,” she admitted. “I purposely ignored your calls and messages. I didn’t want to feel indebted to you.”

“Did you distinguish between us so clearly?” Elvis questioned.

Olive nodded. “We’re different. We have our own problems, our lives are vastly different. You’ll always follow your sunlit path, while I’ll follow my one-plank bridge.”

Elvis had never felt this way before. Her repeated defiance had shattered his usually proud and disciplined composure. A photograph she’d mistakenly sent had captivated him for days, prompting his hasty return. Her sudden indifference and alienation had nearly driven him to the edge. Since when had she affected him so profoundly?

He let out a low, hoarse laugh. “Little turtle,” he mocked.

Olive clenched her fists. To him, she was just a shrinking tortoise. She dared not give him her heart.

Chapter 17: Do You Dare to Bite Me?

The ward lights were dim. He’d cornered her. Olive pressed herself against the wall, avoiding his touch.

“Yes,” she replied.

“Recognize your identity,” he snarled. “You’re Mrs. Augustine. Keep a safe distance from other men. If you dare to involve yourself with anyone else, I’ll kill him first, then ‘clean you up.’ Do you understand?”

Olive nodded. Elvis’s gaze fell on her face. He raised a hand to remove her mask, but she turned her head away. His fingers stiffened, but he didn’t force her.

“Has Derrick seen your face without the mask?” he asked.

“No,” Olive shook her head. Elvis was reluctantly satisfied. She had exceptionally beautiful eyes. He lowered his head and kissed her again.

Olive hadn’t expected him to continue. She’d intended to draw a clear line, but the kiss was beyond her control.

“Mr. Augustine,” she said, “I’ve already thanked you. If you take advantage of me again, I’ll bite you.”

Elvis’s eyes burned with a red flame; he looked disheveled and alluring. “Mrs. Augustine,” he said, “go ahead and bite.”

He kissed her passionately. The door suddenly opened.

“Bro, are you and Olive quarreling?”

Elvis quickly pulled Olive into his arms, hiding the kiss from Harry. Harry held up his hands. “I saw nothing. You can continue.”

Chapter 17 (Continued): Do You Dare to Bite Me?

Afraid of Elvis, Harry chuckled and left. Olive, red-faced, quickly pushed Elvis away, shattering the charged atmosphere. He frowned, shoving his right hand into his trousers pocket.

“Eat, then rest,” he said, and walked out.

Elvis stood in the smoking area, lit a cigarette, and smoked thoughtfully. Returning to the room, he found Olive asleep. She lay on the bed in the VIP ward, her delicate form small and tender. He saw a note on the table, written in her beautiful script: “There’s some food left. Mr. Augustine, would you like some?”

“This little tortoise has a conscience?” he mused.

He showered, then lay down beside Olive. The bed wasn’t large; with a man as tall as Elvis, it was crowded. Even asleep, Olive was cautious, clutching the blanket, minimizing her space. Elvis stretched out his arm and hugged her. She moaned softly, then quickly wrapped her hands around his arm, rubbing against him like a kitten. He hugged her tighter, placing soft kisses on her neck.