Loving Him

Chapter 7

Every time my back brushes against Mike's chest, I can sense a powerful surge of electricity coursing through my muscles. It's a sensation that I try my best to ignore, focusing instead on tightly gripping the reins of the horse.

"Are we still far?" I complained to Mike once again, frustration evident in my voice.

"Why, are you in a hurry?" he retorts, his annoyance palpable.

"You're riding the horse so slowly, that's why we're making such sluggish progress. Do you honestly think we'll ever reach our destination at this rate?"

"Could you please just be quiet! Dāmn you, woman!" Mike snaps back, delivering a swift slap to Tigrel, causing the horse to suddenly accelerate.

In response, I instinctively cling tightly to Mike's arms, almost desperately, and in that very moment, a loud thunderclap echoes through the air, startling me and prompting a scream to escape my lips.

A secret smile plays upon Mike's lips, his words having had a deeper impact than he may realize.

Regardless of whether Mike acknowledged it or not, the intense grip I had on his arms unleashed a whirlwind of unfamiliar sensations within me, ones I had never experienced before.

As I furrow my brow, I find myself grappling with the complexity of these newfound emotions.

"Looks like we're in for some rain, just our luck," I mutter quietly.

Without warning, the rain starts pouring down, and the sky darkens. Ahead, we spot a small hut that appears to be where the workers take their breaks. We were so close to reaching their home, just a few meters away. But it seems like a daunting task to continue in this heavy rain. So, Mike decides it's best for us to seek shelter in the hut for now.

As the rain soaks us through, Mike carefully supports me, sensing my shivers from the cold. We stepped inside the hut, relieved to find it illuminated and stocked with essentials.

Mike quickly heats up some water for us to drink. I remain uncharacteristically quiet, hugging myself for warmth. He notices my silence and casts a concerned glance in my direction. He discreetly glances at my wet clothes. Whether he admits it or not, he finds me beautiful, attractive, kind, and intelligent. It's just my sharp tongue that he doesn't particularly appreciate.

He takes off his t-shirt and hangs it by the window to dry. He searches for something I can wear, but unfortunately, there's nothing suitable in sight. A quiet curse escapes his lips. He realizes he'll have to ask me to undress, as it's necessary to prevent me from getting sick.

Drawing nearer, he notices my weakened state and the constant grimace on my face. "Why are you staring at me like that? If you think I have a fever, hey, I don't!" I blurted out defensively.

"Did I say something? Why did you suddenly fall silent?" he angrily retorts.

"Well... it's because... Mike, you need to... you might get bitten by the centipede! Oh my gosh!" I exclaim, pointing at the centipede crawling up my thigh.

"What the heck!" Mike exclaims.

"Hurry up!" I softly plead.

"Stop moving so much, close your eyes if you can," Mike advises me.

"Why do I have to close my eyes? Mike... hurry up... there it is... my pearl!" I cry out in distress.

—Mike secretly smiles at her appearance, realizing how beautiful she truly is up close. Her thin, kissable lips seem to invite him for a kiss. He recalls the passionate kisses they've shared, kisses that always stir his heart and mind, which he tries to push aside. She's not the kind of woman who easily captivates his discerning heart.—

Swiftly, he pinches the small centipede and forcefully steps on it, accompanied by a sharp scream from me. I'm almost deafened by my own cry.

"Why did you have to scream like that, Levi?" Mike asks, annoyed.

"Of course, I had to scream, it's a normal reaction. Can you blame me? You were attacked by such a dangerous creature! Don't you know that centipedes are a poisonous kind of animal?" I retort, frustration evident in my voice.

"It would be better if you undress so you won't get sick. Just hang your clothes by the window there, since you're already wearing a bra. Don't worry, I won't desire you," Mike suggests.

"Me undress? I'd rather risk getting sick than undress in front of you! You might even take advantage of me. You say you won't desire me, but your thoughts might say otherwise," I retort, frustration evident in my voice.

—Mike can only shake his head in response. This woman is truly unpredictable, and I can't seem to understand her behavior. I find myself getting caught up in her ways as well.—

Glancing at my thigh, I swallow nervously. I pull down my clothes, quickly turning away. A secret smile plays upon my lips, noticing his reaction.

My gaze follows Mike, who now sits in the living area of the small hut we've taken refuge in. I can tell that the hut is well-crafted, perfectly suited for two people.

Feeling the cool breeze caress my skin, I instinctively wrap my arms around myself. Mike approaches me, offering a cup of hot water.

"Drink this," he says, taking a seat across from me.

"It's fortunate that there are supplies here. I wonder whose hut this belongs to," I ponder aloud.

"I don't have the luxury of time to ponder about the hut's owner," His response catches me off guard, and my gaze involuntarily drifts downward, landing on his chiseled six-pack abs that lead to his V-line.

I swallow hard, my eyes quickly snapping back up to meet his face. My heart pounds in my chest, and I find myself instinctively gripping my chest. I can't help but notice that he's been stealing glances at my well-toned body ever since we got drenched in the rain. After all, my clothes are soaked.

"What are you staring at? I knew it, you desire me," I retort, hastily crossing my arms over my chest.

"Come on, Levi, don't be paranoid. I can't just ignore it, I'm a guy, you know! It's natural for us to look. Just because I'm admiring your physique doesn't mean I desire you. Haven't I already told you that I'm not attracted to flat-chested women?"

I scowl at his words, then shift my gaze to the window where the rain continues to pour, accompanied by strong winds that hint at an approaching storm.

Mike stands up and retrieves his dry clothes, playfully tossing them at my face. I can't help but notice the pleasant scent emanating from his clothes. I snatch them away forcefully, but before I can voice my protest, he beats me to it.

"I'll turn around, you undress and wear my clothes. Hurry up and don't give me any attitude, or else I'll be the one to undress you so you can wear my clothes," Mike insists.

"Wow, are we in a movie now? Like Yna and Angelo? Excuse me, I can handle myself," I retort, annoyed by his remark.

"Try me, Levi, and I'll actually do what I said."

"Fine! I'll undress, but don't you dare look! If I catch you staring at me, you'll be in big trouble."

"Come on, Levi, enough talking. Can you just do it?"

"Alright, fine, turn around already!"

He turns around, and I quickly attempt to stand up but end up sitting back down due to the pain shooting through my injured foot.

The wound is quite deep, after all. I glance down at my foot, noticing fresh blood seeping out, causing me to gulp nervously. Here we go again, the overwhelming sensation. I just hope I don't pass out in the midst of this storm.

"Are you done yet?" Mike interrupts my thoughts.

"Just wait, not yet."

"You're taking forever to undress, hurry up, please?"

"Stop being so stubborn! I clearly told you to wait, didn't I?" I reply with irritation, attempting to stand up again but losing my balance and landing hard on the concrete floor.

"Ouch!" I exclaim, causing Mike to quickly face me. Luckily, I haven't undressed yet. He furrows his brow and reaches out to support me.

"I told you to undress and change, not to lie down on the floor," he scolds, giving me a firm pat.

"Hey, I'm just kidding. Now tell me, why did you end up on the floor?"

Instead of answering, I wince and examine my bleeding foot.

"Dāmn!" Mike curses, swiftly inspecting my injured foot. Every movement he makes is careful. I simply observe his concerned expression.

—Levi isn't sure if she's just imagining the genuine concern in Mike's reaction, but it feels authentic. However, a thought lingers in her mind, questioning why it matters to her if his concern is sincere.—

Mike rises to his feet and appears to be searching for something. When he returns, he is carrying a medical kit. He kneels down in front of me and carefully examines my bleeding foot.

"Thank you," I say gratefully.

"But remember, this comes with a condition," he responds.

"What? A condition? I thought helping others was second nature to you," I remark, raising an eyebrow at his serious tone.