In the midst of a dream, a sound tugged her from slumber, causing her to stir and glance toward the door. The distinct sound of a card swipe pierced the quiet night. It resonated sharply in the silence, making the stillness feel even more profound.

In an instant, all traces of sleep fled from Katelyn, and she quickly sat up, moving cautiously toward the door. Then, someone appeared.

As Vincent entered the room, Katelyn halted her actions. With a sigh of relief, she reclined on the sofa, her voice tinged with weariness. “I feared it was someone else.”

Too many people might want to hurt her. She had to be careful.

Initially stern, Vincent’s expression warmed at the sight of Katelyn. He approached, food in hand, and said softly, “Woke up hungry? Want something to eat?”

She had skipped dinner, and it was now deep into the night. Anticipating her late awakening, Vincent had bought food and brought it directly. Katelyn glanced at the offerings and gently said, “Not really hungry. I think I’ll just sit here a while.” Perhaps due to just waking up, she felt somewhat weak. Once seated, she found herself reluctant to move from the sofa.

Vincent settled beside Katelyn, concern evident in his gaze. “Feeling unwell?”

Supporting her head with her hand, Katelyn looked at Vincent and replied, “Just a bit worn out. A little rest should help.”

Vincent responded not with words but by drawing Katelyn close. Her body tensed momentarily. Such physical intimacy was still new to her. Vincent, however, didn’t seem to give it much thought. Instead, he rested his hand on her shoulder and began massaging it.

The unexpected pressure surprised Katelyn. His technique surpassed her expectations. The tiredness she felt quickly faded, replaced by a soothing comfort that spread through her body, letting her relax little by little.

Eyes closed, Katelyn savored the moment, murmuring, “Mr. Adams, it’s a shame you aren’t a professional masseur.”

Vincent stopped his movements, eyebrows arching. “You think I’d do this for just anyone?”

Katelyn was indeed the first and only.

Unbeknownst to her, a blush crept across Katelyn’s cheeks, and her heart fluttered as if his words reached deep within.

? ? .

Observing her rosy cheeks, Vincent felt an urge to lean closer, as if to taste her blush.

Feeling increasingly restless, Katelyn, with eyes still closed, recalled their previous kiss. Hoping to distract herself, she opened her eyes.

But as Katelyn did, Vincent’s intense gaze met hers.

In that moment, Katelyn felt as if she were adrift in an infinite, starlit ocean, drawn into its mesmerizing depths. She struggled to divert her gaze but found herself unable.

Suppressing the rising emotions, she whispered, “I’m hungry. Maybe I should eat.”

Attempting to rise, she felt Vincent’s firm hand on her shoulder, his voice raspy. “Don’t move.”

A sense of danger washed over her. She aimed to stand, but Vincent’s lips were already on hers as he whispered, “Let me kiss you, Katelyn.”

Her pulse soared, blood rushing to her head. Such audacity in his approach! Who says something like that while kissing someone? How was she even supposed to respond? Was she meant to say, “Alright, go ahead then”?

The thought alone left her dizzy.

Katelyn reached out and placed her hands against his chest, her cheeks already flushed with heat. She glanced at Vincent, her voice trembling as she said, “Y-you can’t do that.”

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