“Hurry up!” Hadley commanded, her voice suddenly sharp with impatience. “These mosquitoes are feasting on me like I’m their last meal! Move faster!”
Eric faltered momentarily, stunned by her abrupt shift in mood, then burst into laughter and nodded vigorously. “Yes, Your Majesty! Hold on tight!” He quickened his stride.
Eric jogged awkwardly, carefully balancing her weight as he navigated the path back to their house.
Once inside their room, he gently lowered Hadley onto the softness of their bed, her weight sinking into the mattress.
She perched on the edge, frantically clawing at the angry red welts forming on her arms and legs.
Eric examined the damage with concern—her delicate skin had turned angry and inflamed where her nails had repeatedly scratched the same spots. “Stop scratching already.” He captured her restless hands in his own, then retrieved a small jar of ointment from his pocket—a thoughtful gift from Elissa earlier that evening.
“This will soothe the itching,” he explained, unscrewing the cap to release the refreshing herbal scent. “Just let me apply some…”
“I’m thirsty.” Hadley’s attention abruptly shifted as she gazed up at him, her expression transforming into one of childlike demand. “I need water right now!”
“Alright.” Eric brushed his knuckles tenderly against her tear-streaked cheek. “I’ll fetch you some fresh water.”
He rose from the bed and strode toward the door.
Moments later, he returned with a glass of crystal-clear water, condensation already beading on its surface. “Hadley?”
Eric halted abruptly in the doorway, his jaw slackening as his eyes widened to saucers, the sight before him nearly triggering a rush of blood to his head. Hadley lounged on the bed with an expression of utter innocence, as though completely oblivious to the devastating effect of her calculated decision.
“You’re back,” Hadley remarked casually, still perched on the edge of the bed. But now, she sat unclothed, her garments discarded somewhere out of sight. Her skin captured the room’s soft illumination like the finest porcelain, radiating an ethereal beauty that stole his breath.
Updates loaded at g@lnoνes?com
Her figure struck the perfect balance—slender without being skinny, each curve enhanced by a healthy, luminous glow that rendered her beauty almost otherworldly.
Eric’s mouth turned to desert sand, his Adam’s apple performing a visible dance in his throat. “What… what exactly are you doing?” he managed to stammer.
“Huh?” Hadley cocked her head to one side, her brow furrowing with feigned irritation. “Why are you just standing there asking questions? Hurry up already!” She gestured impatiently toward the jar of herbal ointment resting on the rumpled bedspread.
“These mosquito bites are everywhere. I need you to apply the ointment for me!”
Eric’s mind raced—was she truly asking what he thought she was asking? “Okay!”
A spark ignited in Eric’s eyes, his expression brightening with unexpected delight—this scenario exceeded his wildest expectations.
.
.
.