The Devil's Son and His Fated Bride
Chapter 19: A large bed

Chapter 19: A large bed

Inside the walk-in closet that accommodated all of Ren’s belongings, a sense of quiet closeness filled the air. The soft glow of a single candle cast flickering shadows on the walls as Gloria helped her change into a black nightgown that matched her pale skin and dark hair. The silence, heavy yet comforting, seemed to cocoon them, allowing a moment of shared understanding after the tumultuous events of the evening. Silence was the only thing dancing around them, but the maid had heard about the commotion in the dining hall and how her lady defended herself. She was proud of her.

As she finished, she helped Ren out and smiled, "Milady, I’ll be here early in the morning. Then I’ll take you to the healer so we can start your walking practice."

Ren nodded eagerly, her heart racing with anticipation. The thought of standing on her own feet filled her with a surge of excitement and determination. It wasn’t just the physical act she craved but the freedom and sense of normalcy that came with it. She was also very excited to visit the infirmary and the alchemist’s lab to make herself a potion to strengthen her ability to heal faster.

"I don’t know how to thank you, Gloria. You are so lovely."

The girl blushed hotly at the compliment as though no one had ever said nice words to her.

"Good night, Milady."

She turned away and left the bedroom instantly.

"You like your maiden!"

Ren jolted at the voice. Kai was standing in the washroom door frame. Water was dripping from the ends of his hair, making it hard to look away. He was truly attractive, wearing a loose shirt and black pants.

He kept perplexing her. One moment, he offered glimpses of genuine care and the next, he turned cold, exuding disdain and indifference. His actions left her torn, unsure of whether to trust the warmth he sometimes showed or guard herself against the harshness that followed. Now, he was attempting to lure and snatch away her heart.

"I do like her. She is smart and hardworking."

He started to walk toward her, making her crease her brows. Why was he walking to her?

"That’s true. She would be wasted in the hands of Elaika."

He knew the shrewd woman was bullying the maid. If so, why did he do nothing?

"Have you ever punished her for hurting your servants?"

He shrugged as he halted right in front of her. "You saw her! The more I punish her, the more cruel she becomes. I might send her back to her clan. She has been troublesome lately and keeps defying me."

Ren agreed with that and opened her mouth to say it was a good idea when he suddenly bent and leaned in close to her face. Her breath caught in her chest. Her cheeks burned hotly, and something seared in her stomach. She closed her eyes and squeezed the wheelchair’s arms.

"What are you doing?" she muttered. Her hot breath brushed against his ear, making him clench his fist, suppressing the surge of mixed emotions boiling in his veins.

"Are you not sleepy, doe-eye?" he breathed like a lullaby, his voice deep.

Ren smelled his spicy scent. She loved the sandalwood aroma on his body, making her heart fly each time he approached her this close.

"I am, but let me dry your hair before you go to sleep!"

She didn’t want to miss this chance to look at him. Using her brain, she found a good excuse to make him sit close for a while. She grabbed the wheels and wheeled herself to the wool cushion seat near the fireplace.

"Bring your towel here," she demanded.

He smirked and walked to her, snatching the towel from the table. "Are you trying to seduce me?" He jested as he handed her the towel.

"No, I don’t want you to catch a cold!" Ren cleared her throat after blurting out such silly words. She immediately cringed inwardly, realizing how absurd her statement was. Catch a cold? Did he even know what that was? Shifters weren’t affected by something as trivial as a human cold. A wry smile touched her lips as she thought, ’I really need to think before I speak around him.’

He sat on the wool cushion seat and smirked evilly. He knew she understood he wouldn’t catch a cold and was enjoying the cool sense of wetness on his head. But he purposely let her do what she wanted. No one had ever done that for him before.

She started drying his hair, and he was startled to find it soothing. He remained motionless at the moves that made him sleepy.

"Your little fingers hold magic!" he confessed with a drowsy yet raspy voice.

"I don’t think so! I don’t use magic for drying hair," she joked, making him smile slightly.

Ren put the towel aside on the side table and let out a pleasant breath.

"It is done."

He stood up, and his body loomed over her. "Shall we go to bed now?"

Her eyes followed the bedside, and her heart pounded again. The throbbing sound increased in her ears.

Sleeping next to him in one bed? Oh, Gods!

"Ah, the bed is big enough for both of us," he mentioned. Seeing the intimidating look on her face, he added, "I won’t do anything to you."

"Oh, I know?"

He chuckled, putting on an amused expression again. "So, are you worried about yourself doing something to me?"

Her eyes dimmed as embarrassment washed over her. "No!" she snapped, wheeling herself to the bed before he could get a chance to carry her.

Gladly, the bed was large, but unfortunately, the night was too long for them to spend together. She was well aware that she shouldn’t feel this shy. He had already seen her naked, wiped her body, and even cradled her to sleep on his lap for an entire night. Yet, none of those moments compared to this one. This was different, charged with an unfamiliar tension that made her heart race in a way she couldn’t ignore. It was wholly different. Previously, she didn’t feel any sort of emotion toward him but fear. However, now she stupidly, mindlessly, had started to discern something rare and painful when he was so close.

She used her arms to climb the bed, leaving him amazed at how stubborn she was. He wondered why she was avoiding his touch. Was she disgusted by him? Otherwise, if she yearned for him, she should have asked him to release her from sensual needs. The assumption hit him like a thunderbolt. He scowled and walked to the bed.

"Alright, as you wish, princess." Saying that his hands grabbed the hem of his shirt, and he took it off out of the blue.

Ren, who was adjusting the wheelchair next to the bed so she wouldn’t struggle if she needed it, turned her gaze away only to behold his shirtless, majestic body for the first time. She forgot how to breathe and lost track of time as she ogled.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from fre𝒆webnove(l).𝐜𝐨𝗺