Kael stiffened in surprise. Her warmth pressed against him, catching him off guard, not just the physical contact, but the unexpected emotion behind it. This wasn't teasing; it felt genuine.
He blinked, stunned. Mira's arms were wrapped firmly around him, her head resting lightly against his shoulder. He hadn't expected this at all. Not from her.
But having her curves pressed against him sent a jolt through Kael, a warmth spreading in his chest and lower. He cleared his throat, suddenly aware of the rapid beat of his own heart. "Uh… what are you doing?"
He reciprocated the hug, wrapping his hands around her waist.
Mira didn't move, feeling very comfortable in his embrace.
"I just…" her voice was soft, "wanted to say thank you." Her grip tightened for a fleeting moment. "You really didn't have to step in like that. But you did. You protected me."
Whenever Mira thought about what might have happened at the market if Kael had been a scared little boy, she knew she wouldn't be here. Those nobles would have taken her, done horrible things to her, and then left her for dead… and no one else had the courage to stand up for her. It had happened several times before, so she knew for sure.
Kael's lips curled into a small, lopsided smile. He leaned back slightly to glance at her. "Hey. Don't mention it. I would never let them touch a single hair on your head."
But Mira didn't release him. In fact, she held on tighter.
The moment stretched, thick with something unspoken. Her body pressed against his, warm, soft, undeniably feminine. The scent of her skin, a delicate blend of lavender, sunlight, and something wild, drifted up. A new kind of tension tightened Kael's muscles.
He shifted, trying to ignore the slow stir inside his pants. 'Really? Now! It's just a hug!' Kael internally scolded himself for that. But his body had clearly decided it had its own agenda.
It was just a hug, technically. But Mira was warm, soft, and breathtakingly close. The curve of her chest pressed against him ever so slightly, her breath grazing his neck like a whisper of temptation.
She had no idea what she was doing to him, and that made it worse. Or better. He wasn't sure. All he knew was that if she didn't let go soon, he might embarrass himself in ways that would haunt his dreams for weeks.
He gently tried to pull away. "Alright, Mira. That's enough gratitude for one day."
Mira looked up at him, a faint, playful smile on her lips as she finally released him, the warmth of her body leaving a lingering impression.
Kael exhaled sharply, sinking back into his chair and subtly adjusting his posture, willing his body to calm down.
Mira glanced at him and caught sight of the slight bulge in his pants. 'I knew it. How dirty of you, Kael. I'm like your big sister… who knew you'd think of me that way?' She grinned.
She returned to her spot and sat gracefully, legs tucked beneath her, the old book resting once more in her lap.
Her fingers idly traced the edge of the page. "You were gone longer than usual," she said, her voice light but laced with curiosity. "What kept you at Sherry's house?"
Kael hesitated, settling back. "Nothing of importance," he said a little too quickly. He wanted to keep his encounter with Vivian private.
Mira glanced up, a sly smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Hmm. That's not the face of a man who's done nothing."
Kael exhaled through his nose and looked away. "Stop being so relentless, I'm not telling."
"If you don't speak , I'll tell Syvia that you were lusting for me at the market," she said teasingly. "Now, speak, little brother."
Kael stiffened. Of course she'd bring that up.She was joking, but the problem was, she wasn't wrong about that.
He had been eyeing her at the market, but only because of that stupid dream. It wasn't what she thought it was. Well, okay, maybe it was. Kind of. But it wasn't entirely his fault.
Blame that sexual dream for making him horny. Blame his brain also, for imagining things. Blame whatever twisted magic was messing with his head. Just… not him.
He rubbed at his jaw, then gave in. "Vivian asked me to stay after I was done with the tasks her mother gave me. And then… things… happened."
Intrigued after hearing that, Mira tilted her head, her earlier cheerfulness fading the moment she heard that Kael did something with Vivian. "Oh, what happened?"
"We kissed. A bit more than that, honestly."
Mira was taken aback. Vivian had kissed him? It wasn't the act itself that shocked her, because it was no secret that Kael had always attracted attention from the women in the village.
But what was surprising was that he had gone along with it. He was usually so oblivious to their attention. She blinked once, then nodded slowly. "Ah. I see." A pause. "Honestly, I'm surprised it took this long. She's been watching you like a hawk since the festival." Her tone was now neutral, the earlier lightness completely gone.
Kael was surprised by her reaction. He'd expected her to be happy, maybe even tease him. She always joked about him needing a girlfriend. As messed up as it was, she numerously even playfully even suggested Sylvia as a last resort.
"So, did the two of you… do everything?" Mira asked, her expression a little serious.
Kael hesitated, noticing the old Mira, the one who rarely joked with him. A flush creeped up his neck. Despite his discomfort, he shared the details.
Mira's serious expression didn't go away, and it bothered Kael. He looked at her more closely, sensing a subtle shift in the air. Without warning, she stood.
"I should fetch water from the well."
Mira walked away.
A moment later, the door creaked open again. This time, it was Sylvia who had came back.