After finding out Luzella's concerns, Alaric's tone shifted to one of reassurance, "The orphanage is still your family, but you'll be with me from now on," his low, smooth voice rumbled, "If you want to visit them, just let me know, and I'll take you. But just to visit, not to stay." His eyes locked onto Luzella's, his gaze piercing yet gentle, as he continued, "Let's talk about your job and your life, once you've find your answers about me, little chick." Alaric's warm breath whispered against Luzella's skin as he spoke, his voice weaving a sense of intimacy and calm.
Luzella's skin prickled as his warm breath brushed against her, but her voice remained steady as she responded. "But I have an interview in two days. If I miss it, when will I get another good opportunity like this? When will I earn more, and how will I repay the orphanage for raising me?" Luzella told Alaric what was on her mind.
Alaric looked at her with the same gentle gaze and replied, "Just as the time has come for you to meet me, so too has the time come for you to repay the orphanage. Then we'll repay it together." Alaric's eyes were filled with shine as if he suddenly thought of their lives together from now on.
Hearing Alaric's words, Luzella's eyes widened in surprise, her gaze locked onto his. "Will... will you repay my orphanage together with me?" The next words that came out of her lips were barely audible, just like a whisper "But why?" Luzella's eyes remained fixed on Alaric's, her expression a mixture of curiosity and wonder, as she waited for his answer.
Alaric's smirk danced across his lips as he said, "Don't get too wonder, little chick. Stop questioning me now and let's go grab some food. You were so courageous and made quite a scene earlier, weren't you?" And a teasing smile glinted in his eyes with amusement as he said "Look at your eyes, they're all puffed up now."
Luzella's eyes flashed with indignation as she muttered, "It's all your fault, stupid." Her face scrunched up in a pout, and she huffed, her cheeks puffing out with the effort. Her lips jutted out, and her nostrils flared slightly, giving her a adorably indignant look.
Alaric was amused by her expression. He wanted to poke her cheeks but instead he narrowed his eyes and his gaze piercing as he said, "Now, you're daring to scold me ahh? Just because I'm speaking with you gently doesn't mean you can do anything you like." His voice took on a low, warning tone, a subtle edge creeping into his words as he tried to intimidate her.
Luzella's expression transformed, her face blanking into an innocent mask. She blinked big, round eyes and forced a awkward smile, her lips twitching upward in a hesitant curve. "Did I?" she asked, her voice laced with feigned innocence.
Alaric's eyes sparkled with amusement as he recognized Luzella's attempt to deflect. He smirked, his lips curling upward in a knowing curve. "Do you think I have deaf ears?" he asked, arching a brow. His voice was low and as he spoke, he subtly tightened his arm around her, the gentle squeeze a subtle warning that belied the gentle tone of his words.
Luzella met Alaric's gaze unwaveringly, her expression radiating innocence. "I always tell the truth, so maybe I did, if you want to hear, I'll say it again" she said, her voice steady and sincere. She blinked at him, her eyes wide with conviction, as if genuinely believing she had done nothing amiss. Her confidence was almost palpable.
Alaric looked into her eyes, and again, he saw the same unwavering gaze that didn't falter under his intimidation. The same look he had seen in their two previous meetings. But after their encounter earlier and after her returned to the mansion, her eyes had held a hint of fear. Now, however, her eyes showed no trace of it.
Alaric's warm breath carried the scent of mint as he leaned in, his voice low and husky. His eyes crinkled at the corners with amusement as he asked, "Where do you get so much courage, little chick?" His breath whispered against her skin, sending tingles over her skin as he awaited her response.
"Don't do it, it's tingling," she said, putting her hand on his nose to stop his breath from reaching her skin. But his warm exhalations tickled her palm instead, teasing her and rendering her attempt futile.
Luzella's felt embarrassed and her cheeks flushed as she pulled her hand away, her embarrassment momentarily overshadowing her caution. She looked away, trying to compose herself and replied "Why do I need courage to talk with you?"
Alaric's amusement deepened as she removed her hand. When her fingers brushed against his face, sent a spark of warmth through him. He watched her compose herself with embarrassment, her cheeks flushing in the soft light, a low chuckle rumbled in his chest.
Luzella annoyed by his chuckles and her voice trembling with a hint of fury, "Don't laugh at me, and let go," she said, as she tried to wriggle free, "I'll go to sleep." her movements causing the fabric of her dress to rustle softly.
However, Alaric's grip remained firm, his warm fingers wrapped around her waist, but his tone was gentle as he said, "Let's grab some food first. You didn't eat anything earlier." A smile still played on his lips, and the scent of his cologne wafted through the air.
"No, I'm not hungry. I'll eat tomorrow morning. Let go now, I'll go to sleep," Luzella said, her voice laced with fury, not convincing by his words.
"No? Then let's stay here just like this." Alaric's reply was firm, his brow frowning, his deep voice low and unyielding, sending a shiver down her spine as his warm breath caressed her skin.
Luzella's face scrunched up in irritation, and her voice laced with frustration as she said, "Fine then, let's be here," and puffed out her cheeks, her eyes flashing with annoyance.
For the first time in her life, unbeknownst to her, Luzella was arguing irritably, a stark contrast from her normally calm demeanor. Yet she didn't feel anything out of the ordinary, without even realizing the change in herself with Alaric.