The sound of Olivia's frozen breathing grew increasingly clear.
Her innocent green eyes wavered, uncertain of what to do.
That expression.
Edwin smiled sweetly and drew back. He glanced down at his palms as though he had just concluded an interesting tale.
"...I was attempting a joke. Though I suspect it was not nearly as amusing as Olivia's jest."
It was dangerous.
Olivia, gazing up at him with those wide, round eyes, was undeniably lovely—but at the same time, devastatingly seductive. Edwin already knew how sweet the inside of that slender wrist tasted, and how hot those red lips had been when they brushed against his pulse.
"I like it, Edwin."
Even that confession had radiated more dizzying heat than the warmth itself.
Edwin narrowed his eyes and turned his gaze away from Olivia. He feared that if she ever discovered how intense his desire truly was—lurking beneath his bright, smiling facade—she would never smile at him so freely again.
Since that sweet day, his patience had been wearing thinner. Moment by moment, every time he swallowed his restless feelings, a dangerous tension began to stir within him.
He truly hoped Olivia would not notice.
Because if Olivia wished it, Edwin could play the role of a perfect gentleman.
But Olivia was not deflecting as she usually did. She did not smile awkwardly and change the subject. Instead, she pursed her lips and studied Edwin with an unreadable expression.
Is this what anxiety feels like?
Edwin parted his lips hesitantly, unnerved by the sharp, tingling sensation.
"Olivia?"
---
---