Chapter 37 Accusations
His heart felt like it was being squeezed and twisted until every breath became a struggle.
“Cassius, what’s going on?” Sydney called after him as she caught up upstairs. She noticed what he was holding. Cassius‘ bizarre expression did not miss her either.
A moment ago, he was crying, then the next, he was laughing. She paled.
He met her gaze, bloodshot eyes burning, and asked quietly, “Sydney, are you really sure that Azalea stole this tie from you?”
Her face drained of color, and the unspoken answer hung heavily between them.
Cassius shut his eyes, feeling utterly ridiculous.
The silence in the car thickened, heavy with everything left unsaid.
Outside, the sky darkened and rain began to fall in sheets.
JAzalea pressed her lips tight, when a deep sigh was followed by a large hand covering her face. “That expression doesn’t suit
you,” said a familiar voice.
She jerked his hand away and turned to meet Hubert’s smiling eyes. His voice, usually distant and cold, softened on purpose, threaded with unexpected warmth.
“What expression?”
Hubert paused thoughtfully. “The whole scrunched up face like you won’t unravel it for a hundred years expression.
“I thought you were treating me to a meal? I even saved my appetite for this.”
His teasing brought a small easing to her furrowed brow. “Relax. I’ve already picked the spot.”
Azalea waved her hand, signaling Hex to pull over onto a quiet side street. “Right there, in that alley.”
At Draywick High, lunchtime was reserved for self–study, and most students brought their meals to nearby spots or ate in the cafeteria. The streets around the school were lined with eateries, making it easy to find something to eat.
Back then, her meals were strictly controlled–she barely got enough to satisfy her hunger. When it became unbearable, she’d slip out to buy something, only to face punishment afterward every single time.
Hubert, naturally, didn’t complain about the place since she was the one paying. After telling Hex to stay in the car, Hubert got out and shared an umbrella with Azalea.
There was just one umbrella between them, and Hubert was much taller. To keep her dry, he angled the umbrella–and leaned his body slightly toward her side.
Although it was already early fall, Draywick was oppressively hot. She wore her summer uniform–a short skirt and blouse- and with every step, her body occasionally brushed against Hubert’s.
Maybe because of the heat, Hubert loosened his cufflinks and rolled his sleeves halfway up his arms.
Their skin met–his warm, hers cool.
The contact sparked a fire in her skin, and Azalea swallowed hard without realizing it.
The cramped space beneath the umbrella carried the subtle scent of cedar and wood from Hubert, enveloping her in his
presence.
Out of nowhere, those old rumors about Hubert’s cold and ruthless reputation intruded on her thoughts. Talk about bad timing.
“Is this your usual haunt?” Hubert asked, turning his head toward her as they passed an alley and several shops. His voice cut through the rain–clear, calm, and soft, with a teasing tone.
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Chapter 37 Accusations
He smiled, a simple, genuine expression of care.
Finished
“Not really,” Azalea replied softly, nerves fluttering for no clear reason. Her gaze flicked sideways, only catching sight of the area just above his chest.
Sharing the umbrella, his breath felt dangerously close, right next to her ear.
Too close.
She shifted slightly, trying to keep some distance so she wouldn’t brush against him.
“Yeah, I almost forgot. If you ever find food scarce around you, come to me. I’ll make sure you get fed.”
He said it casually, as if it were no big deal.
Azalea considered his words but didn’t respond.
Hubert didn’t push for an answer. Instead, he stepped closer, and her arm suddenly brushed fully against his.
She held her breath, about to pull away–only to have her wrist caught and gently tugged, causing her to lean against his chest. “Best stay out of the rain.”
His voice stayed soft and gentle.
Her eyes dropped to his shoulder, which was indeed damp.
A quiet chuckle sounded above, and she felt a light tap on her shoulder. “I was talking about you,” Hubert teased.
A flush spread over her ears.
She looked up, dazed, and finally noticed her own shoulder was soaked too.
His husky, gravelly voice brushed over her like a feather, stirring an itch deep inside her chest.
Right next to her, Hubert flicked his fingers quietly, a playful sparkle lighting up his eyes. The way Azalea reacted was downright entertaining.
If Ace and Deuce caught sight of this, they’d probably roast their boss. “You sly old fox. You can’t just make a maiden’s heart flutter like that.”
But Hubert didn’t even realize he was flirting.
At last, their short stroll came to a close.
“We’re here,” Azalea muttered, anxiety driving her forward as she hurried inside the ramen joint.
Hubert watched her dash away and couldn’t stop himself from chuckling. His precious Lea was shy in the most endearing
way.
Just the thought of someone else having her is annoying me.
Most of the customers here were students, with a handful of locals sprinkled in. A pretty girl in a school uniform walking through the door wasn’t unusual, but the sharply dressed man following her definitely caught some curious looks.
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