He leaned in closer, his thumb grazing her cheek.
"You are just that breathtaking, Kaida. It's not my fault my body craves you every second."
Kaida felt the heat explode in her face. It rushed up her neck, turning her ears a violent shade of scarlet. Her mouth twitched, opening and closing as her brain short-circuited. She was a warrior. A killer. She could face armies.
But this? This genuine, weaponized affection?
"Y-You..." Her voice wavered, losing all its sharpness. She batted his hand away, though with zero actual force. "Bastard... stop saying... stop it!"
Viktor didn't argue. He didn't push. He just... nodded.
He gave her a small, almost puppy-like smile—innocent and obedient—and stepped back.
"Okay," he said simply.
Then, he turned around and walked toward the piles of herbs on the table.
Kaida stood there, frozen. Her hand was still raised where she'd swatted him away. She stared at his broad back, her heart hammering against her ribs.
'Okay? Just... okay?'
