It felt as if he was using this frantic action that came from the bottom of his heart to tell her something.

Deirdre’s knees buckled, and she leaned her head on the man’s chest. She could not see him but she could feel his heartbeat racing.

“Deirdre.” Before she could say anything, the man’s voice turned hoarse and his thin lips were already moving closer to her ear bit by bit. He asked imploringly, “Can I?”

The answer to what Brendan was asking was obvious. Deirdre had not expected that Brendan would actually take it upon himself to seek her consent. It was as if he would loosen his grip without the slightest hesitation no matter how aroused he was as soon as she shook her head.

Deirdre shut her eyes tightly and did not speak. Brendan’s thin lips curled into a smirk. “I’ll consider it consent if you don’t speak.”

…

Deirdre’s head was dizzy when it ended. She was carried to the bathroom to take a shower by Brendan. Then, he cuddled her in his arms as though he was protecting p