Erik stayed still for a long while. Hearing the rumble from her stomach, he couldn't help but laugh.
"..."
Janelle shot him a glare. It was physical labor, after all! Wasn't it normal for her to be hungry now?
Erik threw back the covers and got out of bed. He wore nothing but his underwear. Seeing him like that, Janelle's face flushed involuntarily. Alright... The man certainly had the assets. Top male models couldn't compare. He clearly didn't see her as an outsider, letting her look her fill without reservation.
"Could you put some clothes on?"
"It's just the two of us here. What difference does it make?" Despite saying that, Erik walked over and pulled on a shirt.
Janelle sat on the bed. His shirt was much too long on her; she had to roll up the sleeves. She prepared to get up and wash up – it was getting late, she still needed to go to Blue Whale Co., Ltd. However, due to last night's intensity, her legs buckled weakly as she tried to stand, nearly sending her to the floor.
Seeing this, Erik walked over and scooped her up in his arms.
"Are you alright?"
Janelle felt a bit embarrassed. Was she really that weak?
"I'm fine."
"Sorry, that was my fault. I'll be more careful next time," Erik said sincerely.
"..."
Next time? He was thinking far ahead.
"Erik, between us... it's just mutual benefit. Don't overthink it." Love was superfluous to her; she didn't need it.
Erik frowned. "Meaning?"
"Exactly what it sounds like."
"Janelle, who knew a little girl like you could be such a heartbreaker?" She just wanted to sleep with him but take no responsibility?
"Erik, saying that isn't very sporting. Didn't you want it too?"
"I do. I want it right now." Erik was genuinely annoyed.
Janelle bit her lower lip, refusing to speak.
"If you can't accept that, then forget it." Mutual benefit when needed was the best arrangement she could envision.
"Fine. I can accept it. Whenever you need me, I'm available." Erik gritted his teeth.
"Want it now?"
"No. I need to brush my teeth and wash my face," Janelle said, avoiding his eyes.
Erik carried her into the bathroom and squeezed toothpaste onto her brush for her. "New one. Use it." He held it out.
"You can leave now," Janelle stated coolly.
"..."
Erik pinched her waist resentfully before finally leaving. Truly an ungrateful little fox.
Once he was gone, Janelle started brushing her teeth. Finishing, she felt a distinct soreness down there. She looked down. Sure enough, it was red and swollen.
"..."
Beast!
After washing up, Erik handed her a bag. "Need help?" If she required it, he'd gladly assist.
"You can leave now."
"Really? Pull up your pants and stop recognizing people?" An unfed little white-eyed wolf.
Erik went downstairs to prepare breakfast. Janelle changed into the clothes he'd provided. He'd even gotten underwear, yet refused to let her wear any last night... truly wicked. He'd chosen a blue dress for her – sailor collar, ending just above the knees.
Watching her descend the stairs, Erik's breath hitched for a few seconds. He loved seeing her in a dress. Those long legs were mesmerizing.
Janelle walked up to him. The man was still in black shirt and trousers. Black truly suited him. He'd only buttoned the top two buttons, revealing his solid, sexy chest muscles. Janelle reached up and fastened the buttons, covering the distracting view.
"Come on, let's eat breakfast." Erik took her hand, interlacing their fingers. He loved the feeling of holding hands like this. Noticing she was walking stiffly, he swept her up into his arms again. Janelle was getting used to the man's habit of carrying her at the drop of a hat. Arguing felt pointless now. She looped her arms around his neck.
Breakfast was laid out on the table – he'd had it delivered. Milk, bread, soy milk, fried dough sticks, soup dumplings... all her favorites were there.
Erik picked up his chopsticks, selected a soup dumpling, and held it to her lips.
"..."
"Eat. Aren't you hungry?"
"Erik, my hands aren't broken." She could feed herself.
"I'm just worried you might be tired. After all, last night..." He really hadn't held back.
Janelle gave him a look that said 'Drop it already'. Could he stop bringing up last night constantly?
Janelle opted for the soy milk and fried dough sticks. She'd always loved them. At the border, they were rare, and she was thoroughly sick of milk and bread. She liked soaking the fried dough stick in the soy milk for a while, letting it absorb the flavor before eating it.
Just as she was eating, Bryan walked in from outside.
"Morning, Sis-in-law." He'd been out all night, busy and utterly exhausted. But why was Sis-in-law here? Had Erik sealed the deal already?
"Call me Janelle."
"Sis-in-law, what's wrong?" Had he said something incorrect?
"Call her Janelle," Erik commanded. Since she disliked the title, Janelle it was. Erik and Janelle... just the names sounded perfect together.
Bryan rubbed his nose and nodded. "Janelle, morning." That should be acceptable, right? He collapsed into a chair, too tired to move.
"Eat breakfast," Erik offered magnanimously.
"Not hungry. You guys eat. I'm going to shower. I'm exhausted." Bryan dragged himself up from the chair and struggled upstairs.
"What did you have him doing?" How could he be so worn out?
"Just found him a few things to do," Erik answered vaguely. Last night, bringing her back, he hadn't wanted Bryan, a nineteen-year-old young man, around – it might have made her uncomfortable. Plus, with Bryan gone, he could accommodate her anywhere she wanted.
This man...
After breakfast, Janelle made to leave. Erik stopped her.
"Erik, don't think just because we slept together last night that you can interfere with my freedom." Over the years, she'd come and gone like the wind, long unaccustomed to anyone restricting her life.
"I'm not trying to interfere with your freedom. Take your medicine. After you drink it, I'll take you to Blue Whale." Knowing what mattered most to her, he naturally wouldn't hinder her progress.
Seeing the bowl of medicine he brought over, Janelle radiated resistance from head to toe.
"No." It was truly awful.
Erik frowned. "Janelle, I'll indulge you in almost anything else. But not this."
"Don't want to drink it? Fine. I'll feed you. Share fortune and misfortune – I'll join you." Remembering how he'd fed her medicine before, Janelle felt a wave of panic.
"Erik, I don't want this!" Janelle was adamant.
But he had already poured the medicine into his own mouth. His large hand gripped her waist, pulling her toward him.