Gilbert's eyes darkened when he noticed the swelling between her thighs. His grip loosened, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face.
"…If I'd known, I wouldn't have touched you like that," he muttered, almost to himself.
Cherry blinked up at him, her breath caught.
But his gaze sharpened again. "And yet… you still dare to tempt me?" His voice dropped, low but no longer sharp. "Do you have any idea what you're doing?"
Cherry opened her mouth, but the words died in her throat as Gilbert suddenly lifted her in his arms, swift but careful.
"W-What are you? "
He carried her straight into the bathroom, setting her gently into a wide marble tub. With a press of a button, warm water flowed, laced with soft floral notes.
The heat sank into her skin, easing the sting in her heart just a little.
"This is your room now," Gilbert said after a pause, standing over her.
Cherry stared. "…What?"
