Chapter 81: A Reward Promised
The moment Lirael stepped close enough, Ethan's hand shot out and pulled her toward him.
He was sitting at the edge of the bed, legs dangling down. She stumbled, falling neatly into place across his left thigh. Her arms looped instinctively around his neck for balance, her folded knees pressed between his legs. One of his arms held her slender waist firmly while the other braced her from behind, keeping her from slipping.
Their faces were so close now that she could feel the warmth of his breath brushing against her lips.
"So?" Ethan murmured near her ear, his voice low, teasing. "Will you give me my reward… or should I just claim it myself?"
Her crimson cheeks betrayed her, and her voice trembled.
"I-I'll… I'll give it… myself. But first… let me go."
Ethan chuckled. "Haah… I told you before—you should raise your strength a bit. That way you could at least resist me, even a little."
With that, he released her.
