"W-what are you saying sir"
Lily's voice cracked as she stumbled back, clutching the counter like it might shield her from the heavy words dripping out of Alex's mouth.
He wasn't even hiding it, not trying to disguise his filth with poetry or charm. No, this man was staring straight at her and spitting sin like it was casual small talk.
Her cheeks flamed. Her chest rose and fell too fast.
'H-how shameless… how can someone say these things with such a straight face.'
She had seen men look before. Passing stares at the market, wandering eyes when she bent down to pick something, even the occasional whistle when she walked down the streets.
But those were weak, cowardly things. This was different. This was a man opening his mouth and aiming directly at her soul, saying things no married woman should ever hear.
Alex leaned over the counter, closing the space with the confidence of a man who thought the world itself bent for him.
"What I said is simple. I will help you with the shop, since clearly you cannot manage this burden alone. We split the profits two ways. My half will cover the rent. Your half can go to your husband's medicine. Everybody wins. Yes"
His words sounded generous, almost noble, but his tone betrayed him. It was low, teasing, dangerous.
A wolf dressed up as a savior. If anyone else had walked in and only heard his words, they would think he was an upright gentleman offering aid.
But Lily heard the filth under his breath. She saw the way his eyes devoured her curves while he spoke. She knew exactly what kind of help this devil had in mind.
Her fists tightened on her apron.
"No. I don't want any—"
Her voice cracked again, trembling, trying to summon courage but falling flat.
Alex's lips curled into a mocking grin.
"Evict. Get out. Now. From my shop!"
He barked, mimicking her voice like a parody. Then he switched to his own silky tone, bowing with exaggerated grace.
"Is what any other cruel landlord would say, but not me. I am generous. I am kind. I am merciful. And I will personally see this store bloom under my care. Thank you for your wonderful help, young mistress."
Lily froze. Her lips parted. Then, slowly, she forced out a bow, her back stiff as a board, her smile trembling at the edges.
"T-thank you… young master…"
It wasn't a smile. It was a mask. A fragile, pitiful mask barely covering the panic in her eyes.
'Ahh… what have I gotten myself into. What is happening to me.'
Alex licked his lips. He didn't waste another second. With a smirk, he planted his hands on the counter and vaulted over it in one smooth motion, landing right in front of her, close enough that she could feel his warmth seep into her skin.
Her eyes widened, her heart pounding like a war drum.
The wolf had stepped into her den.
"J-Just m-manage the crowns, okay. You stay over there."
Lily's voice wobbled as she scooted to the far end of the counter. For her it felt like an escape across an ocean, but for Alex it was just two lazy steps if he wanted to close the distance. He didn't chase.
Instead, he chuckled low in his throat, raising his hands as though saying he'd behave.
"So, you don't have any kids just yet"
Lily blinked, caught off guard. "N-Not yet…"
"Why. Husband impotent"
Her whole body snapped stiff. "What?! No! He is not! He is healthy. It's just we… uh… we are planning for later."
"So he has a small pp and can't reach all the way past your jiggly cheeks, huh. Got it."
Lily let out a strangled gasp and immediately squeezed her eyes shut, as if that would block the words out of her ears. Her face burned scarlet, her hands fidgeting with her apron so hard she nearly ripped the fabric.
Every retort that bubbled in her throat died before leaving her lips. She knew she couldn't win. Not with words. Not against a man who wielded shamelessness like a sword and armor both.
So she endured.
Alex continued his small talk like nothing had happened, rolling through outrageous remarks, innuendos, and half-sincere questions.
Each sentence made Lily's shoulders rise higher, each comment another needle in her chest, yet all she could do was nod along weakly, pretending she was holding a conversation when really she was just drowning.
An hour felt like a lifetime.
Then, at last, salvation came in the form of a bell.
Ding~
The door swung open and a breeze rolled in.
The first customer of the day stepped inside: an elf woman dressed like she had just walked out of a noble's ballroom and into the wrong part of town.
White silk shirt neatly tucked into a black skirt that hugged her thighs, with daring fishnet stockings crawling down her long legs into polished heels. Her silver hair shimmered under the dusty light, and her emerald eyes were sharp enough to slice open wallets without touching them.
Even Alex paused for half a second, his grin curving into something more interested.
Lily, on the other hand, silently thanked every god she knew for sending her a distraction, though she already feared what shameless disaster was about to happen next.
He winked at Lily and said in a low voice.
"Let me show you why you need my help for business."