Chapter 19
After my bold declaration, only then did the worry hit me. In the short moment I waited for his answer, countless thoughts raced through my mind.
Would he scold me for being out of my mind? Or would he sense my feelings and look at me with contempt? Would he, by any chance, use this as an excuse to drive me out of the estate?
Right. If the young master blew up in anger, I’d just play it off as a joke. He’d put up with all my backtalk until now. Surely he wouldn’t cast me out just because of one ill-timed joke.
Even in hindsight, it was such a reckless request that I’m not sure what got into me, but at the same time, I was just that desperate.
I couldn’t let go of the young master’s rare kindness, asking if there was anything I wanted.
It felt like I’d never get another excuse as good as my coming-of-age day.
Just once, on a day as special as this, I wanted to have at least one romantic memory, like a kiss from the person I liked.
If not that…
“So, now you think I’m ridiculous, don’t you, Ayla.”
For someone usually so quick on the uptake, it was strange that I’d decided it was safe to poke at the terrifying young master’s side. Maybe it was because something deep inside told me this was a place I could let myself go.
“Well… I think I’m ridiculous too. So who’s to say you can’t?”
His voice was closer than before. I cautiously opened my eyes.
The young master, now right in front of me, didn’t look as fierce as I’d feared. Instead, he looked half exasperated and half quietly amused.
Those long, beautiful fingers, so specialized for killing, lightly took hold of my chin. Surely he didn’t intend to break my neck, right?
Contrary to my worries, Claude didn’t use any strength. Instead, he slowly leaned in. My heart pounded so hard I thought it would burst through my chest.
“Y-You’re really going to do it?”
I whispered, so tense my voice trembled, just as his lips were about to touch mine. He froze for a moment. Afraid he might pull away, I instinctively grabbed his collar. A breath of laughter scattered over my face.
“Just don’t regret it later.”
And in the next moment, unbelievably, I was sharing a dreamlike first kiss with him.
I didn’t know if it was his first kiss too… but with his foul temper and difficult nature, I couldn’t imagine him ever sharing a kiss with anyone else.
I half-expected a metallic tang, but the taste of Claude’s kiss was bittersweet, like chocolate. For all his razor-sharp edges, his lips were soft and warm.
With that gentle heat, our breaths mingled sweetly together. The feel of lips softer than I’d expected brushing mine was pleasant. It was a gentle, warm kiss, perfectly suited to a coming-of-age celebration.
There were no fireworks in my ears like the stories said, but the world seemed to fade away. For a moment, Claude was my whole world.
Surrounded by his scent, his warmth, his taste, I slowly let myself be enveloped in the happiness of kissing the person I liked.
“Mmm…”
When his wet tongue slipped between my lips, I let out an involuntary sound. His arms tightened around my waist.
What I thought would be a fleeting touch deepened instantly. I found the courage to wrap my arms around his neck. His back, bent to match my height, tensed beneath my hands.
Only when I was breathless and dizzy did our lips finally part with a small sound. My face must have been redder than the ripest apple in autumn.
Was it over now? I blinked dazedly, as if waking from a long dream, and met those crimson eyes fixed on me, studying every detail.
I couldn’t help but flinch. Not from fear… but because of the fierce desire burning in his gaze. It was something far too heavy for a girl who’d only just come of age.
At the same time, Claude’s lips, as if missing the lingering warmth, found mine again—until I stopped him.
“A-Again? I think once is enough for a present…”
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