Chapter 184
The sound of shallow water was unmistakable. Though I knew what it meant, I couldn’t bring myself to look back, frozen in place.
“Your Highness.”
His voice, low enough to send shivers down my spine, came from directly behind me. Warm breath spilled over the back of my neck. That alone made me shudder, my spine tingling.
I knew I should respond, but I feared my trembling voice would betray me, so I stayed silent.
“……!”
Reno suddenly pulled me into an embrace. I could feel his damp body against my back, his strong arms encircling my waist. Then, warmth spilled over my shoulder.
‘What……?’
Before I could even tense up, something soft and warm touched the spot where his breath had been.
Even without turning, I knew Reno had kissed my shoulder. The short golden hair in my peripheral vision and the tickling sensation confirmed it.
And that wasn’t all. Reno didn’t stop there—he slowly moved his lips across my skin, planting careful kisses along the way.
The raw, unfamiliar sensation made my body react involuntarily, heating up despite myself.
It felt strange yet pleasant, and I nearly lost myself in it before snapping back to reality. I quickly covered the shoulder he’d been kissing.
“S-stop that.”
“Do you dislike it?”
I bit my lower lip. Dislike it? Quite the opposite—I was falling for him. My constant nervousness and heightened awareness of every little gesture proved it. I was just embarrassed. That was all.
When I didn’t answer, Reno kissed me again—this time on the back of my hand and fingers covering my shoulder.
His lips brushed against my skin like soft feathers tickling me. Before I knew it, a small moan escaped, and my fingers twitched.
“If you don’t dislike it.”
“……?”
“Please allow me to continue.”
His quiet plea and the almost desperate way he kissed my hand made me relent. As my grip loosened, Reno wordlessly moved again.
His lips found my bare shoulder once more. The warm, soft sensation lingered before gradually trailing downward.
My loose dress slipped further. By the time his kisses reached my waist, I had no choice but to cling to him.
Meeting his questioning gaze, I murmured:
“I-it tickles……. You can keep going.”
Embarrassed, I turned my head away. His lips, which had been teasing my waist and side, paused.
“Your Highness.”
His breath against my damp skin raised goosebumps. As I shivered, he added:
“Would you allow me to lift you? Sitting might be easier.”
“Huh? S-sure.”
“Then, excuse me.”
Before I fully processed his words, I’d already agreed. Reno gripped my waist and effortlessly lifted me. Startled by the sudden motion, I clung to him, making him chuckle.
“Did I surprise you?”
“Ah, well, I didn’t expect that.”
Had I known he meant to carry me, I would’ve moved on my own.
Water dripped from my soaked dress. Even so, the waterlogged fabric felt incredibly heavy.
Yet Reno showed no strain, effortlessly carrying me to the bath steps and setting me down.
“Standing must be tiring.”
“Not really……. You’re soaked, though.”
I brushed back the golden hair clinging to his forehead and neck. Though not as long as Killis’s, it was still fairly lengthy for a man.
As I adjusted his hair, my gaze landed on his ears.
They resembled normal human ears, but the tips were slightly pointed—evidence of his half-elf heritage.
Though I tried not to stare, knowing this was why he faced discrimination, their unique shape fascinated me. Noticing my gaze, Reno bowed his head.
“You can touch them if you’d like.”
“Are you sure?”
“For you, Your Highness.”
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