Lewd Courtship - Chapter 61

“What?”

Too stunned to process his words, Rachel could only echo him in disbelief. But Killian offered no further explanation.

Instead, he quietly withdrew the hand that had been resting on her. After adjusting his loosened waistband, he stood and took a step back.

Rachel rose unsteadily as well, bracing herself against the table. She stood there naked, staring at him for a long moment. His demeanor wasn’t exactly cold, but his unsettled turquoise eyes refused to meet hers.

Why is he acting like this? Why…?

As her worst fears began to feel real, her eyes grew damp. Breath catching for reasons unrelated to excitement, she bit down hard on her lip.

She couldn’t bring herself to beg for more when she’d already been rejected. Even if she tried, she knew he wouldn’t listen.

All she could do was gather her scattered clothes from the floor and dress, layer by layer. Strangely, with each piece that covered her body, she was reminded of the first time they’d been together.

Back then, she had been so focused on reaching her first climax, partly to spite Killian. Now, however, she wanted more than just release—she wanted him to look at her, to treat her with rough, ruthless desire.

Even when he’d slid his toes into her, she had wanted him to push deeper, not pull away. She hadn’t even considered asking him to stop.

And as this realization dawned on her, a chilling thought struck:

Could it be… he’s figured out my inclinations?

The emperor was sharp and perceptive—perhaps he had noticed this change in her. Maybe he was pushing her away because he’d recognized her scandalous inclinations.

As she tightened the strings of her dress, Rachel glanced furtively at Killian, searching his expression for any clue that might confirm her suspicion.

His cleanly shaped lips remained tightly sealed, his lashes trembling faintly as they cast downward. The distinct outline of his lower body, so prominent just moments ago, had now faded away.

…I was right. It’s because of me.

This was the same man who had relentlessly seen through her until now. There could be no other reason for him to act this way. Still, clinging to a sliver of hope, Rachel forced out one last question.

“…Should I really go?”

At her words, Killian lifted his gaze slightly but still carefully avoided meeting her eyes. A short sigh escaped his parted lips.

At the end of that exhale, he gave a slight nod—one that looked exactly like the one he’d offered when accepting their date yesterday. Back then, it had made her happy; now, it only filled her with bitterness.

Not wanting him to see the tears welling in her eyes, she turned away. She walked to the door, opened it, and stepped outside.

Even after crossing the threshold, a faint hesitation lingered. Slowly, Rachel looked back. Killian was watching her, his face expressionless.

The moment their eyes briefly met, overwhelmed by emotion, Rachel scrunched her face and raised her middle finger. Then, before even lowering her hand, she slammed the door shut with a loud *bang*.