Saving My Childhood Friend Through… Questionable Means… - Chapter 42

He had never been so attentive to Seria before. While he often spent time with male friends or indulged in hobbies, Lucas had never shown an interest in romance, let alone cared for any other woman like this.

Seria’s heart raced as his thoughtful gestures caught her off guard. Wherever his hands touched, she felt a strange ticklish sensation that made her question if this man was really her friend Lucas.

He had never treated her so preciously before. Just yesterday, when she mentioned she couldn’t ride a horse, instead of offering her a spot in front of him, he’d simply told her to ride a donkey.

“By now, the market should be open. If I ride quickly, I can get back in no time.”

After checking the clock, Lucas gazed down at Seria. She blinked up at him with wide, uncomprehending eyes, her lips slightly parted to reveal a small glimpse of her tongue.

For a brief moment, Lucas thought she looked adorable and felt an overwhelming urge to kiss her and playfully suck on her tongue.

Unconsciously leaning closer, Lucas suddenly froze, startled by his own behavior. Why did he feel such a strong desire to kiss Seria the moment their eyes met? It wasn’t as though he didn’t want to have s*x with her again—no, far from it. If there weren’t pressing matters, he’d already be pulling off her clothes.

It’s the curse, he rationalized to himself. The incubus’s curse must still be clouding my mind.

Seria, watching Lucas pause mid-action near the edge of the bed, blinked in confusion.

“What?”

“No, it’s nothing. I’ll be back soon. Get some rest,” Lucas replied hastily, standing up abruptly.

He patted the blanket draped over her a few times—perhaps to tuck her in or to distract his racing thoughts. The awkward patting made dull thumping sounds, but he didn’t apply much force.

The unexpected care, including tucking her in, made Seria’s heart ache in a way she couldn’t explain. She pursed her lips as Lucas hurriedly got ready and left the room. Soon, the house fell silent.

‘I should’ve just gone myself. He’s the duke, after all. The thought of him going to the market to buy contraceptive tea is a bit…’

Sighing, Seria slowly climbed out of bed. She peeked out the door to make sure no one was in the hallway before heading to her room. It wouldn’t do to stay idly in Lucas’s room and risk a maid walking in to clean. If they saw the state of the bed, they’d know the duke had spent the night with someone. Seria just didn’t want them to realize that ‘someone’ was her.

Once in her room, she soaked in a warm bath to relax her aching body. Glancing down, she noticed faint bruises blooming across her upper chest, likely left by Lucas. When did he even leave these? she wondered, exasperated.

‘How did we end up doing it again? Lucas clearly enjoys s*x so much, and while I… well, I like it too, I can’t stop worrying about the future. Why does the curse still linger even after the markings disappeared? And how much longer will we have to do this?’

Though she trusted the sorcerer’s words, unease still nagged at her. If things continued like this, she’d have no choice but to engage in endless nights with Lucas. A relationship caught between casual and complicated.

Lost in thought, Seria didn’t notice the bathwater cooling around her until goosebumps rose on her skin. Shivering, she stepped out of the tub and quickly dried off.

Wanting to avoid further suspicion, Seria dressed herself without calling for help, accustomed as she was to managing on her own. Just as she was finishing with her hair, a knock came at the door.

“Come in.”

“Miss Seria, the duke has summoned you.”

He must’ve returned with the tea. Seria nodded and followed the attendant, but they headed toward the mansion’s entrance instead of Lucas’s room.

‘Why aren’t we going inside?’

Her question was answered when they reached the entrance. Lucas stood there with his arms crossed, looking very pleased with himself. In front of him were large sacks piled onto a cart.

“What… what is all this?”

“It’s the tea you wanted.”

As Lucas declared triumphantly, his expression practically shouted, Aren’t I amazing?