"Great, it seems like you're not as afraid of me anymore." After he said that, I felt the same way.
Perhaps due to the time we had spent together, I had come to realize that he was not as frightening as I once thought.
At the very least, I was certain he would not harm me and might even protect me. Despite him being the source of my pain, I must admit, he offered a reassuring sense of security.
I yawned and stood up from his embrace. "I'm so tired. Where's my room? I want to sleep"
"There's only one room here." He stood up and directly picked me up horizontally, a slight smile on his beautiful face. "It's our room."
The next morning, the first thing I saw upon opening my eyes was Howard, peacefully asleep beside me.
This was the first time we had slept in the same bed until morning. Staring at his handsome face so close to mine, I found myself staring in admiration. He was truly good-looking, his skin appearing almost flawless.
I reached out to touch him to see if he was real, but Howard suddenly opened his eyes. His blue eyes were was clear and alert, with no trace of sleepiness. Catching my hand, he propped his chin up with his hand, and squinted at me.
Sensing a hint of danger in his gaze, I instinctively shrank back.
Under the covers, I was completely naked. After taking a bath last night, I realized I didn't have any clothes here. "I have to go to school later."
He raised an eyebrow, a bit of a roguish look on his handsome face. "I know. Do you think I might devour you? Why are you so afraid of me?"
I nodded secretly in my heart. Although he let me off last night because I was sick, I wouldn't let my guard down. "Can you buy me some clothes? I don't have anything to wear to school today."
I was so tired last night that I didn't have time to wash my dirty clothes and I couldn't go to school in those smelly clothes.
"There are clothes for you in the wardrobe." he said.
I was stunned and looked at him in disbelief. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? You let me stay naked last night."
"You didn't ask me." Howard's eyes showed a hint of innocence.
I was a bit annoyed, thinking he did it on purpose.
The wardrobe was a bit far from the bed. I wrapped myself in the blanket and sat up. Just as I was about to get out of bed, I heard Howard's teasing voice. "I've seen every inch of you. Why are you covering up fully?"
Even though we had already made love, he was still a stranger to me.
Ignoring him, I wrapped myself in the blanket, got out of bed, and opened the wardrobe. Inside, there were all kinds of clothes, even more than what I had bought for myself.
No girl didsn't love beautiful clothes. Each piece matched my taste, making me happy.
I picked out a white T-shirt and a blue pleated skirt from the wardrobe. Howard was very thoughtful, even preparing my intimate wear.
I felt a warmth in my heart. I didn't expect him to be so meticulous, which was a pleasant surprise.
Howard's casual voice came. "Don't worry, I personally measured your proportions. There won't be any mistakes."
I glared at him angrily; if he didn't say such things when I was touched, I would be even more moved.
I took the clothes and went into the bathroom to change. Through the door, I heard Howard's voice. "I'll be with you all day today."
That was good; with Howard around, no monsters or demons could get close to me.
I bought breakfast downstairs and hurriedly took a cab to school. Due to the heavy traffic, I was late.
I ran into the school gate, and Amelia texted me, reminding me the teacher was already in the classroom.
There was a social science class today, taught by an old, grumpy man; I was in trouble today.
I braced myself and arrived at the classroom door, greeting, "Mr. Carter."
This was the social science teacher Raymond Carter's rule; as long as he was there, we had to greet him before entering the classroom. He also took attendance every class, so any student wouldn't dare to skip his class because he would fail them for one absence.
Raymond stood at the podium with a cold face, looking at me with displeasure. "If you don't want to attend my class, you don't have to come. Being late is extremely disrespectful to me. I've already entered the classroom, and you come in late. Do you want me to wait for you? This is not only wasting my time but also the time of your classmates."
I lowered my head, feeling devastated. After a stern lecture, I kept lowering my head, a crimson flush of shame spreading across my face. "Sorry, Mr. Carter."
Raymond put down his book and said coldly, "Come in. I don't want to waste the students' time. Come to my office after class."
Feeling relieved, I quickly slipped into the classroom and sat down next to Amelia.
Amelia looked at my sweaty appearance and frowned. "Why didn't you tell him you came from the hospital?"
"You know that excuse doesn't work on him." I said helplessly.
To Raymond, every explaination were all excuses; a male student once cried after being scolded by him for being late. I was lucky he let me off so easily today.
Amelia gave me a look of sympathy, and I smiled bitterly.
Finally, the class ended, and I dejectedly went to Raymond's office, feeling embarrassed; I had always been a top student, and this was the first time a teacher called me to the office.
"Karena, you're one of the best students in our class. Why are you late today?" Raymond didn't seem to want to give me a chance to explain and said sternly, "Hold out your hand."
My face turned pale, but I didn't dare disobey Raymond's order. I shakily held out my palm.
One of his rough, bark-like hand grabbed my palm and then hit it with the other.
The sensation on the back of my hand made me uncomfortable, but Raymond remained indifferent. "This is a small lesson for you.If you're late again next time, it won't be as simple as hitting your palm." As he spoke, he didn't let go of my hand.
I felt embarrassed and awkward, nodded, and pulled my hand back forcefully.
I fled the office, only to bump into someone.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to." I apologized repeatedly, rubbing my hand on my skirt to get rid of the disgusting feeling.
"It's okay." The familiar voice made me pause. I looked up instinctively and saw Wesley's handsome face.