When Marco finally released her, his face was flushed, his usually cold eyes softened by tenderness. He seemed as affected by the kiss as she was.
“I'm. I'm out of breath,” Loraine managed to stammer, her voice trembling.
Marco's response was a quiet chuckle, one hand supporting her while the other caressed her back, eliciting a shiver.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtIn the midst of this charged moment, an innocent child's voice rang out, startling them both. “Angel Sister, what are you doing? Your face is so red! Are you feverish?” Loraine felt as though she had been doused with cold water, stiffening as she spotted several little faces peeking from a nearby classroom, their eyes wide with curiosity.
With a sudden sense of urgency, she pulled away from Marco’s embrace, her face flaming.
Marco coughed lightly, trying to regain his composure. He spoke with feigned sternness.
“We were playing a gthat only adults can play.” Loraine’s scalp tingled with anxiety. The Last thing she wanted was for Eloise to think she was a bad influence on the children! Angela’s Library The children’s faces were alight with curiosity, eager to probe further, but Loraine shot Marco a warning glance that silenced them.
Without another word, she turned and made her way back to her room.
Marco smiled, raising a finger to his lips in a gesture for the children to keep their secret, then followed Loraine at a more leisurely pace.
He resisted the urge to tease her, recognizing that her embarrassment was genuine.
As he walked, his mind turned to more serious matters. Loraine clearly had her own intentions regarding the Cooper family, and he had always respected her autonomy. He would offer his assistance but would never act without her express consent.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe dialed a number on his phone, which was answered promptly. His voice, infused with a casual satisfaction, conveyed his instructions clearly.
“Hold off on taking action against the Cooper family for now.
Recall the people you sent earlier.” Meanwhile, at the Cooper family’s residence, after being forcibly brought hby Zaria, Judie’s frustration boiled over into a full-blown tantrum. She yelled, “Mom, how could you? Weren't you going to helpstand up for myself? Weren't you going to shieldfrom the villagers’ ridicule? But as soon as you saw Loraine, you turned tail like a frightened mouse!” Zaria, seated on the sofa, looked gravely serious and made no move to calm her daughter's outburst. Her hands wrung together in agitation.
Suddenly, the sound of a car engine outside interrupted the scene, followed by a middle-aged man entering the house. Catching Judie’s sobs, he demanded, “Judie, what's the matter? Who has dared to upset you?” Judie’s eyes brightened as she rushed towards the man, fully expecting his sympathy. But before she could even speak, Zaria's voice cut through the room, sharp and commanding.
“Judie, to your room, now!”