Chapter 258: The Same Look In Their Eyes

“I had to take a trip abroad to deal with some business,” the masked man explained, a hint of surprise in his tone.

“Which country did you go to? Promise me that you won’t go anywhere too dangerous. I can’t lose you,” said Raylee, worry filling her voice as she nestled in his arms.

“I promise. I won’t let anything happen to myself.”

The masked man held her chin delicately, his eyes intensely focused on her. Even through the mask, Raylee could feel the intensity of his gaze, seemingly overwhelming her. This man neither sought her body nor her love; he simply devoted everything to her, his intentions pure and selfless. He was the epitome of a devoted fool, so much so that Raylee still couldn’t believe such a wonderful man existed.

Right then, a wave of unease stirred within Raylee. Her petite frame curled up in his arms, forming an intimate pose. The faint scent of pine from his cologne hit her senses. Mingling with his unique aura of masculinity, it enveloped her, leaving her breathless. The warm and cozy atmosphere was very comforting, bringing her an immense sense of peace.

“Why are you so good to me?” she asked softly.

“Because you’re worth it.”

The answer remained the same as always, yet each time Raylee heard it, she would be overjoyed.

“Could you remove your mask and let me see your face? I want to etch your image in my heart,” pleaded Raylee. “Just a glance, that’s all I need.”

“No, haven’t I already told you? You can never ever bring this up.” The masked man’s voice turned cold.

“I understand that you may have been injured and disfigured, but I don’t mind!” Raylee earnestly stated.

“Back then, I was covered in wounds, but you didn’t mind my scars or my past. You took me in and cared for me, so what right do I have to mind anything about you?”

“But I mind!” the man behind the mask roared.

Noticing signs of his growing anger, Raylee rolled her eyes. “Fine, if you don’t want me to see, then I won’t. It’s not a big deal. I’m not even that interested!”

“You have quite the temper, young lady, daring to show your anger toward me?” the masked man gently pinched her cheek.

Raylee was fixated on the eyes beneath his mask. Under the dim light, she could still make out his glistening pupils, which were as clear as a mirror. She could distinctly feel his eyes’ burning gaze, much like a predator zeroing in on its prey.

Right then, a familiar feeling washed over her. In that fleeting moment, she was inexplicably under the illusion that this man was Jeremiah because both men shared the same spirited look in their eyes. Just like a hawk, their gazes seemingly consumed everything in sight. Every time she had this surreal feeling, she was quick to dismiss it. Had she not witnessed Jeremiah being shot and leaping into the river to his death with her own eyes, she would have ripped…

“Why can’t I get angry? It was you who said that I should go back to being who I was before. You’ve spoiled me, so you have to continue pampering me no matter what it takes!” Raylee playfully stuck her tongue out at him.

After wrapping her in a large towel, the masked man carried her to the bed. He then spoke in an indulgent tone.

“You’re right. I was the one who came to you. There’s no other way around it. I guess I’m just stuck with spoiling you for the rest of our lives.”

Raylee wrapped her arms around his neck, giving a firm push that sent him sprawling onto the bed. After rolling over twice, she pinned down his tall and slender figure beneath her. She was straddled on top of him, looking down from her elevated position.

“You promised me earlier that you would give me some perks. Do you mean it?”

“What perks are you looking for?” the masked man asked, his voice deep and husky.

Raylee lay against his chest, her ear tuned to the steady and powerful beat of his heart. Without any hint of embarrassment, she voiced her desire.

“Tonight, I want you to stay in my room… You can say that I’m craving your presence, but all I want is to fall asleep in your arms.”

In the past, she had only ever loved one man, Casimir. But now, she realized that it was merely the crush of a young girl’s heart during adolescence. Casimir had never made any advances on her, and she, on the other hand, didn’t dare to make the first move. Between the two of them, it seemed as though there was an insurmountable chasm. After she met the masked man, he made her understand what it meant to be physically attracted to someone. She yearned for him, but craved for his touch even more. She thought that perhaps this was the most profound expression of loving someone, as even her core instinct was drawn toward him.

Upon hearing Raylee’s “impertinent” request, the masked man was momentarily at a loss for words. At that moment, all that Raylee had on was a towel, which barely covered her. Every movement she made was sensuous, sparking one’s lust.