Chapter 66

Feeling Riftan's knees push into her skirt, Maxi shuddered lightly.

"You can do as you wish," he mumbled, gently sucking on her lip. "So please, don't look at me like that."

His pleading tone brought a lump to her throat, but she resumed her protest.

"Y-You f-flew into a t-temper."

"Forgive me. It won't happen again."

His large hand continuously stroked her back as if he were trying to pacify a small, fearful creature. She could feel the texture of his rough hand through her thin chemise. Slowly, she felt the tension in her body dissipate. She burrowed her face in his neck and felt a faint shiver run through his body.

"Maxi…"

"Y-Your skin is cold. W-Were you outdoors th-this whole time?"

"I wanted to cool my head..."