random123456

Chapter 256: Girl you forgot your meal

As they neared the inn, the warm glow of lanterns spilling from its windows and the faint hum of activity inside, Valeria quickened her pace. Her thoughts were a tangled mess, and all she wanted now was the solace of her room—away from Lucavion's insufferable smirk and the maddening thumping in her chest that refused to fade.

"I'll see you tomorrow," she said curtly, not even glancing in his direction as they entered the inn. Without waiting for his response, she made a beeline for the stairs, her boots clicking sharply against the wooden floor.

Lucavion lingered at the entrance, watching her retreating figure with an amused expression. He didn't call after her or make any attempt to stop her—though the smirk on his lips suggested he had plenty of remarks in mind. Instead, he leaned casually against the doorway, his gaze following her until she disappeared down the hallway.

"Always in a rush," he murmured under his breath, shaking his head. "Girl, you forgot to eat your meal."

With a soft chuckle, he pushed off the doorframe and strode toward the inn's common area, the faintest glimmer of amusement still lingering in his eyes. Whether she'd admit it or not, Valeria's hurried escape spoke volumes, and it only fueled his endless curiosity about her.

Meanwhile, Valeria reached her room, closing the door behind her with a decisive click. She exhaled sharply, leaning against it for a moment as if to barricade herself from the chaos Lucavion seemed to carry with him.

'I can't win against him,'

she admitted to herself, her eyes closing briefly.

'No matter what I say or do, he always finds a way to twist it in his favor.'

Shaking her head, she pushed off the door and crossed the room. Her focus had to shift—now. The breakthrough was all that mattered. Not Lucavion, not his infuriating smirks or his teasing comments, and certainly not the way her heart had betrayed her earlier.

She set her supplies on the small table by the window, her gaze hardening as she began arranging the mana stones and herbs she had collected earlier. The familiar routine steadied her, grounding her mind as she prepared the array she'd envisioned countless times before.

'This is what matters,'

she thought, her resolve firming.

'This is my path forward. Nothing else.'

But even as she tried to immerse herself in the meticulous task of arranging the array, a stray thought slipped in, unbidden: the faint echo of his laugh, warm and genuine. Her hand hesitated for a fraction of a second before she shook her head fiercely, banishing the thought.

"No distractions," she muttered aloud, her voice resolute. "Not now."

And with that, she forced her focus entirely onto the breakthrough, determined to silence the lingering echoes of their exchange—at least for tonight.

*******

Lucavion made his way to the tavern of the Iron Matron, the familiar hum of voices and clinking mugs filling the air. The warm light of the lanterns cast a golden glow over the lively scene, with customers laughing and enjoying their drinks. He ignored the usual table he and Valeria often occupied, instead heading straight for the bar. Tonight, he preferred a quieter space to collect his thoughts.

Behind the bar stood Liora, her cheerful presence a constant in the inn. She wore a bright smile, her energy as infectious as ever. As soon as she spotted him, she waved, her voice carrying above the chatter.

"Well, look who's decided to grace the bar tonight! Where's your usual partner-in-dining, Lucavion?" she teased, her grin widening.

Lucavion smirked as he leaned casually against the counter. "She forgot to eat her meal," he replied, the amusement clear in his tone. "Though, I'll need another one prepared for her. I'll bring it to her when she needs it."

Liora raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "When she needs it?" she echoed, leaning forward slightly. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Lucavion chuckled, shaking his head as he accepted a drink she placed in front of him. "Let's just say she'll be busy tonight."

Liora's eyes widened briefly before a knowing smile spread across her face, her thoughts clearly running in a different direction. "Ohhh," she said, her voice dropping into a playful tone. "So that's how it is, huh? I didn't know you two were so... close."

Lucavion arched a brow at her, catching the implication immediately. He let the misunderstanding hang in the air for a moment, his smirk growing as he decided not to correct her just yet. "Close, you say?" he murmured, his tone laced with mischief. "You are not wrong."

Lucavion shrugged nonchalantly, his smirk deepening as he leaned back against the counter. "You know, tonight there may be some noises or other... disturbances coming from her room," he said, his tone casual but deliberately suggestive. "So, it's better if you're prepared."

Liora's eyes widened as her cheeks flushed a bright red. She raised a hand to cover her mouth, the full implication of his words settling over her. "What are you saying!" she exclaimed, her voice an octave higher than usual. "How improper!"

Lucavion chuckled softly, his gaze sharp with amusement as he watched her flustered reaction. "Improper?" he repeated, feigning innocence. "What's so improper about Valeria's breakthrough? It's a perfectly normal part of cultivation. Don't tell me you think otherwise."

Liora froze mid-breath, her blush intensifying as she processed his words. "Br-Breakthrough?" she stammered, her voice faltering as her embarrassment grew. She quickly straightened up, realizing her misunderstanding. "Oh, you meant her breakthrough!"

Lucavion's grin widened, and he leaned in slightly, his voice dropping just enough to make her squirm. "What did you think I was talking about, Liora?" he asked, his tone teasing and deliberate. "Something inappropriate? My, my, what exactly was going on in that head of yours?"

"I—I wasn't thinking anything!" she shot back, her face nearly crimson as she tried to regain her composure. "You're the one who said it so… so vaguely!"

"Vaguely?" Lucavion tilted his head, his smirk now a full grin. "I think I was being perfectly clear. Valeria's breakthrough is a serious matter, after all. Lots of mana fluctuations, maybe some noise. That's what I meant." He leaned closer, his gaze sparkling with mischief. "But you... you seemed to have jumped to some rather

interesting

conclusions."

"I did not!" Liora protested, flustered beyond belief. She tried to busy herself by polishing a glass, but her hands trembled slightly under his playful scrutiny. "You're impossible!"

Lucavion laughed, his tone light and mocking but devoid of malice. "Don't worry, Liora. Your secret's safe with me." He winked, enjoying the way her blush deepened before finally straightening up and turning his attention back to his meal.

Liora grumbled something under her breath, her embarrassment evident as she avoided his gaze. "You're lucky you're one of our best customers, Lucavion. Otherwise, I'd throw this glass at you."

Lucavion threw his head back and let out a loud, hearty laugh that seemed to draw the attention of nearby patrons. "Hahaha! Oh, Liora," he said between chuckles, his grin wide with amusement. "I doubt you've got the guts to actually throw that glass at me. After all, there's no way Lady Iron Matron would let you off the hook if you did something like that."

Liora's face flushed with indignation as she straightened her posture, trying to look imposing despite her smaller frame. "Don't test me, Lucavion," she warned, her voice firm but edged with her usual cheerfulness.

Lucavion raised his hands in mock surrender, his smirk never fading. "Okay, okay, Miss Fierce. No need to get so worked up."

Her brow furrowed as she tried to maintain her stern expression, but the attempt only seemed to amuse Lucavion more. He tilted his head, studying her for a moment before his grin widened further. "You know," he began, his tone teasing, "you look less like a fierce barkeep and more like... a hamster trying to look scary."

Liora's eyes widened in disbelief, and her mouth opened to protest, but before she could, Lucavion's quick reflexes kicked in as he suddenly ducked his head to the side, narrowly avoiding the glass she had just hurled at him. It flew past him, landing with a loud clatter on the floor behind the bar.

He straightened up, looking over his shoulder at the glass, then back at her with a mockingly impressed expression. "Well, I stand corrected," he said, brushing some imaginary dust from his shoulder. "Maybe you

do

have the guts. Though I'm not sure the Iron Matron would approve of you wasting perfectly good glassware."

Liora huffed, her face still red, though whether from anger or embarrassment was anyone's guess. "You're lucky my aim wasn't better," she muttered, grabbing another glass and focusing intently on polishing it to avoid his gaze.

Lucavion chuckled, leaning back against the counter. "Lucky, huh? I'd say you're the lucky one, considering I didn't retaliate. But hey, I'll give you this one, Liora. A hamster with guts is still a sight to behold."

Her lips twitched, fighting back a smile, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of a response. Instead, she muttered something inaudible under her breath, which only made Lucavion laugh again as he returned to his meal, thoroughly entertained.

Chapter 257: Girl you forgot your meal (2)

Lucavion leaned against the counter, his smirk softening into something more genuine. "How are the kids doing?" he asked, his tone quieter now, but no less curious. It was clear he meant Sena and Riken, the foxkin siblings he had brought to the Iron Matron's care.

Liora's face lit up with a smile, her usual cheerfulness returning. "They're doing fine," she said warmly. "Sena's… well, she's good at adapting. Quick to learn and eager to help out. She's already made herself at home, really. But Riken…" Her smile dimmed slightly, though her affection remained. "He's a little different. He still carries that look with him, you know? That closed-off expression. Some of the customers think he's arrogant because of it."

Lucavion nodded, his smirk turning into a knowing grin. "Men and women are different after all," he said simply, swirling the drink in his glass. "Sena's flexible—she's adjusting. Riken? He's got more walls to break through."

Liora shrugged, her smile growing mischievous. "Maybe, but I still think he's cute. You know, in his own brooding way."

Lucavion raised a brow, his grin turning playful. "Cute, huh? Like a hamster?"

Liora groaned, her blush returning. "Shut up… You—"

Before she could finish, the sound of footsteps drew both their attention. The Iron Matron herself, Mariel Farlon, approached the bar, carrying Lucavion's meal on a polished tray. Her imposing figure and sharp gaze instantly commanded respect, and Liora, who had been so lively moments ago, seemed to shrink into herself, standing a little straighter and quieter.

"Your meal," Mariel said curtly, placing the tray before Lucavion with precision. Her gaze flicked briefly to Liora, who offered a sheepish smile and a quick nod, then back to Lucavion. "Enjoy it."

Lucavion inclined his head, his tone casual but polite. "Thanks, Miss Little Bear."

As Lucavion picked up his fork to begin his meal, Mariel's sharp eyes caught the shattered remains of the glass on the floor behind the bar. Her brow furrowed, and she turned to Liora with a look that froze the young woman in her tracks. Liora lowered her head immediately, her cheeks flushing with guilt.

"Liora," Mariel said in a low, firm tone that brooked no argument. She stepped closer, grabbing the girl gently by the ear and giving it a firm tug. Liora yelped, her face growing redder by the second. "What did I tell you about breaking things in my inn?"

"I-It was an accident!" Liora stammered, but Mariel wasn't having it.

With a swift motion, she gave Liora a sharp smack on her backside, the sound echoing through the bar. Liora squeaked, jumping slightly, her hands flying to her now-throbbing rear. "W-What are you doing?!"

"Teaching you a lesson," Mariel replied curtly, crossing her arms and giving Liora a pointed look. "And now, you're going to clean up that mess in under two minutes. If it's not spotless, you'll get another."

"Two minutes?!" Liora repeated, her voice pitching up in disbelief.

"Two minutes," Mariel said firmly, her eyes narrowing. "And I'm counting."

Liora scrambled to grab a broom, her movements hurried and frantic. As she bent down to start cleaning, she stumbled slightly, letting out a small hiss of pain as the sting on her backside made itself known.

Lucavion, who had been watching the scene unfold with barely-contained amusement, finally burst into laughter, nearly choking on a bite of food. "Oh, Liora," he said, his voice shaking with mirth. "That stumble was priceless. Looks like the hamster bit off more than she could chew."

Liora shot him a glare, her face a mix of fury and embarrassment, but under Mariel's watchful gaze, she didn't dare say anything. Instead, she muttered something unintelligible under her breath as she furiously swept up the glass shards.

Once satisfied that Liora was sufficiently occupied, Mariel turned her attention back to Lucavion. "So," she said, her tone calm but curious, "you ordered another portion of food. That's for the pink girl, isn't it?"

Lucavion arched a brow at the nickname but nodded. "Valeria, yes. She forgot to eat before rushing off. Figured I'd make sure she doesn't starve."

Mariel tilted her head slightly, her sharp eyes narrowing with faint amusement. "An Awakened won't starve so easily," she remarked, her voice calm but edged with her usual no-nonsense demeanor.

Lucavion smirked, setting his fork down as he leaned back against the bar. "Unless…"

Mariel's gaze flickered with understanding, her tone turning matter-of-fact. "They're breaking through."

"Yep," Lucavion replied simply, the faintest hint of approval in his tone.

Mariel crossed her arms, nodding slowly. "Then it's best she isn't disturbed tonight," she said firmly. Her sharp gaze locked on Lucavion. "I'll keep an eye on things myself. Just in case."

Lucavion's expression softened into something almost polite, a rarity for him. "That would be helpful," he said with a respectful nod. "No one should bother her. This is important."

Mariel scoffed lightly, her lips curving into a faint smirk. "With me here, who would dare?"

Lucavion chuckled softly, raising his hands in mock agreement. "You're right. Anyone dumb enough to try would deserve whatever you've got in store for them."

Mariel nodded in satisfaction, her presence commanding as always. With a glance over her shoulder at Liora—who was still furiously scrubbing the floor—she turned back to Lucavion. "I'll make sure everything stays quiet. You, finish your meal. And Liora…" Her voice rose, drawing a startled yelp from the girl. "Time's almost up!"

"Yes, ma'am!" Liora squeaked, her hands working even faster.

Lucavion watched the scene unfold, his smirk returning as he picked up his fork. "I feel safer already," he murmured under his breath, thoroughly entertained by the Iron Matron's commanding efficiency.

******

The soft glow of moonlight filtered through the thin curtains of Valeria's room, casting pale silver streaks across the wooden floor. The room was quiet, save for the faint crackle of energy in the air as she made her final preparations. The mana stones she had gathered earlier pulsed faintly on the table, their light reflecting in her focused eyes.

Valeria took a deep breath, steadying herself. She had arranged everything with meticulous care: the herbs for stabilization, the mana stones to fuel the process, and the array she had drawn—a complex weave of lines and symbols designed to guide her mana's flow. At the center of it all sat her mana ore, humming with the power she'd spent weeks accumulating.

'This is it,'

she thought, her heart calm but resolute.

'No distractions, no hesitation. Just focus.'

She seated herself cross-legged on the floor, centering her mind as she placed her hands over the mana ore. Its warmth radiated into her palms, and as she exhaled, she let her consciousness sink into the energy within. Slowly, deliberately, she began to guide the flow of mana into the array, her breathing synchronized with the ebb and flow of the power surging around her.

The process was familiar—forming the three fires was something she had practiced countless times. Yet, it was also where she had always faltered. No matter how she approached it, the fires never fully aligned. Something always felt incomplete, a missing piece she could never grasp.

Tonight, though, was different.

The first fire ignited in her core, its heat a comforting, steady presence. It represented endurance, the unwavering strength she had honed through years of discipline. The second fire sparked to life moments later, its energy sharper, more volatile—a testament to her determination and drive. The third fire, however, was always the hardest. It flickered weakly, as if uncertain of its place, and Valeria's brow furrowed as she fought to stabilize it.

'Why?'

'Why can't I make it work? I have the endurance. I have the determination. What am I missing?'

Those were the thoughts that would have been appeared in her mind before. But today….

It hit her.

Resolve.

The fires weren't just about power or control—they were a reflection of her essence, her will. She wasn't merely trying to accumulate mana or stabilize her core; she was shaping the very foundation of who she was. Endurance and determination were meaningless without the clarity of her resolve, and the ability to face her fears and move forward without hesitation.

Her heart steadied, and she exhaled slowly, letting the truth sink in. The third fire flickered again, but this time, she didn't try to force it. Instead, she embraced it—her doubts, her fears, her vulnerabilities—all of it. The fire grew brighter, and steadier, its flame merging with the others in perfect harmony.

Beneath the blazing fires, her core began to shift. The heat intensified, spreading through her body in waves as the fires condensed into a singular point of radiant energy. And then, just beneath them, something new emerged—a faint, pulsing glow. It was warm yet unyielding, a solid foundation beneath the flames.

Her core was adapting, and evolving.

Valeria's eyes snapped open, a soft gasp escaping her lips as the energy surged through her. The room was bathed in a faint golden light, her mana ore now dim and spent, its energy fully absorbed into her core. She felt lighter, yet stronger, as though the weight that had held her back had finally lifted.

Her breathing steadied, and she closed her eyes once more, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

'Resolve,'

she thought, the word resonating deep within her.

'That's what I needed all along.'

For the first time in what felt like forever, Valeria felt truly aligned with herself, her path no longer shrouded in doubt. The fires within her burned bright, and beneath them, the solid glow of her newfound core promised endless possibilities.

Chapter 258: Girl you forgot your meal (3)

As the fires in her core solidified, a deep, resonant energy spread outward, engulfing Valeria's body. The air around her shimmered faintly as her mana surged, pressing against the limits of her physical and spiritual form. The breakthrough had begun in earnest.

Valeria's breathing slowed, steady and deliberate, as she reached for the carefully prepared herbs and artifacts beside her. She crushed the herbs into a fine powder, mixing them with a small vial of liquid mana extract, and drank it in one swift motion. The concoction burned as it traveled down her throat, but she didn't flinch. Instead, she focused on the way it augmented the energy swirling through her, stabilizing the wild mana flow.

Her meridians began to shift, widening to accommodate the flood of mana coursing through her veins. The sensation was both exhilarating and excruciating—a sharp, burning pain that tore through her limbs and chest, as though her very essence was being reshaped. Her core pulsed in response, each beat echoing through her body like a distant drum.

'Endure,'

she told herself, her jaw tightening against the discomfort.

'Every Awakened goes through this. Pain is part of the process.'

The mana stones she had placed around the array glowed brighter, releasing their stored energy as Valeria absorbed it. She could feel her core strengthening with each pulse, the fires within it stabilizing further. Her senses sharpened as if the very fabric of the world around her had opened up. The flow of mana in the air became clearer, more vibrant, like streams of light weaving through her awareness.

Her muscles twitched and ached as the energy refined her body, tearing apart and rebuilding cells, fortifying her strength. She gritted her teeth as a particularly intense wave of pain shot through her back, her hands gripping her knees tightly. But with every surge of discomfort, she could feel the change—her body becoming faster, stronger, more attuned to the forces she wielded.

The artifacts she had prepared—small talismans etched with runes to enhance mana absorption—began to hum as she activated them. They resonated with her core, amplifying her mana intake and smoothing the transition. The air grew thick with power, her room glowing faintly as the process reached its peak.

Her veins felt alive, pulsating with energy that coursed through every fiber of her being. Her meridians, now fully open, thrummed with vitality as they channeled mana more efficiently than ever before. Each breath filled her lungs with an almost tangible force, her senses overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of energy surrounding her.

Finally, the pain began to ebb, replaced by a deep, satisfying warmth that radiated from her core outward. Valeria exhaled slowly, her shoulders relaxing as the energy settled within her. She opened her eyes, their clarity sharper, their gaze more focused.

Her hand moved instinctively to her chest, where her core now pulsed with quiet strength. Beneath it, she could feel the solid foundation that had formed—a testament to her resolve. The fires still burned within her, but they were no longer unruly or chaotic. They were steady, controlled, a source of power she could rely on.

Valeria flexed her fingers, marveling at the newfound strength coursing through her veins. She felt lighter, faster, and more connected to the mana around her. It was as if she had been blind before, and now, she could see.

She stood slowly, testing her balance, and as she moved, she felt the subtle shift in her body—more refined, more powerful. The room was quiet again, save for the faint hum of energy that lingered in the air.

A faint smile crossed her lips as she looked down at the now-spent mana stones and artifacts scattered across the floor. "Finally," she whispered, her voice filled with quiet triumph. "It's done."

Valeria stood there in the stillness of her room, her breathing soft but steady, her body basking in the newfound strength coursing through her veins. She could feel it—every fiber of her being resonating with the mana that now flowed effortlessly through her widened meridians. The fires within her core burned brightly, their once-chaotic flickers now a steady, harmonious blaze.

She closed her eyes and let out a slow, shuddering breath. The weight she had carried for so long—the feeling of lagging behind, of falling short of her family's expectations—seemed to melt away. She had done it. After months of struggle, self-doubt, and countless nights of pushing herself to exhaustion, she had finally broken through to the 4-star realm.

A small tear escaped from the corner of her eye, trailing down her cheek. She quickly brushed it away with the back of her hand, though a faint smile tugged at her lips.

'How could I not be happy with this?'

she thought. The insecurities that had haunted her—the relentless comparisons, the lingering fear of failure—they all felt distant now, like shadows receding in the face of light. For the first time in what felt like ages, she allowed herself to feel proud.

Just then, her stomach growled loudly.

GROWL!

Valeria froze, blinking in surprise as the sound reverberated through the quiet room. Her hand instinctively went to her stomach, her cheeks flushing faintly. "Really?" she muttered to herself, her voice tinged with exasperation.

The moment of profound triumph was thoroughly shattered, replaced by an all-too-human reminder of her neglect. She hadn't eaten all day, too focused on her preparations and breakthrough to bother with something as mundane as food.

As Valeria stood in her room, still trying to process her sudden growl-induced embarrassment, she sensed movement outside her door. Her body tensed instinctively, her still-adjusting senses heightening as she narrowed her eyes. The air carried a faint shift, subtle but unmistakable. She straightened, turning toward the door.

Then came the knock—firm but unhurried.

Her brow furrowed. "Who is it?" she asked, her voice sharp yet steady. Despite her words, she already had a suspicion.

Sure enough, the familiar, teasing tone of Lucavion drifted through the door. "It's the person who calls her by her name."

Valeria sighed, her shoulders relaxing even as she rolled her eyes.

'Of course, it's him.'

She didn't move immediately, her lips twitching as if considering a smile.

'Why does he always show up at moments like these?'

"Why are you here?" she asked, her tone resigned but tinged with curiosity.

"To congratulate you," he replied, his voice lighter than the air itself.

Valeria blinked, surprised for a moment. After a pause, she walked to the door, standing just behind it. She rested her hand on the wooden frame but didn't open it. "If that's why you're here," she said calmly, though her voice carried a faint edge, "then I accept it. You can leave now."

There was silence for a beat—just long enough for her to think he might actually comply. But then, in typical Lucavion fashion, his words shattered her expectations.

"Leave?" he echoed, his tone faintly incredulous. "After her growl just now probably caused an earthquake? I doubt I could sleep tonight knowing you're hungry."

Valeria felt her face grow impossibly hot, her hand instinctively gripping the doorframe tighter. "!" The sound barely escaped her lips as her thoughts scrambled to form a coherent response.

Before she could retort, something new reached her senses—a savory, tantalizing aroma that made her mouth water despite her embarrassment. Her heightened awareness picked it up immediately: meat.

Her stomach growled again, this time softer but just as insistent, as if drawn to the scent.

"Ah," Lucavion's voice came through the door, feigning realization. "It seems I was right. Don't worry, Valeria, I brought plenty. Open the door before the smell gets too much for you to handle."

Valeria's cheeks burned, but she bit her lip to stifle a groan of annoyance.

'This man…'

Still, the aroma was undeniably tempting, and despite herself, she found her resolve weakening.

She hesitated for just a moment longer before muttering, "This doesn't mean you're welcome to barge in anytime you want."

"I'll take that as an invitation," he quipped cheerfully.

Valeria exhaled, her frustration giving way to resignation. "Fine," she muttered through the door. "Just bring it over. The room's not in a state where I can entertain any guests."

Lucavion's cheerful voice came immediately in response. "Understood. No guests, just a delivery service."

Valeria unlocked the door and pulled it open just enough to reveal herself. Lucavion stood there, smiling as always, holding a neatly wrapped package that gave off the tantalizing aroma of roasted meat.

"Congratulations, Valeria," he said, his voice sincere for once as he extended the package toward her.

Her hand reached out to take it, but his gaze flickered briefly downward. His usual smile faltered, replaced by a subtle twitch of surprise as his eyes darted somewhere and then quickly back up to her face.

Valeria frowned, her curiosity piqued. She followed his line of sight and immediately froze, her eyes widening in mortified realization. Her gown, damp with sweat from the arduous breakthrough, clung to her figure, emphasizing the curves of her body—and worse, the peaks of her chest were embarrassingly pronounced against the fabric.

Her cheeks turned scarlet as she instinctively brought her empty arm across her chest to cover herself. "Did you see?" she asked, her voice a mix of horror and accusation.

Lucavion blinked, his smirk reappearing almost instantly. "Haha, what are you talking about?" he replied, playing it cool as though nothing had happened. But the glint of mischief in his eyes betrayed him.

'He saw,'

Valeria thought, her embarrassment mounting. She narrowed her eyes at him, knowing full well he wasn't going to admit it.

Without another word, she snatched the package from his hands, her movement quick and deliberate. "Pervert," she hissed, slamming the door shut in his face with a decisive

thud

.

From the other side, Lucavion's hearty laughter echoed down the hallway. "Sleep well, Valeria!" he called, his amusement clear. "And thank you for the treat!"

Despite herself, Valeria couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. The absurdity of the situation—her embarrassment, his shamelessness—was too much. Shaking her head, she leaned back against the door, the smile still lingering on her lips.

'This man…'

she thought, laughter bubbling up again.

'He's….'