44 Chapter 44: First Kiss Sort Of (2/2)

I said, ”And the most expensive.”

Simon said, ”I command you to stay here.”

Instead of replying, I began to walk away. No point in wasting time with this.

Simon said, ”Sir, you have not been excused.”

He grabbed my shoulder. I stopped. There was unexpected strength in his grip. I tried to move. His grip grew stronger.

”Move it,” I said.

Simon laughed. He grabbed my arm and pulled me into a dark alleyway. The kind where nothing good ever happens. The lights and noise of the main street faded away.

I was ready to fight. This location was to my advantage. No witnesses here.

But he was faster. Grabbed both of my shoulders and threw me to the ground. Before I could react, he got on top of me and reached into my pockets. His hands were warm and insistent.

I tried to push him off. He wouldn't budge.

”Hey! What are you doing?”

He took out the bundle of honey candy treats.

He said, ”How devilish of you to bribe me with candy, hmm?”

He took one out and put it between his lips. He lowered his face towards mine, until our lips were separated only by the candy.

W-wait! No! Not like this!

I said, ”I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in men.”

”But I'm interested in you~”

He swallowed the candy, our lips brushed lightly.

Wait.

Something wasn't right.

Men had a strong musky scent, mixed with the smell of sweat. But this guy...he didn't smell like anything at all.

He said, ”How mean...you had these sweet treats and you've never shared them with your dear wife.”

I said, ”How do you know I've never shared these with my wife.”

A moment of silence. I looked into his eyes. They weren't human eyes. Deep down, I saw a spark of silver. It danced and jumped, like it was having fun. Like the eyes of a particular witch.

Simon grinned and took out another honey treat. Put it between his lips.

He closed his eyes. Then opened them again. They had turned to glowing silver. He put a hand on his face. Removed his hands. His face had vanished. Instead, a familiar sight appeared above me.

I said, ”Elina.”

She grinned from ear to ear.

She said, ”Was that your first kiss?”

She rolled on the ground and laughed until tears came out.

It took her a while to calm down.

She said, ”Oh Salem, you should've seen your face. Blushing like an innocent maiden~”

I said nothing. My face felt hot with embarrassment. Any more words would just add fuel to the fire.

She grabbed my arm and pulled me up.

”Come now. We have to reserve a room at the King's Lodge.”

”We're not staying there.”

Then I noticed. She had two bundles in her hands. One with the honey treats. And the other...

I felt my pockets.

She had taken away my gold.