Chasing the Unexpected

Nyla watched Damon’s broad back, feeling warmth in the places where he had touched her. It was as if those spots were burning, sending heat through her body straight to her heart.

A few seconds later, she snapped out of it and carried the pasta outside.

When Damon emerged after washing the pan, he saw Nyla sitting at the dining table, staring down, seemingly lost in thought. He walked over and sat down across from her.

“Why aren’t you eating?” he asked.

Nyla looked up. The moment their eyes met, she quickly looked away. “I’m waiting for you. Let’s eat together.”

With that, she picked up her cutlery and shoved some pasta into her mouth.

“Be careful, it’s hot!” Damon reminded her, but it was too late.

The moment the scalding pasta touched Nyla’s tongue, she frowned in pain.

Feeling a sharp sting, she quickly spat the pasta out.

In the next instant, a cool hand grasped her chin.

Damon said, “Open your mouth.”

Nyla instinctively complied, a refreshing pine scent enveloping her, surrounding her completely.

Damon stood beside her chair, their bodies close together.

Nyla felt herself tense up subconsciously, her hands slowly tightening on the table. Her heartbeat quickened as if it might leap out of her chest at any moment.

Just when she thought her face was burning too, he suddenly released her chin.

“You’ve burned a blister on your tongue. I’ll have someone bring over some oral gel,” Damon said.

As he turned to leave, an inexplicable sense of loss welled up in Nyla.

Suppressing the sudden wave of emotions, she feigned calmness and said, “It’s fine. It’ll heal in a couple of days. I don’t need any oral gel.”

Damon glanced back at her with a frown. “You should use the oral gel so it heals quickly. You won’t be able to eat pasta either. I’ll have Lydia cook some soup for you.”

“There’s no need to go to so much trouble. I can cook it myself. It’s getting late. Don’t disturb Lydia,” Nyla declined.

“Just sit still. I’ll make it for you. You are all thumbs and might end up hurting yourself again,” Damon nagged as he headed toward the kitchen.

Nyla quickly stepped in front of him, blocking his path. It’s just my tongue that’s hurt, My hands are fine. You should eat your pasta. It’ll get soggy if you wait too long. I’ll cook for myself.”

Seeing that Damon was about to argue, she added, “Don’t forget, the last time you didn’t eat properly, your

stomach hurt from hunger. Do you really want to mess up your stomach again?”

Damon looked at her, his deep–set eyes searching hers. “Nyla, are you concerned about me?”

Nyla was taken aback, feeling oddly shy. She couldn’t meet his gaze and looked away. “Who’s concerned about you? I just don’t want Buddy to worry about you.”

“Just don’t want Buddy to worry? Don’t you have any concern for me?” Damon asked.

As he spoke, he leaned closer, fixing his intense gaze on her. He didn’t want to miss any change in her expression.

The distance between them closed.

Nyla instinctively took a step back, trying to create some space.

Damon seemed to sense her intention and tightened his grip around her waist, not allowing her to retreat.

“Nyla, why won’t you answer?” he asked,

Nyla bit her lip, feeling parched. “Let go of me first…”

She was enveloped in his pine scent, feeling as though she were in a tranquil pine forest, every breath filled with that cool and secure aroma.

“I’ll let go of you once you answer me,” Damon said.

Nyla pushed against his chest, her eyes filled with anger. “Damon, don’t be unreasonable!” NôvelDrama.Org holds text © rights.

Seeing that she was genuinely upset, Damon didn’t dare tease her any further. If he really annoyed her, it

would be hard to coax her back.

Just then, footsteps approached.

Nyla quickly pushed Damon away and turned to walk briskly into the kitchen.

Lydia had just stepped into the living room when she spotted Nyla’s back.

“Mr. Sumner, Mr. Mason is already asleep. Is there anything else you need me to do?” she asked.

“Nyla burned her tongue while eating just now. Please bring some oral gel for treating burns,” Damon instructed.