Chapter 82 You Can Continue Stripping A moment later, I stepped out in a chefâs outfit with a mask that obscured my face. With a spatula in hand, I boldly strode up to those rabid fans.
âMake way! Scram! This is a place of business, so get out of my way!â
After I confidently roared at them, they finally noticed my presence. However, the hostile looks they sent me almost killed me on the spot.
I hastily coughed a few times and wedged myself into the gap while brandishing the spatula in my hand.
Then, I sprinted toward the restroom.
âNicholas? Nicholas? Are you here?â I called out softly as I pinched my nose, terrified that I would attract other peopleâs attention.
I was poking my head into the menâs restroom, so I appeared extremely bizarre, especially when I was also holding a spatula in hand.
While I was apprehensively glancing over my shoulder, a hand abruptly yanked me into the bathroom. It scared me so much that I opened my mouth to scream, but a hand clamped over my mouth before I could do so.
âCalm down. Itâs me.â
Raising my eyes, I was greeted by Nicholasâ fiery gaze and his slightly tilted lips.
Huh? Heâs actually smiling? What the heck? Iâm absolutely terrified, yet heâs amused? As expected of a superstar who has seen plenty in his life. But⦠Iâve got to admit that heâs just too handsome!
It was the first time I had seen him at such a close distance. His perfect countenance was flawless, and his alluring eyes were currently half-squinted since he was smiling. On the whole, he was both captivating and riveting.
On top of that, I could even feel his long and slender fingers through the mask.
âWhat kind of getup is this? If you hadnât said anything, I wouldnât have recognized you.â
His voice was music to my ears now that it was no longer suppressed. However, I could only blink while making muffled sounds with no way of answering him.
Upon seeing that, Nicholas promptly dropped his hand. Nonetheless, he didnât put any distance between us. His hand remained propped against the wall as he stared at me with his head lowered and mouth pursed.
Oh my God, Iâm dying! Iâm really going to die! With him gazing at me, my heartbeat pounded wildly, and my face flushed bright red. Luckily, I had the mask to conceal it, or I would truly be so mortified that I would rather crawl into a hole and die.
âHow could you laugh at me? Iâve gone all out just to rescue you and only got this outfit after leaving everything I own as collateral. Hurry up and put it on!â
As I said that, I urgently took off the chef hat before unbuttoning the shirt. While I was frantically stripping, I looked up, only to notice that the manâs expression seemed a touch strange. It was as though he was amused.
âHey, what kind of expression is that?â I glared at him with the shirt half-undone.
Pressing his lips into a thin line, he dipped his head and gave a light cough. âI didnât expect you to strip before a man so openly. Or⦠do you not regard me as a man?â
Good God!
The moment I heard that, my face seemed to burst into flames. I wanted to explain myself, but the words that escaped my mouth sounded suggestive instead.
âIâm not naked. Iâve still got my outerwear on top of my underwear!â
I almost bit off my own tongue after saying that. Damn it all to hell! Why did I mention my underwear?
What on earth was I saying?
âOh⦠I get it. I totally understand. Outerwear and underwear, huh? Okay, go on.â
Nicholasâ stifled mirth had me on the verge of crying.
Whereâs the cold and aloof idol? Why is he so flirty in private? Also, heâs such an ingrate! Isnât it because of him that Iâm wearing layer upon layer here? Yet, heâs actually teasing me!
Just when I was inwardly berating him, Nicholas suddenly grabbed my hand. His smile earlier had disappeared, and he stared at me with a scorching gaze. âThank you. Iâm not an ingrate, so Iâll remember the favor you did me today.â
Thump, thump, thump! My heart just about pounded out of my chest. Can he read minds? And most importantly, his serious expression is too mesmerizing!
âBut well⦠What kind of thanks do you want? For instance, giving myself to youâ¦â
As soon as I heard those four words, I lost all composure. In my shock, I jerked my head back, slamming it hard against the door. The agony was so excruciating that I grimaced in pain without any care for my image.
âI mean, thatâs impossible. Donât you think youâre being a bit too excited?â
Pfft!
At the sight of my bewildered expression, Nicholas burst into laughter. He extended a long arm and steadied me.
âYouâre too adorable, Liliana! All right, Iâll stop teasing you. Now⦠you can continue stripping.â