Her concern was unmistakable.
With a grin, Nathan softened the pain in his expression, clearly pleased.
âYouâre so worried because Iâm hurt, yet you claim you donât remember me.
Are you just pretending? Are you still angry with me?â
Lucinda was stunned for a moment, and then realized he was trying to test her.
A wave of irritation surged within her, and she grabbed Nathanâs shirt collar, yanking him closer.
She tilted her head up and lightly bit his Adamâs apple, leaving a few soft indentations from her teeth.
Her smile was radiant.
âYouâve been pressing me beneath you for too long.
Itâs only fair I get something back from you.â
Following her flirtatious words, her hand stealthily reached up and pinched his firm buttocks sharply.
âMr.
Payne, your buttocks are quite firm.
You must work out often.
It seems I didnât kick you hard enough this morning.â
She teased him with a playful grin, her bare face adding an innocent charm as if she were playfully flirting with a young man.
Nathan responded, âI used to be in the army, and Iâve maintained my training since I was young.
But indeed, you did kick me hard this morning, and now I have several bruises on my buttocks.â
Lucindaâs eyes flickered, and she turned away with a dismissive snort.
He had smoked four cigarettes, so she had kicked him four times that morning.
âYou had it coming.â
She felt no remorse; if anything, she thought it wasnât enough punishment for his recent indulgences, as he had been neglecting his health completely.
Nathan, observing her expression, noticed just a brief flash of surprise on her face, but no sign of concern for him.
He felt a pang of disappointment and looked down.
âam I overthinking things, or have you truly forgotten me, Lucinda?â
Lucinda pushed him away, maintaining her distance.
âMr.
Payne, the fact is I donât know you.â
She then crouched down, carefully scanning her surroundings, ready to use the wheat field as cover to make her escape, moving stealthily as she went.
âThe gunshot we heard likely reached Hildaâs house as well.
I need to check on her first.â
With that, she grabbed the basket full of cabbages and swiftly exited the field.
Nathan watched her go, exhaling deeply.
He touched his sore Adamâs apple.
Did she really forget him, or was she just pretending?