But Erick couldnât shake his desire for Elin.
During the years she was away, he had lived a celibate life, but upon reconnecting with Elin, he found himself truly struggling to control his desires.
Elin, being more straightforward than Erick, comforted him afterward by saying, âWeâre both adults, and having needs is normal.
Donât worry about it.
We can simply be companions.
â
By uttering those words, Elin unmistakably acknowledged that their relationship was solely that of companionship.
However, Erick struggled to fully accept this term.
Especially when Elin assumed the role of companion, it heightened the complexity of their emotions.
He hoped she loved him, yet deep down, he harbored a certain fear of her developing feelings for him.
He knew he couldnât provide her with what she truly desired.
All he could do was provide her with the necessary assistance and some solace, nothing beyond that.
Erick stood up and said softly, âYouâll sleep in this room, and Iâll be next door.
Call me if you need anything.
Try to get some rest early.
â
With that, he turned around, ready to leave for a rest.
However, a delicate hand caught the corner of his nightshirt.
As Erick looked down, his gaze moved from Elinâs hand to her face, and he asked in a deep voice, âWhatâs wrong?â
Elin, feeling a sudden fondness for the warmth Erick provided, wanted to indulge herself just this once, not holding back her feelings.
âCan you stay with me?â she asked.
Looking at him with watery eyes, her beauty undiminished by her bruises, she appeared fragile.
The silent presence of a delicate woman had the power to awaken a manâs protective instincts.
Erick couldnât bring himself to refuse.
He had actually intended for Elin to rest alone.
For two people who had shared intimacy, sleeping in the same bed wasnât easy.
Even a gentle touch could reignite deeper emotions.
Erick decided not to remove his nightshirt and lay down fully clothed, switched off the light, pulled Elin close, and whispered, âSleep.
â To make advances on her at this moment would be inhumane.
During todayâs medical examination, when the doctor asked Elin routine questions, including whether she was menstruating or pregnant, she answered no to all.
Erick realized he had misunderstood.
She wasnât currently on her period.
Growing up with a distant father, Elin had always lacked a sense of security.
Now, lying in Erickâs arms, she felt completely safe and drifted into a peaceful sleep.
Erick, accustomed to sleeping naked, felt uncomfortable keeping his pajamas on out of consideration for Elinâs feelings.
With her soft body nestled in his arms, it was truly challenging for any ordinary man to drift off to sleep.
In a semi-conscious state, Elin suddenly screamed and started flailing her arms, accidentally hitting Erick in the face.
Startled awake by her inadvertent blow, Erick, concerned she might harm herself, swiftly restrained her flailing arms beneath him.
Elin, her body soaked in sweat, cried out, âLet me go! Let go.
.
â
âElin! Elin!â Erick murmured, gently coaxing.
âDonât be frightened.
Open your eyes and see who I am.
â
At his voice, Elin, bewildered, reluctantly opened her eyes, and found herself gazing into Erickâs handsome visage, mere inches away.
She blinked, a tear trickling down from the corner of her eye, whispering, âErickâ¦â