The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

With that thought, Kali spoke up again. “Quentin, let me put some ointment on your back."

"Your wound's on your back, so... just turn around and take off your shirt." She tried to keep her voice as casual as possible.

Noticing that Kali didn't seem to be in the best of moods, Quentin didn't protest this time. He simply shrugged off his bathrobe right in front of her, exposing his toned upper body.

He turned his back toward her.

Kali couldn't help but feel a flicker of satisfaction as she looked at his lean, muscular waist. Whatever else could be said about him, the guy was in great shape.

She opened the jar of ointment and began gently smoothing it over Quentin's back with her fingers. Each touch was soft, her fingertips lingering a little too long against his skin.

Quentin grunted, unable to hide his discomfort. "Kali, are you done yet?"

She paused. “Not yet. I haven't finished covering everything."

Nearly ten minutes passed before Kali finally set the ointment aside.

For Quentin, those ten minutes felt like an eternity.

He didn't know what was wrong with him. He'd always liked Kali-ever since they were kids. But now her touch made him strangely uneasy. More than once, he'd nearly asked her to take her hands off his back.

As Quentin reached for his shirt, Kali's expression shifted. Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around him from behind.

Her voice was soft and sweet. "Quentin, it must hurt, doesn't it? I heard it was Citrine who got you in trouble with your uncle that night. She really is a troublemaker."

The mention of Citrine instantly set Quentin off. He let out a cold snort and grumbled, "That brat didn't just get me punished by my dad-she also went out of her way to humiliate your brother, made him kneel and slap himself in front of everyone."

"If I ever run into her again, I swear I won't let her off so easy."

He clenched his jaw, anger flashing in his eyes.

For some reason, even though Quentin was speaking ill of Citrine, Kali still felt a twinge of discomfort.

She frowned, hesitated, then looked at Quentin. "Quentin, you seem awfully fixated on Citrine, don't you?"

He scoffed. "That little witch has embarrassed me more times than can count, and now she's gone after your brother too. I could wrim

neck."

hernoveldrama

But despite his words, Kali could see the spark in Quentin's eyes whenever he mentioned Citrine.

She fell silent, lost in thought, before

finally asking, “Quentin, if you ever had

choose between me and

Citrine, who would you pick?"

He didn't even hesitate. "That's not even a question. Of course I'd choose you: We grew up

together besides, Citrine

Carmichael is as nasty as theel

come. What do I care what happens to her?"

Kali had been feeling uneasy, but after hearing his answer, she finally relaxed.

At least Quentin didn't have any feelings for that woman.

It was only then that Quentin noticed Kali's arms were still wrapped around his waist.

He awkwardly tried to pry her hands free, but before he could, she asked quietly, "Quentin, do you still like me?"

He answered without pause, "Of course I do." As he spoke, he made another attempt to free himself.

But Kali clung to him even tighter.

There was a smile in her eyes now as she said, in all seriousness, "Quentin, I like you too."