Chapter 7 Confined Space
Malcolm said. “If you still feel uncomfortable, you can try to think of me as a friend.”
A friend? Could friends sleep together just like that? Charlotte didn’t know how to force herself to accept this.
Malcolm looked at her, waiting for her answer in silence. She knew very well that the clock was ticking for Danielle, and Marlene wouldn’t let her drag this out any longer.
She felt forced to the edge of a cliff without a way out.
The memory of those two nights still gave her a shudder. Trembling for a long time, she finally compromised. She parted her lips and said, her voice unsteady, “I see.”
Malcolm didn’t respond at once. After a few seconds, he said flatly, “Alright. I’ll take you back later.”
With that, he turned around and entered the ward, probably feeling the conversation was over.
Charlotte’s fists clenched slightly.
Upon entering the ward, Malcolm saw the caregiver taking care of Danielle attentively. Danielle looked terrible, and she had no appetite at all. It seemed the news was a huge blow to her.
Marlene was utterly worried. Her eyes lit up as she saw Malcolm. “Malcolm…”
Chapter 7 Confined Space
Malcolm knew what Marlene wanted to say. He walked to the bed and coaxed Danielle, “Why don’t you eat something you like? You can’t stay hungry, can you?”
During Danielle’s treatment, cating regularly and nutritiously was crucial.
She shook her head. “I don’t want to eat anything.”
“We’ve got oatmeal. I’ll feed you some, OK?”
Ignoring his question, she held his hand that was about to take the bowl of oatmeal, looking sad. “Malcolm, what did I do to deserve this?”
Malcolm knew what she was worried about. He held her hand back and comforted her softly, “Don’t worry. Leave everything to me. OK?”
He looked so tender and caring.
Danielle nodded.
Then he said, “Eat some.”
Only then did she seem better. She opened her mouth..
Malcolm fed the oatmeal to her lips.
Standing at the door, Charlotte looked at them. She saw how deeply Danielle depended on Malcolm, and how tenderly he cared for her. It made her think of Humberto. She had once clung to Humberto in her sickness, too.
But things between Humberto and her were over for good.
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Chapter Confined Space
She couldn’t help but envy Danielle… a lot.
At 6:00 p.m.. Charlotte went back with Malcolm. Same as usual, neither of them said a word on the way.
Halfway through, she realized they weren’t heading toward the Townsend’s home and looked at him. Instead of explaining, he asked, “Are you hungry? Do you want me to take you to eat something?”
Feeling uneasy again, she clutched the seatbelt of the passenger seat and said flatly, “Thank you, but I’m not hungry.”
“Alright.” He nodded.
After an unknown period of time, the car finally came to a stop. Looking outside the window, she saw nothing but darkness. The surroundings were quiet, and they were alone here. She didn’t know where they were.
She wore a dress today and couldn’t help but feel cold. Surrounded by the chirping of cicadas, she suddenly had a feeling about what was going to happen.
Malcolm had been sitting in silence after the car stopped. Not daring to look at him, she felt her heartbeat was deafening.
In the next second, he picked her up and sat her on his lap.
Immediately, she was frightened as a lamb being caught. She pressed her hands on his arms, bending slightly.
Both of them panted, and neither spoke. Once again, she smelled that familiar wooden scent.
They were so close that their lips were only one centimeter away, and
Chapter 7 Confined Space
he could tell how tense she was. “I know you’re scared. Chill.”
She wanted to run away so badly, but she told herself not to. She had to stay here, in this confined space, on his lap.
He whispered in her ear. “Get closer to me. Don’t be afraid.”
Inexperienced, she was at a loss for what to do and could only relax her body and press her face against his broad shoulder.
For some reason, she couldn’t even breathe steadily.
As Malcolm placed his hands on her waist, they were even closer.
His breathing was equally chaotic. He said her name, his voice hoarse and deep, “Charlotte…”
She was so flustered that she didn’t know what he wanted.
“Sit up a little.”
She wouldn’t comply.
Their breathing grew more frantic and inseparable.
After waiting for a long time, she still wouldn’t cooperate. Finally, he lost all patience and kissed her lips hard.
Being washed over by that familiar feeling, all she could think of was, “How could two near–strangers do something so intimate?”
Chaper The Third Time
