Chapter 91
Edwin reacted even before he shouted the warning,reaching out to pull Emilia protectively into his arms.
Moving fast, he spun her away from danger and positioned himself in front, making sure she was completely covered.
Something slammed into his back instead of hers, making him wince and bite back a groan.
When the attackers saw that they'd missed their target, they scattered in frustration, clearly not wanting to stick around and get caught.
"Emilia, are you hurt?" Edwin asked, quickly letting go and checking her over, not even thinking about his own pain.
She shook her head, but her face grew serious. "I'm alright, but... what's that horrible smell?"
Looking down, Emilia spotted bits of eggshell and sticky residue at their feet.
It was eggs. Some people had tried to pelt her with them. The idea made her stomach turn.
Edwin, suddenly realizing the state he was in, shifted uncomfortably. His eyes darted to the mess on the ground as he nervously said, "The only thing that matters is you didn't get hit. I should probably go before this gets any worse..."
Before he could leave, she caught him by the arm. "Why so hurry?"
He hesitated, looking embarrassed. "I smell terrible... I don't want to bother you with it."
"It's only a smell. You can clean up. Turn around-let me check your back," Emilia responded.
Even though he felt awkward, Edwin did as she asked, turning so she could see, his head lowered in embarrassment.
His pulse hammered in his ears, every nerve attuned to the light pressure of Emilia's graceful fingers A sudden rush of memory flooded his mind-the gentle touch of her hand that night, the way she'd liftedhis chin.
That memory sent his heart into overdrive. He felt warmth creeping up his neck, coloring his ears a bright shade of red. Unsure where else to look, he kept his gaze glued to the sidewalk, hoping she wouldn't notice how flustered he felt.
Anxious that Emilia might realize just how much her touch affected him, he did his best to stay composed.
Emilia, meanwhile, seemed entirely focused.on the sorry state of his once white T-shirt, now smeared with stains.
"This shirt is ruined," she said matter-of-factly, already steering him in the direction of the bus stop.
Edwin blinked in confusion, a flicker of hope lighting up his eyes. "Where are you taking me, Emilia?"
"We're getting you some fresh clothes," Emilia answered simply.
He realized she was doing this because he had protected her, and a quiet pride welled up inside him.
"I really don't mind. I can just go home and change," he replied, though he followed her without protest.
All the while, he watched her, wishing this walk together would never have to end.
"No more arguing," Emilia said, her tone steady and cool.
Edwin clamped his lips shut right away, but a genuine smile crept onto his face beneath the black mask, his eyes lighting up with quiet happiness.
A gentle rush of warmth spread through him, leaving his chest full of something sweet and bright.
···
Across the street, tucked away in a sleek black sedan, Elias gripped his knees so tightly that his knuckles stood out white against his skin. "It looks like Sloane's giving them a ride. Should we just call it a day and go back?" Wilbur risked a glance in the rearview mirror, catchinng sight of Elias' frozen glare, and instantly felt the heavy tension filling the car.
"Circle around and park by her apartment. We'll wait for her there," Elias instructed, his voice sharp enough to brook no disagreement.
"You know, you really-" Wilbur caught himself as Elias' eyes locked onto his in the mirror, all icy challenge,and decided not to finish his sentence.
Wilbur let his gaze drift from those clenched fists to the blur of city lights outside the window.
For all his stubbornness, there was no hiding how much Elias cared about Emilia.
But how long could he keep pretending otherwise?