INWY~68

Chapter 68

Riena could feel it clearly — her face was burning hot, her heart pounding uncontrollably without a shred of dignity. 

Every single reaction betrayed her, exposing everything before him.

“Move… move away a little!”

“There’s nowhere else to move in this box seat.”

Riena glared at the man whose every word was effortlessly shameless.

“You planned this on purpose, didn’t you?”

“Mm. Thanks to that, I get to experience the box seat myself.”

“You built it yourself and never even came here before?”

Riena frowned as if she couldn’t believe it. Dante tilted his head slightly and raised an eyebrow.

“Who would I come here with? Callis?”

There was a faint irritation in his voice.

…Forget it. Riena shook her head helplessly.

“So,” Dante asked lazily, his tone unusually gentle, “how was the opening?”

His eyes glowed with quiet warmth, making her uneasy. Riena looked toward the grand hall, answering softly,

“It was magnificent, dazzling… really impressive. I could tell how much effort—”

“You fell for me again, didn’t you.”

“…What?”

Startled, Riena turned toward him. The golden eyes she’d always admired were fixed on her, glimmering warmly.

What on earth was with him today? Why was he acting like this?

Puzzled, she leaned forward slightly, studying his face. Dante’s gaze lowered just as her face came closer.

When they were almost nose-to-nose, Riena suddenly inhaled.

“Huh?”

“What?”

Her eyes widened. “Did you… drink?”

“…”

A faint scent of alcohol mixed with his familiar fragrance. The man who never drank at any banquet — even his eyes looked slightly flushed.

Dante’s golden eyes shimmered faintly. The woman who was always sharp-tongued and wary was now staring up at him without a trace of caution.

He barely held back the sudden urge to kiss her, and answered leisurely,

“Yeah. Champagne. It’s my resort’s grand opening party, after all.”

“Are you even allowed to drink?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” He blinked curiously.

“I just thought… maybe you couldn’t. Like you get drunk too easily or… maybe alcohol doesn’t suit you.”

“None of that. I just don’t like showing people when I’m drunk.”

“You look a little drunk now.”

Dante looked at her for a moment — unsure whether she was amused or scolding him — then lowered his head suddenly.

His hair brushed her cheek as his forehead rested lightly on her bare shoulder. She flinched, and he could feel it, a small satisfied smile curling at his lips.

He didn’t need to see her to know she’d gone stiff as stone.

“Your skin’s cold. Are you cold?”

Dante tilted his head, peering up at her.

“…It’s not me. You’re… you’re hot because you drank…”

“Why are you stuttering?”

He chuckled quietly and buried his face against her shoulder again.

She stiffened even more. If he kept laughing, she really might push him away. But the sound of her heartbeat — fast, loud — wasn’t unpleasant. Her cool skin helped soothe his heated breath.

Meanwhile, Riena sat frozen, fists clenched tight on her lap. Her lips opened and closed soundlessly. Her heart was the least of her problems now — the drunk man rubbing his face against her like a cat was far worse.

She cleared her throat, forcing her trembling voice to stay steady.

“If you’re tired from drinking, y-you should go rest.”

“I’m not drunk.”

Riena squeezed her eyes shut. His breath brushed against her neck as he spoke, sending heat crawling up her spine.

Should she stand? Push him away? She couldn’t bring herself to do either.

“Riena.”

“…Yes. Have you decided to get up now?”

Even her annoyed voice trembled.

Then, a soft sound of air escaping — a lazy chuckle near her ear.

And then his whisper.

“What if someone sees us?”

“…What?”

Dante murmured, his voice slow and drowsy.

“Us, like this. We can’t be seen, right?”

“…”

“Or is it fine if we are?”

When she didn’t answer, Dante finally lifted his head, studying her.

“Ha. I’m joking. Don’t look so scared.”

Just as I thought, he mused — her face was pale. His lips twisted faintly before he rose to his feet.

“If there was even the slightest chance someone might see us, I wouldn’t have brought you here.”

The soft tone he’d used moments ago was gone, replaced by his usual cool indifference.

Every time she thought he was drawing closer, he’d vanish again — as if it were all an illusion. And each time, it reminded Dante of the reality between them.

When he pulled away, Riena wrapped her shawl tightly around her shoulders.

She glanced at him, wanting to say something, but her lips only moved soundlessly.

Finally, she forced a small smile.

“It’s been a while since I saw you in a tailcoat… it suits you.”

“Does it.”

His curt tone made her swallow a sigh.

“I also like the dress. It’s beautiful… and it looks really expensive.”

Dante’s eyes lowered, scanning the gown and necklace — his own choices, his own taste.

“Yes. It’s expensive.”

His gaze shifted again, something unreadable flickering within.

Well, so what if it was all an illusion? At least right now, she was here — right before his eyes.

His hand reached for her shawl, brushing the thin, translucent fabric between his fingers. It hid nothing, barely covering her pale shoulders.

He thought absently that it was a good thing only he could see her like this.

Their eyes met.

“…What?” she asked, startled by the sudden intensity in his gaze.

“I should thank you, shouldn’t I, Riena?”

“What… what do you want me to do, Your Grace? I don’t have much I can—”

“You do. Of course you do.”

Dante smiled faintly and tapped a finger against his lips.

Riena blinked, staring dumbly, until her expression froze in shock.

“Are… are you insane?”

“Why? We’ve done it before. Plenty of times.”

Riena’s face crumpled in outrage. Unbelievable. The man truly didn’t know the meaning of shame.

“That— that wasn’t my choice! You forced—!”

“So you hated it?”

Dante tilted his head slightly, eyebrows raised.

Her face turned crimson again.

He looked at her leisurely, as if amused by her reaction.

“Even children give their parents a small kiss when they receive a gift.”

“That’s… that’s not the same thing! You and I—”

She trailed off. No matter what she said, it would only make things worse — especially with this shameless man who could twist any word to his advantage.

Unable to speak, Riena could only sit there, face burning red.

Dante chuckled softly, his hand brushing her earlobe as he leaned in close.

“Can’t do it? Then maybe I should.”