"Let me tell you something. I once read in

‘The New England Journal of Medicine’ that a man with diabetes hurt his finger while riding a bicycle. He sucked his thumb, hoping to stop the bleeding. As a result of that, he was infected with an oral bacteria called Eikenella Corrodens. Finally, they had to cut off his thumb to stop the infection."

Erica's mouth fell open.

"No way! You are just exaggerating." But

Matthew Looked very serious. There was no trace of humor in his face

“Well, if you don't believe me, continue to suck on the wound. If the cut is deep, you'll need tetanus shots. And if it's not properly handled, the wound will be infected, and if it becomes serious, you may have to cut off your finger as well.”

Erica's eyes went wide in fear. It was just a small cut in her finger, and it only bled a little. Why was he threatening her with finger removal stories? She stammered, "Wh-what are you waiting for? Go and get some band aids!"

Matthew was satisfied with the fear in her eyes and went upstairs to get the medicine.

He was back in two minutes with the medical kit, and squatted in front of her.

He opened the kit and took out the disinfectant spray. The action reminded the two of them of the time when Erica had disinfected

Watkins’ wound at that very spot.

Erica didn't give it much thought. The memory just popped up, but she continued to watch Matthew disinfect her cut.

He, on the other hand, scowled at the thought. This woman couldn't even take proper care of herself. Why did she have to take care of another man?

After wrapping a band aid on her finger, Matthew put away the medicine box and asked her gently, “Does it still hurt?"

Erica nodded honestly, "A little." But it was nothing she couldn't handle.

Matthew knelt down on one knee in front of her. He placed his hand on the back of her head and pulled her towards him. Before Erica could say anything, he kissed her.

His lips fell softly on hers. It caught her by surprise and she didn't know how to react.

Sensing her distraction, Matthew withdrew. He Looked into her confused eyes and asked, "Didn't you say it still hurt?"

“Are you saying that you are trying to ease the pain by kissing me? Is that scientific?" she asked playfully.

He replied seriously, "Yes, it is. Kissing promotes the secretion of happy hormones, which can relieve pain. Also, the longer you kiss, the less pain you will feel." His voice was low, deep and magnetic.

But he sounded serious as well. 'Is he telling the truth?’

But before she could decide, he pulled her in for another kiss.

She felt like he was taking advantage of her injury.

Matthew refused to let her wear any shoes in order to prevent her from entering the kitchen and causing more trouble.

Erica had no choice but to sit on the carpet and watch the man clean up the kitchen.