His fingers brushed lightly against her neck, making her flinch and giggle. “That tickles!”

Cliff's gaze darkened, his tone dropping an octave. “So sensitive, aren't you?"

Laney shivered at his words, her scalp tingling from his touch. She turned abruptly and wrapped her arms around him. Her face, tilted up toward his, was both bold and innocent-a childlike mischief shining in her eyes. “Cliff, I want a kiss," she demanded, her voice soft but resolute.

Cliff studied her closely, his thoughts lingering on how bold she'd become lately. What had he done to make her so unruly? “You swore you didn't like me this morning. And now you're asking for a kiss? Does that make sense?"

Laney tugged at his collar, pulling him closer, her smile playful. "I can kiss you even if I don't like you."

Cliff's jaw tightened, his tone firm. “You're being naughty.”

Before he could move, Laney stood on her tiptoes and captured his lips in a kiss.

It wasn't the clumsy, hesitant kiss of before. She had grown confident, and the warmth of her lips left him momentarily dazed. He wanted more.

When they pulled apart, Laney's face was flushed, her breathing uneven.

Her furrowed brows and slightly clenched jaw betrayed her discomfort Cliff's voice dropped, a hint of concern lacing his words. "What's wrong?"

Laney's voice came out soft and strained, almost a whisper. "Cliff, I don't feel well.”

“Where?” Concern flashed across Cliff's face as he quickly regained his composure. His eyes instinctively dropped to her legs. "Is it your legs? Are they sore from dancing? Or is it your stomach?"

Laney hesitated, her eyes watery as she guided his hand beneath her dress. “Here,” she whispered, her voice soft but urgent Cliff froze, his pulse quickening.

Laney continued, her tone tinged with frustration, “It feels strange and I can't explain it."

Cliff quickly withdrew his hand, his voice sharp. “Laney, that's enough."

Cliff had extremely underestimated Laney. How was she able to act so boldly, guiding his hand beneath her dress? He hated himself for allowing it. Even though he knew what lay beneath her innocent facade, he was still fooled by her pitiful act. He never seemed to learn from his previous mistakes.

Cliff clenched his teeth and pushed her aside to clean his hands.

After washing, he felt a sense of regret, though he couldn't quite say the reason.

Laney had left marks on his suit pants as well. A single look made his breath stop, so he forced himself to look away and quickly left the bathroom.

Laney sat quietly, her expression showing complete defeat.

With a serious look, Cliff said, “Put on your underpants before going back to your apartment."

Laney looked even more frustrated. Without a word, she opened the wardrobe, grabbed a pair of underwear, and headed to the changing room.

Cliff's displeasure deepened. “You keep your personal clothes here?”

Laney's voice came muffled through the door. “I sometimes need to shower, so I store a few sets here.”