?Chapter 189:


    Instead of a gracious nod, Merlin gave her a pointed look and sneered, “That’s an interesting way to show gratitude.”


    He raised his arm, blood still trailing faintly from her bite mark, and added with a smirk, “Is this your idea of a thank-you? Biting your savior?”


    Hailee turned red again. It was mortifying—absolutely mortifying. “I’m sorry, Mr. kely. I was scared out of my mind and thought you were someone I needed to run from,” she said, biting her lip as she threw a nervous nce at Merlin. “I honestly have no idea what to say to make things right or get you to forgive me.”


    She considered inviting him to a meal, hoping it might be a way to show her thanks and offer a proper apology. Just as the idea of inviting him out started to form in her mind, she remembered he was friends with Cole—and everything about him screamed money. There was no way she could afford a dinner that would meet his standards. He probably dined in restaurants that only existed in her daydreams, the kind where a single meal might equal everything her father made in a year running that modest corner shop.


    No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’te up with anything that felt like a real way to repay him. Her options were painfully limited.


    As she stood there, visibly troubled, Merlin found himself oddly entertained. For someone who usually paid women no mind, he was unexpectedly intrigued. “You’re really serious about making this up to me, huh?” he said, halfughing, his eyes twinkling with mischief.


    Hailee didn’t hesitate—she gave a small but sincere nod.


    Without a second thought, he locked eyes with her and said, “Then be mine.”


    “What… What did you just say?” Hailee froze. Her gaze snapped to his face, certain she must’ve misheard him. Maybe the wind had jumbled his words, or maybe she was just imagining things.


    “I said, if you’re looking for a way to repay me, then be with me,” Merlin said, his voice calm. “I’m twenty-seven, and I’ve never been with a woman. I used to dismiss the notion of intimacy as boring, but now, for some reason, it feels like it might actually be quite interesting after all.”


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    For the first time, the idea hadn’t sounded ridiculous to him. It sounded kind of nice. He hadn’t flinched when she bit him. In fact, her lips brushing against his skin had sent a jolt through his system. It wasn’t unpleasant—it was electric. He wanted to feel that spark again. Asking for another bite would be absurd, but if she became his woman, then those moments wouldn’t need an excuse.


    Merlin didn’t see anything wrong with his suggestion. But Hailee? She was shocked. Her brain struggled to process his words, and all she could think was—the thinking of the rich was beyond herprehension.


    After what felt like forever, she finally spoke up, her voice quiet but clear. “I’m afraid I can’t agree to that, Mr. kely… I already have a boyfriend.”


    Merlin’s expression shifted the moment the words left her lips. A boyfriend? Seriously? It hit him like an unexpected wave, washing away the reckless thoughts that had started to take root in his mind. Without offering another word, he turned on his heel and walked off. Crossing that line—taking someone who already belonged to someone else—just wasn’t in him.


    As Hailee watched him leave, her shoulders rxed. A quiet sigh escaped her lips before she made her way toward the ne.


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