The Sway and Slide of Love

And even if Noelle said no, would Hendrix really stop?

However, she couldn't bring herself to say yes, either. In the end, she could only frown at Hendrix, frustration simmering in her chest.

But in Hendrix's eyes, that look carried a different kind of vulnerability. He cupped her cheek as he asked again, "Should I keep going?"

Noelle stayed silent and turned her face away.

But Hendrix, ever the tease, refused to let her off so easily. He caught her chin between his fingers, forcing her to look back at him. "Why aren't you saying anything? So, you don't want me to keep going?"

"Ugh, you're so annoying!" Noelle finally snapped. "If you don't want to continue, just get off me!"

There was anger in her words. But after everything that had just happened, her tone carried an unintended, breathy softness. In this moment, it almost sounded like she was flirting with him.

Hendrix's smile deepened. "Ah, so that means we can keep going," he murmured, as if talking to himself.

Noelle didn't reply. His hand slid lower, tracing the curve of her waist. His fingertips were cool, yet somehow burned whenever they touched, sending goosebumps across her skin. A jolt of electricity shot up her spine, making her gasp.

Even she was startled by it. Noelle had never imagined she could make that kind of noise. The moment it left her lips, her face flushed even hotter.

She bit down hard, but Hendrix was already leaning in and kissing her again. Her lips parted instinctively, but just as she tentatively tried to respond, he pulled back.

Then, he whispered into her ear, "Are you doing this as a way to make it up to me because you think I'm going to jail?"

His words were phrased as a question, but his tone left no room for doubt that he already knew.

Noelle's breath hitched-he had seen right through her.

Without waiting for her response, he pressed on, "So, are you pitying me right now?"

Noelle's eyes widened instantly. She looked straight at him and shook her head. "No!"

"Oh? Then, why the sudden change of heart? You were so against it before."

Noelle had no answer. She frowned tightly, as if desperately searching for an

excuse.

Hendrix wasn't in a hurry. He simply leaned over her, his gaze growing calmer.

"Okay, fine did want to make it

up

Telle finally admitted. out of pity. I swear!" But

quickly added, "But it's not

As she spoke, she gently grasped his hand, as if afraid he'd pull away the

moment he got upset.

Hendrix held her gaze for a moment, then suddenly let out a laugh. The soft

chuckle caught Noelle completely off guard.

"I lied to you," he said.

"W-What?"

Hendrix pinched her cheek lightly. "Looks like you really don't

remember anything, huh? How am I

supposed to show my face again if I

ended up in prison over some

pathetic nobody?"

As soon as Hendrix finished speaking, Noelle's eyes widened slightly. Her eyesnoveldrama

darted around, her mind racing.

A moment later, it was as if

something finally clicked. She immediately tried to sit up. But

Hendrix had already anticipated her

reaction. Before she could get up, he

pressed her back down again.