* * *
Batista, who had been looking down at me with that arrogant gaze, leaned closer.
His tall, bronzed body came down, heat radiating from him.
His long violet hair brushed against my skin.
The warmth of his body felt amazing.
But what really made me shiver was his hand tracing the back of my neck.
I knew he liked my tattoo, but every time he touched it without warning, it startled me.
And this touch wasn’t just curious—it was dripping with desire.
If he was just admiring the magical engraving, he wouldn’t be stroking it like this—slow, teasing, deliberate.
It tickled, yes, but it wasn’t just that.
His hand moved from my neck, sliding across my shoulder.
The gentleness was almost out of character for him.
I trembled from the softness.
It was such a small touch, but being beneath him, being touched like this, made my body heat up.
When those burning eyes locked on me, I felt like I was melting under his gaze.
A large hand ran down my chest and paused at my abs.
His rough fingers traced over the muscles, teasing my lower stomach.
I flinched at the playful caress on skin already too sensitive.
A soft moan slipped from between my teeth.
“Ah… Batista…”
It was embarrassing, but I was already hard. I couldn’t help the desperate sound in my voice.
“Be still.”
But Batista was firm.
The half-hearted stimulation pouring over my body was too much, and I kept blinking, trying to stay present.
I forced myself to look up at him again.
Our eyes met—his gray ones locked on mine.
Burning with desire.
Like a hungry beast, barely restraining itself.
He looked like he wanted to devour me whole, but was holding back by sheer will.
Ah. He was doing everything he could not to break me.
He was just touching, just waiting until he could calm himself down.
That was… kind of terrifying, in a way.
But also—
“So cute.”
I love him so much.
God, I’m hopeless.
But I mean, seriously—someone like Batista, trying so hard to restrain himself because of me?
How could I not be thrilled?
Even those beast-like eyes looked sexy to me now.
I was so happy.
Even though I knew he was trying to hold himself back, I reached out and pulled him into a hug.
Batista’s massive body actually flinched from just that little touch.
“Hey.”
His low voice fell softly near my ear, almost like a scolding.
But I ignored it, letting my hands roam his incredible back.
Because of the tension in his muscles from the hug, every contour stood out in sharp relief.
Seriously. Every part of his body is way too stimulating.
“I don’t break that easily.”
I whispered into his ear too.
Batista might have been aroused, but I was just as worked up.
After not seeing each other for so long, finally making up and getting to bed—only to waste time like this?
No thanks.
I figured words alone weren’t enough to provoke him, so I gently bit his earlobe.
Batista flinched and looked down at me.
His eyes still burned with that hungry, beast-like intensity.
But this time, there was a slight twitch to his expression.
“Don’t act so sly.”
…Sly?
Me?
Me?
I’ve been called cheeky or shameless when I’ve tried to seduce someone, but “sly”?
That’s a first.
Isn’t that… I don’t know, kind of a cute word?
How does Batista even see me?
With his size, do I come off looking small and cute in comparison?
But I’m a tall guy too! And I’ve got muscles!
My lips twitched at the unexpected response.
It was kind of funny.
Not that I felt bad—if he’s saying things like that, it means he’s definitely interested.
Looks like I still need to push a bit more, though.
I let go of the arm wrapped around me and took his hand.
“If you’re unsure about jumping into things, just take the time to figure it out properly. I respect you. I’m willing to talk things through.”
He’s unsure because he doesn’t know for sure—that’s all!
Communication is important.
Batista might’ve neglected it for painful reasons in the past, but that can change now.
He doesn’t have to overthink things on his own, worry in silence, or assume the worst out of fear.
Talk it out and make decisions together.
Honestly, if he just talked to people better, Batista would be leading his hero party way more efficiently!
“…I see.”
He brushed his thick fingers across the back of my hand.
After a brief pause, he held my hand in his.
“If you ever can’t take it, tell me immediately.”
“I will.”
I answered firmly.
Batista gripped my hand, but it wasn’t rough—it was a surprisingly gentle strength, probably because this was our first time.
Still, I had to wonder: how does Batista really see me?
This wasn’t anything extreme—nothing more than what even a regular person would be fine with, let alone an adventurer.
“That doesn’t hurt at all.”
“Hm.”
What was that tone?
Surprised, like he wasn’t expecting that.
Looking back on the day of the beast attack, it’s clear he recognizes my skills.
So is this… something completely separate in his mind?
Wait a second.
Could it be because I cried too much?
Now that I think about it, I’ve passed out on him before…
Yeah, let’s not go there.
“…Seriously, I’m fine.”
“Really?”
If he doesn’t believe me, what’s the point of talking at all?!
But before I could get upset, he thankfully moved on to the next step.
His grip tightened—just enough to make my hand throb slightly.
It wasn’t pain-free, but for an adventurer?
This was nothing.
Instead of replying, I leaned up and kissed Batista on the lips.
That was my way of saying: this much is nothing.
But suddenly, he gripped my hand with crushing force.
The pressure was so intense, I couldn’t even let out a sound.
Oh my GOD.
That hurts.
It hurts! It seriously hurts!
I just stared at him, eyes wide and shaking all over.
Startled, Batista quickly let go.
Even though my hand was free, it still felt numb, like it was being squeezed.
I couldn’t even move it.
“That… really hurt.”
Wasn’t that way too intense, way too suddenly?
If that was because he overestimated me, I guess I should feel flattered?
Still, that scared the crap out of me!
Batista went quiet.
He couldn’t meet my eyes and kept glancing away, until finally he took my numb hand and lowered his lips to the bruised spot on the back of it.
Whoa. A kiss on the hand?
I’ve given those before, but this is my first time receiving one.
Guess that’s his way of apologizing. It’s kinda cute.
“See…”
“See?”
“I told you not to be sly.”
“Huh?”
Wait—so that wasn’t because he thought I could handle it, but because I kissed him?
Did he get so flustered by the kiss that he unconsciously squeezed too hard?
No way.
If that’s what happened, then—
“That’s so cute.”
“You think now’s the time to say that?”
“But it is! I’m happy!”
I tackled Batista, wrapping my arms around him and kissing him again.
He let me leave a few quick kisses, but when I clung on stubbornly, he pushed me down onto the bed again.
Shame, but still—this was enough.
I think he got how happy I was.
* * *
