Chapter 99: Scold You
The ride continued, and Naomi struggled to contain the excitement bubbling inside her. She bit her lower lip in a futile attempt to suppress the smile threatening to break free. No matter how hard she tried to keep a serious expression, the corners of her lips betrayed her, curling upward against her will.
Sitting beside her, Zylan noticed her glowing enthusiasm. He turned his sharp gaze toward her, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips. His deep, teasing voice broke the silence. "So, tell me, Eaglet, what’s got you this excited?"
Naomi’s heart skipped at the nickname he often used for her. She turned to him, startled, unsure how to explain the emotions swirling inside her. The anticipation of finally getting a pet—a lifelong dream she’d never dared to voice until now—was almost too much. Still, she struggled to form coherent words.
"I... I have no idea what you’re talking about, Mr Zylan," she said, flustered, her voice betraying her nervous excitement.
Zylan’s smirk deepened, his sharp features radiating amusement. Leaning in slowly, he placed a hand on the seat behind her, his presence overwhelming as he murmured in her ear, "I wonder why this pet excites you more than I do."
Naomi froze her entire body stiffening. Did...did he just say that? Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson as her wide eyes darted to the chauffeur, who remained utterly composed, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. The man’s neutral expression gave no indication that he’d heard anything, but Naomi still felt her embarrassment burn hotter.
Turning back to Zylan, she found his face completely serious, his dark eyes focused solely on her. Her heart raced under his intense gaze. "It’s not that..." she began, stumbling over her words. "I just... I’ve never had a pet before. I didn’t think I’d ever get one."
Her voice softened at the end, and a small smile crept onto her lips as her thoughts wandered. She began imagining what it would be like to have a pet—perhaps a dog or a cat, maybe even something exotic. She considered names for her future companion, but another thought struck her. Perhaps she’d wait until she saw the pet before naming it. That seemed like the best choice.
Zylan watched her closely, his piercing eyes never leaving her face. He noticed how her expression softened, her mind clearly drifting into her own little world. A faint smile played on his lips as he leaned closer, brushing her cheek with his lips in a featherlight kiss.
Naomi jolted in surprise, her eyes snapping back to him. The warmth of his touch lingered on her skin, leaving her flustered. Before she could react, he kissed her cheek again, this time pressing slightly firmer.
Her eyes widened in disbelief. Was he doing this on purpose? Was he teasing her? Before she could decide, he kissed her cheek once more, lingering a little longer this time.