“You smooth talker! Does your charm work on all the girls?”
Hera swatted Bernard’s hand away from her head. His playful gesture felt condescending, like he was treating her like a kid.
Bernard responded by taking her hand instead. “I’m only like this with you.”
Hera recalled how he had coaxed Katie and the others at noon. “What about when you asked me to introduce my classmates to you at noon?”
Her words held a subtle edge.
Bernard could sense the spark of jealousy underneath her tone and explained, “I just wanted to make a good impression on your classmates so that they would approve of my relationship with you.”
Honestly, with her personality, anyone who could hang out with her had to be more than just an ordinary classmate.
Hera pulled her hand free.
“We’re not in any relationship yet,” she corrected him.
Bernard’s gaze lingered on her face. “Don’t you like me?”
Hera hesitated, the silence stretching between them.
“Hmm?” Bernard leaned closer, tilting her chin up with a gentle touch. His thumb brushed over her lips, and there was a spark of danger in his eyes. Finally, she replied, “Fine, I like you.”
A flicker of surprise crossed Bernard’s face. His voice dropped, becoming low and seductive. “Suddenly, I don’t feel like going to your house anymore.”
“Where, then?” Hera asked.
“Somewhere just for us,” he replied, a smile playing on his lips.
The air inside the car crackled with ambiguity, their breaths mingling in the intimate space.
Hera’s eyelashes fluttered as she agreed, “Fine, but we need to swing by the Everett residence first for your medicine. We can hang out tomorrow.” Bernard’s gaze intensified. The subtle fragrance of her perfume further fueled his desire. “You agreed so easily. Do you know what that implies?” Hera met his eyes, her expression unwavering. “I do.”
Unable to resist, he leaned forward and captured her lips in a fleeting kiss.
The next moment, he produced a heart-shaped necklace from his palm with a magician’s flourish.
Hera’s heart skipped a beat as she reached for the necklace. Though it was a classic design, the canary diamonds encrusting the hollow heart made it dazzle.
“I saw it at the counter and thought it
would look beautiful on you. Let me put it on,” Bernard offered,
jel.
unclasping the necklace and gently fastening it around her neck.
His warm breath tickled her ear, sending a shiver down her spine. Hera’s heart pounded in her chest, the anticipation almost unbearable.
After he fastened the necklace on her, her eyes drifted to the canary diamond cufflinks on his shirt.
A sudden realization struck her.
Bernard was sly, indeed. Both the necklace and cufflinks featured canary diamonds. Did that make them an unintentional couple’s set?
The Everett residence was a whirlwind of activity upon receiving word that Bernard and Hera were returning. Lilith and James bustled about the kitchen while Mildred instructed Judy to tidy Hera’s room.
Meanwhile, Gideon and Gino sat in the living room, locked in a silent staring contest.
“We’ll have to count on you to make Hera stay,” Gideon declared.
“Why me?” Gino retorted.
“You’re younger and adorable. Just pretend to be sick or act cute and she’ll soften up and stay,” Gideon advised.
Imagining Hera’s reaction if she discovered his ruse, Gino countered, “Why don’t you do it?”
“I need to keep an eye on Bernard. We can’t let him stay the night,” Gideon explained.
As a fellow male, Gino understood Gideon’s ulterior motives.
“Fine,” Gino conceded, sharing Gideon’s dislike of Bernard for monopolizing Hera’s time.
“But for the record, I’m handsome, not cute!” Gino said.
“Sure, you’re the most handsome. Our family’s genes are impeccable, after all,” Gideon replied.
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