Chapter 58. Can't Take It Anymore

Alaric looked at Emerald's vulnerable expression, trying to control the fire burning inside him. He took a deep breath. He didn't know how much longer he could hold back. At this point, he feared he might be the one to give in before he got what he wanted.

Emerald was proving to be his greatest challenge yet.

"I've cleaned up, and the cockroach is gone. As for the door…" he said carefully.

They both looked at the door Alaric had kicked open. It hung loosely, like an old person shaking in the wind. Alaric coughed into his fist, trying to cover his embarrassment.

"I'll bring some tools tomorrow to fix it for you. You should rest now. I'll head out."

He wrapped the cockroach in a paper towel and started to leave. But before he made it out, he felt someone tugging at his shirt. Alaric turned around to see Emerald looking uncomfortable, her expression hard to read.

To him, it meant something different.

Her cheeks were flushed, and the warmth from the ba