Chapter 96. Countless Thoughts (1)

Translator: Atlas / Editor: Regan

Leah thought Ishakan was taking advantages of the situation, but impulsively she sat down on his thighs anyway. He embraced her politely and firmly, but was careful not to touch her inappropriately. She couldnt help but giggle. He was acting like a real chair.

There was a sense of comfort and stability as she leaned against him, stretching from her chest to her fingertips. It was a peculiar situation, and she had to restrain herself from resting her face on his shoulder.

Ishakan pulled a palm-sized cookie out of his pocket, wrapped in a paper bag. It was a mix of chocolate chips, fruit, and nuts, lush enough that it seemed like half the cookie would be enough to fill her stomach. He slipped the wrapper off and placed the cookie in Leahs hand.

You havent forgotten your promise, have you?

Right. The promise to accept whatever he gave her was still valid. Leah looked at the cookie for a long time before she took a careful bite. Chewing it delicately, she found it pleasantly moist, the sweetness awakening all her dormant senses. She swallowed and pronounced it delicious.

Her mouth watered at the thought of more, but she handed the rest back to Ishakan, ignoring her pleading taste buds. Instead of taking the cookie, he took her hand and guided it to his own mouth, taking a bite that was just as small as hers.

Tastes good, he said. Why dont you eat more?

Because Im full, she replied, and quickly changed the subject. She didnt want him to ask her to eat more.Please tell me about the queen.

When it seemed that changing the subject wouldnt be enough and he would complain, she added, How did you know she was a Gypsy?

She waited for him to answer her question, but however long she waited, not a word came out of his mouth. She was about to press him some more when suddenly he chuckled and moved Leahs hand, still clutching the cookie in her fingers, back to her lips. He knew she was trying to stop him from making her eat more. He wasnt easily fooled.

Ill tell you as soon as you finish eating, he said. Sweetness flashed in his eyes as he smiled, and looking up at them, she agreed and bit slowly into the cookie once more.

Her taste buds were happy to receive the rich sugary flavor, the soft texture of the cookie, the robust crunch of the nuts and the melting chocolate, blending with the pieces of fruit. She felt euphoric with the sensations, but she still regretted it. She shouldnt have taken that first bite, it would have been much easier to control her impulses if she hadnt tasted it. Now the cookie was implanted in her mind. It was harassing her with its presence.

But even though she knew she shouldnt eat it, she couldnt stop herself. The impulsive desire was unfamiliar, but the craving made her devour more and more until it was gone. She was embarrassed. She had been lying. She had never been full.

Ishakan reached out and gently grazed the corners of her lips, brushing the cookie crumbs away. Reflexively, she squeezed the wrapper. She had soiled herself, eating so hastily.

She was embarrassed. She must have looked very rude, forgoing all etiquette to enjoy a snack. Unfortunately, this seemed like a recurring pattern. She didnt know why, but every time she was with Ishakan her usually miniscule appetite increased dramatically. She felt guilty for her lack of self control.

Regretting it, she fiddled with the cookie wrapper until Ishakan took it from her and crumpled it up. And all she could think as she watched was that she yearned for more cookies