The mockingly evil smile on Eric's face was gradually replaced with seriousness.
Molly was so deeply touched by his gesture that she forgot he was still holding her hand.
She withdrew her hand self-consciously. "Er…Eric… You don't have to keep troubling yourself for me.
This gift is too much. I really appreciate it." Molly gushed breathlessly.
Eric stared at his hands. It felt empty the moment Molly pulled her hand away. The feel of her soft hand entwined with his was exhilarating. His heart seemed to melt as he gazed at Molly's embarrassed face. He could still feel the warmth of her hand and he clenched his fist to keep from pulling her hand back. He was not comfortable at all about the way he felt about Molly.
Looking at Molly fidgeting nervously, Eric tried to look casual and unaffected. "It's nothing. I will do anything as long as it will make you happy," he said in a cool voice.
Knowing that Eric meant every word he said, Molly felt uneasy. Suddenly, Brian's warning flashed in her mind. She bit her lip nervously, stealing a quick glance at Eric. Trying to hide her nervousness, she bent down to pick up the glass of milk on the table hurriedly. With her shaking hands, the glass overturned spilling its contents over her dress and Eric's shirt.
Mortified at her clumsiness, Molly apologized,"Sorry! Sorry!" Hurriedly taking out a bunch of paper towels, Molly set out to wipe the stains on Eric's shirt. The moment she put her hands on his clothes, Eric grabbed her hands and pulled her near to him.
Her heartbeat faltered for a moment as Eric's eyes bore down on hers. His sharp eyes looked at her accusingly before asking,"My dear, sweet Molly, why are you suddenly afraid of me? Do you think I have evil designs on you?"
She blushed painfully, hearing the accusation in his voice. She felt that Eric could see through her soul and read her every action. Molly turned her face away, avoiding Eric's probing eyes. She could feel the tension emanating from his body. Molly swallowed nervously. Her words came out in a stammer,"I… I… I don't…"
Molly was a poor liar and Eric knew her too well. She compressed her lips, keeping her head bent to hide her guilty expression. Eric was relentless, catching her chin firmly and forcing her to look him in the eyes.
His lips thinned as he accurately read her expression. His eyes suddenly looked cold and mocking as he said in a calm yet dangerous voice,"Did my brother tell you that I like to compete with him, especially for his property? Did he tell you that I'm taking interest in everything that belongs to him?
He did, right? And of course, since you are also one of his properties…"
His words were like a knife and it cut her right through the heart. She tried to hide the pain in her eyes at his words. But there was no escaping his watchful eyes. 'Am I really just a property for him? A passing fancy?' Molly shivered at the thought. The cold look in Eric's handsome face frightened her.
She had always thought that Eric was a dangerous man. But they had developed a curious relationship from the moment they first met. He kept showing up when she was in trouble, almost like he was her appointed guardian angel. That made her forget his cruel nature. He might hurt her, but he was always there to heal her. Whenever her scars started to fade, he made it fresh again.
In fact, Eric could be as cruel as Brian.
Finally, Molly dared to reply to him. "So, are you saying that Brian misjudged you?" As she gradually calmed down, she managed to meet his stare squarely.
Eric looked back at her suavely, saying nothing. Suddenly, a smile began to curve in his mouth.
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