{Half chapter} Janifer the maid 3

Janifer's eyes widened, her pupils shrinking as Ethan's husky whisper brushed against her ear.

"What I'm doing isn't important… What matters is—what do you want me to do?"

A shiver ran down her spine. She turned her head slightly, meeting Ethan's crimson eyes—mischievous, teasing, and completely unreadable.

Her lips parted, struggling to form words. "W-What are you talking about, young master? Please let me go."

He was too close, looming over her. She pressed her hands against his chest, trying to push him away—but… her strength faltered. Or maybe… she wasn't really pushing at all.

Her breathing quickened. Her mind screamed at her.

What are you doing, Janifer?! Push him away! Move! This isn't right!

But no matter how much she scolded herself, she couldn't move. Her heart pounded so fast she felt breathless.

Ethan smirked at her hesitation, effortlessly taking her hands in his. His fingers intertwined with hers, his touch warm—too warm.

"Don't act like a naive little girl," he teased. "As if you don't understand what I'm talking about."

With a swift movement, he pinned her hands above her head, closing the distance between them.

Their eyes locked. Janifer's lips trembled, as if she wanted to say something—but before she could, Ethan spoke first.

"I can see it. I can sense it… I can feel it."

His voice was low, smooth, dangerous.

"You might act reluctant, but there's a part of you that wants this too, isn't there?"

Her breath hitched. Her heart skipped a beat.

"W-What are you talking about…?" she stammered, barely above a whisper.

Ethan chuckled, his voice dripping amusement. "Come on, darling. Your eyes are far too honest."

Janifer squeezed her eyes shut. She could feel him drawing even closer.

Their lips were just a breath apart when he murmured,

"A man's touch… You crave it, don't you? But it's not just desire, is it?"

His breath ghosted over her skin, intoxicating.

"No… it's more complicated than that," he continued.

A pause. A deliberate silence that felt deafening.

"You want to be reassured… as if you're afraid you're not good enough for someone… Let me guess—your husband?"

Janifer's eyes widened. She stared at Ethan, her mouth slightly open. She couldn't believe it.

This young man… he was reading her like an open book.

For the first time, she saw something in his crimson eyes besides mischief. It was Pity.

Her heart clenched violently as the emotions she had buried for so long surged to the surface. The way her husband treated her, her fears, her frustration, her insecurities—everything burst forth like a dam finally breaking.

A hollow laugh escaped her lips, tears brimming in her eyes.

Ethan said nothing, allowing her emotions to spill out. Yet, he also didn't let her go. They remained in this strange, intimate position, the air thick with unspoken feelings.

Finally, after her laughter faded into quiet sobs, Janifer spoke.

"You're right, young master… it is my husband. I'm not good enough for him. At least… not anymore."

She smiled, but it was tinged with sadness.

"I'm old."

Before she could continue, Ethan sealed her lips with his.

A deep, passionate kiss.

Her eyes went wide, flickering with shock and unknown emotions.

At first, she resisted, denying him access—but as the kiss deepened, her resistance wavered. Slowly, her barriers crumbled.

She knew this was wrong. This wasn't right.

But some part of her wanted this. Wanted this moment to last forever.

Ethan's kiss told her everything. He wanted her.

His desire for her was unmistakable—unlike her husband's cold indifference.

Anger flickered within her at the thought of her husband. Frustration, resentment, yearning—they all blended together, clouding her judgment.

She let herself sink into the kiss, letting go of the last shred of restraint.

But it didn't last as long as she hoped.

Just as quickly as he claimed her, Ethan pulled back.

Their lips parted, both of them gasping for air.

They stared at each other, breathless, as the echoes of their passion lingered between them.