This unexpected intertwining of fingers startled Raegan's heart, setting it racing like a deer.

It took Raegan a moment to regain her voice, lifting her head to say, "You..."

At that instant, Mitchel's face drew nearer, his lips grazing Raegan's ear's edge, his throat moving visibly. “Annis is up again," he whispered.

Once more, the sound of a door echoed through the space.

Annis realized she'd left the kitchen Lights on and emerged to switch them off.

Mitchel kept his lips close to Raegan's ear, his warm breath gently brushing against her earlobe, a silent gesture filled with clear intent.

The warmth of his breath swiftly spread Raegan's cheeks a delicate shade of pink.

Mitchel leaned in, lightly brushing his lips against her ear, bringing out a gentle tingling sensation.

Raegan quickly clasped her hand over her mouth, almost crying out.

Did he just bite her?

As Annis closed the door of her room, Raegan's ear still tingled, her gaze fixed on him, bewildered. "You..."

"What is it?" Mitchel appeared completely relaxed, as if he hadn't meant to do it at all.

Raegan was at a loss for words, standing there dumbfounded. How could she ask if he had indeed bitten her? If not, wouldn't she risk being mocked for her self-importance?

Raegan pressed her lips together, feeling her heart flutter with uncertainty.

“Never mind," Raegan finally uttered.

“What's ‘never mind' about?" Mitchel gazed at her intently.

"It's nothing..."

Mitchel casually remarked, "Your heart's racing a bit, isn't it?"

Raegan kept quiet. She tightened her lips, choosing to ignore him, thinking it was entirely his fault.

“Let's head upstairs," she suggested with a hint of annoyance.