"It's not exactly a random drunk touch, is it?" he questioned, suspicion in his deep eyes.

Claudia felt like crying. She regretted having touched him and then having cowardly lied.

Indeed, one lie led to a thousand more, and even the most crafted tale would eventually unravel.

And now, her mind was blank, unable to concoct another lie to appease Bennett.

Should she simply run away?

As she hesitated, ready to escape, the man suddenly challenged, "Can't you do this properly?"

Then he smiled, pausing before adding, “Let me teach you then.”

Before Claudia could comprehend his meaning, she found herself pulled into Bennett's arms, completely off guard.

His familiar woody scent enveloped her. Pressing against his shoulder, she looked up to find her face being caressed by his thumb. A ticklish sensation, akin to a feather Lightly brushing her heart.

Dumbstruck, Claudia allowed him to touch her face, feeling like a puppet, devoid of thoughts.

His large hand stroked her face, his index finger teasing the back of her neck. It was so gentle and flirtatious at the same time.

A feeling of Limpness and numbness overcame Claudia, and she stammered, “M-Mr. Dreskin!"

Claudia found herself at a loss when suddenly, an idea flashed through her mind.

“I've figured it out!"

“Really?”

Each time he said the word like that, she always felt like he was actually teasing her.

Upon hearing it, she couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed and guilty. "Really!"

"Okay," he replied, releasing the pressure of his hand on her back, though his left hand remained Lightly on her neck.

She could feel his gentle strokes on her neck, each touch so soft it was as if he was barely there at all.

“When you were drunk before, you Liked me to stroke your neck just Like this."

"I, I don't remember that," Claudia stammered.

"Shall I help you recall?"

She was taken aback by his words and found herself at a loss for a response.

What could she possibly say?