“What the hell are you doing here?" Alick rasped, his voice thick with anger.

Forrest, unfazed, examined his hand with feigned curiosity. “Soft, wouldn't you say?"

"Go to hell!" Alick roared, his frustration boiling over.

The unspoken agreement — his room, a sanctuary accessible only to Annis — shattered.

He never expected that Forrest would enter.

And remained silent.

Normally, only Annis entered his chambers to assist with dressing wounds he couldn't reach.

He had mistaken Forrest for her in the moment.

Who knew it was Forrest?!

So ridiculous!

Arching a meaningful brow, Forrest queried, “Could it be you rather enjoyed the experience, but fear to admit as much?"

Alick's retort died on his lips, rendered speechless by Forrest's audacity.

“Get out!" Were he not injured, Alick would have forcibly ejected Forrest already.

He had endured enough of his antics.

"In your current state, you cannot overpower me," Forrest taunted with a smirk.

Again, Alick could summon no response to such impertinence.

Was he here to irritate him?

“Just wait until I heal," Alick gritted out. "Then, we'll settle this."

Forrest knew well he was no match for Alick's prowess and wisely declined the challenge.

"Alright, alright," he soothed, a sly glint in his eyes. "Wouldn't want to interrupt your little bonding session. But do remember, you're injured..."