Chapter 372
Chapter 373 Stay With Me
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Lyra looked at the panda that had lured her into the room across the hall, then at the silently smiling Nael.
She laughed helplessly.
These two are really working together, aren’t they?
She sat down right across from the panda and poked its shiny black nose. “Go on, show me what you’ve got p>
The panda rolled its big eyes toward Nael for a quick check–in. Then it lowered its head and started rolling around on the floor.
Although Lyra knew they had deliberately coaxed her into the room, the panda’s adorably clumsy movements still made her laugh.
Nael brought over a soft cushion for her and squatted down beside her to watch. “Having fun p>
Lyra nodded without looking away.
Nael turned to the panda. “Alright, do a one–paw roll next p>
Lyra shot him a quick look before returning her gaze.
The big, fluffy panda propped its round head up awkwardly with one short, thick began rolling across the floor in a new style.
Lyra shook with silent laughter, her shoulders bouncing non–stop.
Mid–roll, the panda tumbled straight toward her.
Dizzy and unsteady, it lost its balance and flopped head–first into Lyra’s lap.
paw
and
Lyra adored this chubby creature. She hugged it tight and squeezed and ruffled its fur playfully.
No one could resist something this utterly cute.
Caught up in playing with the panda, she barely noticed how long Nael had fallen silent.
She only registered something was wrong when he leaned in, gasping, his skin burning hot against her.
His rich, clear voice came out rough and breathless in her ear.
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Chapter 373 Stay With Me
“You were having so much fun… You almost forgot all about me p>
A tingle shot from her ear all through her body, making her shiver.
She turned her head.
Nael’s cheeks were pale yet flushed, his gaze foggy and fixed on her.
His soft red lips hung slightly parted, warm breath fanning across her face.
That inviting look left Lyra frozen, unsure what to do.
“Should I… leave p>
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Nael’s eyes darkened, hurt creeping into his tone. “You had your fun… and now you’re going to abandon me p>
He had cut just a few words, yet the whole meaning shifted completely.
Lyra pressed her lips together awkwardly, at a loss.
Before she could figure out what to say, Nael pulled her into his arms.
“Stay with me a little longer… please p>
Lyra hesitated, then gave a slow nod.
A satisfied smile tugged at Nael’s mouth despite the pain he was fighting through.
The suffering in his features grew more obvious.
Lyra typed quickly on her Star Brain. “This can’t keep happening. Call your panda back. I’m not going anywhere p>
“Okay p>
The second the word left his mouth, the fluffy panda in her lap vanished.
Bit by bit, the tight furrow between Nael’s brows smoothed out.
He lifted his bright, smiling eyes and said softly, “You saved my life again, Lyra p>
“Quit teasing me,” Lyra typed. “Why don’t you lie down on the bed p>
Nael just stared at her without replying.
Lyra pursed her lips. “Fine, fine. I’m not leaving p>
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Nael blinked, his long lashes fluttering softly. “Am I forcing you? You don’t sound very willing p>
Lyra fought back laughter and glared at him. “Where did you pick up that manipulative act p>
As Nael’s condition stabilized, his complexion returned nearly to normal, though a faint rosy blush lingered across his fine features.
He tilted his head, genuinely confused. “I thought I was being considerate. How is that manipulative p>
Lyra ruffled his neat hair. “Stop playing dumb p>
Nael dropped the act and laughed quietly, his shoulders shaking.
“It’s really late. You might as well sleep here. No need to trudge all the way back to your room p>
Lyra bit back a grin, seeing straight through his suggestion but choosing not to call him out.
When she gave no refusal, Nael’s eyes lit up. He stood and took her hand, leading her toward the large bed.
Lyra followed along with resignation.
As they walked past, she spotted the book Nael often read resting by the bedside.
Books reminded her of Arthur back in the cell blocks, who also loved reading.
Right. When I visit everyone tomorrow, I should bring them gifts.
Lying in bed, she first opened the message Hadrien had sent her.
“We’ve arrived. All is well. Wait for me to come home. Love you p>
Lyra wanted to hear every detail of his situation, yet she hated to distract him–battlefields were no ordinary place.
“Stay safe. Come back to me alive. Love you p>
While she sent her reply, Nael lay beside her, silently watching their exchange.
A strange, tangled feeling settled over Lyra. She darted a sideways glance and quickly switched
her screen.
But she could not escape so easily.
An arm slipped around her waist, and Nael drew her firmly against his body.
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Chapter 373 Stay With Me
He said nothing at all, simply making his presence known.
That quiet, wordless gesture hit harder than any direct demand for equal attention.
It drove home to Lyra that she could not favor one over the other.
She turned her head.
Nael watched her steadily. His calm eyes brought to mind a loyal dog that guarded home without asking for anything in return.
But that was a misleading thought.
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Nael harbored plenty of quiet, secret little wants. Otherwise, why would he tug her close out of nowhere?
The thought made Lyra smile.
“Mwah p>
She leaned in and planted a light kiss on his cheek.
Nael’s eyes brightened. He fought down an instinctive grin, the corners of his mouth lifting only to be reined in.
Then he tilted his head slightly, putting on a perfectly serious expression. “This side deserves
one too p>
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.