No Chance of Remarriage: Get Lost

Elisa was a little self-conscious as she hiked up her skirt, exposing a bit of her knee. The moonlight washed over her face, tinting her cheeks a rosy hue that only added to her beauty.

The warmth of Gareth's hand on her ankle was a comfort against the chill of the night air, but Elisa's foot twitched nervously, her mind flashing back to the kiss they had shared.

Gareth looked at her with concern, wondering if she feared the pain that was to come. "Are you scared of the pain?"

Elisa shook her head. She had endured many more agonizing situations; she had no reason to dread this.

Gareth raised an eyebrow. "You really are quite the tough one. Pain doesn't seem to bother you much."

He was being clever, alluding to her reputation for ruthlessness. Elisa caught his innuendo, and the glint in her eyes flashed dangerously.

"It's fine. I can take care of it myself," Elisa said as she reached for the rubbing alcohol, but Gareth dodged her attempt.

Seated on the bed, Elisa watched Gareth kneel before her. He was awkward and uncomfortable, but he tried to maintain eye contact.

"Stop moving around," he said again. He handed her the candle to hold, so he could free both hands to treat her wound.

Gareth pursed his lips as he applied the medicine to Elisa's wound. He was careful and skillful, and Elisa didn't feel any pain.

In fact, the only sensation she felt was the warmth of his hand on her skin. It was almost like his touch was setting her on fire.

From this angle, Elisa could only see Gareth's perfect profile and forehead.

Elisa couldn't help but think that God had been playing favorites when he made Gareth. He had everything: good looks, charm, talent, and strength. It wasn't fair.

After about five minutes, Gareth finished the bandaging and tied a beautiful bow.

"Done."

Only then did Elisa snap out of her thoughts. She looked at the wound, then at Gareth, and said, "Thank you."

The bandaging was neat and skillful.

Elisa refrained from asking him why he knew how to do this; everyone carried their own baggage, and if he wished to open up, he'd do it on his own terms.

"Thanks," she mumbled, withdrawing her foot.

Gareth saw Elisa's aloof demeanor, and his lips twitched in a half-smile. But his eyes were serious.

He could tell that she was putting up a wall between them. He wanted to ask her about it but knew it would be pointless.

Instead, he ventured, "Don't you want to know how I learned to do this bandaging thing?"

Elisa remained silent, but her eyes signaled him to go on.

Gareth chuckled, confessing, "I used to get into my fair share of fights as a kid, but that's all under the bridge now. If you're interested, I'll tell you more next time."