"Hey, scribe," Hyeri said, a smirk playing on her lips. "You're working too hard. You need a break."
Cailea jumped in her seat, her heart racing as she glared at the healer. "Hyeri, you startled me. I didn't hear you come in."
Hyeri just laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I can see that. You're always so focused on your work. It's kind of adorable, really."
Cailea rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help but feel a flush of pleasure at the compliment. Hyeri had a way of making her feel seen, appreciated. It was one of the many reasons she found herself drawn to the other woman.
"Come on," Hyeri said, holding out a hand to Cailea. "I insist. I have something to give you."
Cailea hesitated for a moment, but eventually set her quill down and followed Hyeri to the bedroom. She tried to ignore the flutter of excitement in her chest as they walked, telling herself that she was being silly. Hyeri was just being friendly, nothing more.
But when Hyeri closed the door behind them and turned to face her, Cailea couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation. There was something different about the way Hyeri was looking at her, something intense and hungry.
"I want to thank you for everything you've done for me," Hyeri said, her voice low and husky.
Cailea raised an eyebrow. "And how do you plan on doing that?"
Hyeri grinned, taking a step closer to Cailea. "I thought I'd give you a... special reward."
Cailea's heart started to race as Hyeri continued to close the distance between them. She tried to tell herself to stay calm, to play it cool. But it was hard to think straight when Hyeri's eyes were locked on hers, full of heat and desire.
"I don't need a reward," Cailea said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Hyeri laughed, her hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair out of Cailea's face. "Oh, but you do. You deserve it. You're always working so hard, never taking time for yourself. I want to give you something to remember."
Cailea swallowed hard as Hyeri's hand continued to move down her face, tracing her jawline. She couldn't remember the last time someone had looked at her with such raw desire, such unfiltered need. It was intoxicating, exhilarating.
"I don't know if I can accept this," Cailea said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Hyeri leaned in close, her breath hot on Cailea's ear. "You can and you will," she said, her voice full of confidence. "Trust me, it'll be worth it."
Cailea's breath hitched as Hyeri's lips brushed against her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. She knew she should resist, should push Hyeri away. But it felt too good, too right. She couldn't help but lean into the other woman, letting herself get lost in the moment.
"You're right," she whispered, her voice full of surrender. "It's worth it."
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