3.3

The pleasure he had restrained for so long was finally released, spilling into Larisa’s depths. As he poured his thick, hot essence into her, Pavel kissed Larisa’s face wildly, as if he couldn’t get enough of her.

When he had emptied himself completely, leaving his body feeling hollow, the only sounds left in the room were their ragged breaths.

It was his first time.

Pavel felt as though he might die of happiness, knowing he had given his first experience to Larisa. But at the same time, the realization that he’s close to releasing inside her struck him like ice-cold water being poured over his head.

“This is…!”

He tried to pull back quickly, but Larisa wrapped her legs tightly around his waist, holding him in place.

“Why…? Just stay like this…”

“But if I… release inside…”

Larisa murmured softly, nuzzling her cheek against his panicked face.

“It’s fine. Really, so just stay.”

After all, I always take the medicine…

Her quiet mumbling made Pavel blink in confusion. 

Medicine? To prevent…?

Then, in a firm voice, he said, 

“Don’t take that medicine anymore.”

“What? Are you telling me to get pregnant or something?”

Her words came out with a hint of sarcasm, but Pavel answered calmly.

“It would be better if I took responsibility. That medicine doesn’t seem healthy for you.”

“Huh?”

“So, please don’t take it anymore.”

Pavel slowly pulled his body back. Larisa shivered slightly at the sensation of his weighty length withdrawing from her. At the entrance of her passage, a mixture of fluids—her own and his—dripped out in pale streams.

He kissed her cheek and gently stroked her face several times.

“Wait here for a moment.”

“Where are you going?”

“I’ll bring a towel to clean you up.”

“Oh, don’t bother…”

Larisa tugged at Pavel, pulling him down to lie beside her. Resting her head on his arm, she smiled sweetly.

“Let’s just stay like this a little longer, okay?”

Her playful tone made Pavel relax completely. Since she asked him to stay, all he could do was lie quietly beside her.

For a while, Larisa lay contentedly next to him. Then, as she began to trace her fingers over his chest, she murmured softly.

“But… are we really stopping after just once?”

“You shouldn’t overdo it. You might feel sore tomorrow.”

“I didn’t overdo anything, though.”

Her small hand slowly slid downward. It reached his still-hard member and wrapped around it firmly. Pavel flinched with a groan.

“You can still go on, Pavel.”

“I’m fine… Ah, Larisa…”

“Don’t hold back. Just a little more, okay?”

Larisa kissed Pavel as she climbed on top of him. Pavel closed his eyes, savoring the feel of her lips. The allure of her body was something he simply couldn’t resist. The lingering aftereffects of the ecstasy they had shared earlier still coursed through him.

It was only natural that the two of them would once again seek each other’s breath and bodies.

* * *

It was, in many ways, a new experience—this ‘relationship’ with Pavel Ainsley.

To be honest, even when she had brief flings with other men in the past, it had never felt like this.

Her infamous nickname, ‘Lochrain’s Black Lily,’ hadn’t been given to her without reason. She was the most beautiful and elegant woman in society, but she was also known for seducing any man she pleased, playing with them, and discarding them without a second thought. Words like “pure” or “chaste” had never been associated with her.

There were always men who slyly tried to catch her attention, even when she was already with someone else. Not that they underestimated her, of course. Men were always eager to be chosen by her, waiting for their chance.

But ever since word had spread through society about her relationship with Pavel Ainsley, the number of men daring to approach her had dropped dramatically. Or rather, it seemed more accurate to say that no one dared to challenge him.

Whenever she appeared with Pavel—whether on the streets, at the royal palace, or at parties—there wasn’t a single ‘subtle signal’ from other men. And it wasn’t because Pavel acted overly sensitive or threatened others. 

Just his presence alone was enough to crush the spirits of any competitors.

Having such a man by her side gave her an undeniable sense of pride. And then there was the private time they shared—when the otherwise unshakable Pavel would crumble before her, unable to contain himself. Watching him listen to her every word, trying so hard to please her, was so amusing it made her want to faint with laughter.

But at the same time, it was deeply unsettling.

Never before had Larisa felt upset when someone showed interest in the man by her side. After all, she always thought of those men as temporary distractions.

Pavel was no different in that sense.

And yet, it somehow felt different.

Whenever noblewomen sent longing, unabashedly desirous glances toward the man by her side, it felt as though her insides were being scorched black.

Before their relationship, Pavel had been like a flower atop a lofty, untouchable cliff—no one dared to pluck him. But now, well… it seemed some believed they had a chance.

Even with Larisa standing right there, wide-eyed and watching, women would approach Pavel, striking up subtle conversations, waiting for him to ask them to dance, or sometimes even boldly asking him themselves.

How dare they, with what’s mine.

Larisa would smile outwardly, but inwardly, she seethed with resentment.

More than the women who approached him, she found herself growing angrier at Pavel. Why was he always so polite, so kind in his responses? Why did he smile at them? Why did he look away from her to focus on someone else?

‘You said you only liked me.’

Inside her, the resentment piled up like dry firewood, ready to ignite and burn brightly at any moment. On such days, she would act petulantly toward Pavel, but he never seemed irritated or upset. Instead, he would become even more attentive, going out of his way to “serve” her.

And that only made her more frustrated.

I want to see you crumble because of me.

That selfish desire grew stronger and stronger in Larisa’s heart.

One day, however, something unusual happened.

From the moment she woke up, Larisa was in a good mood. Her body felt light, her mind was clear, and for some reason, she found herself wanting to see Pavel.

“What is this…?”

She swore she had never, not even once, felt the desire to see someone while in a relationship. Yet today, inexplicably, she wanted to see Pavel.

She got out of bed and quickly summoned her maids. Skipping breakfast, she focused on making herself as beautiful as possible. Her makeup seemed better than usual, and the soft pink dress she chose looked bright and flattering.

“Oh my, my lady, you look stunning today.”

“You’re going to see Duke Ainsley, aren’t you?”

“I bet the Duke will fall for you all over again!”

The compliments from the maids, who were eagerly praising her, didn’t bother Larisa in the slightest. She smiled faintly and asked,  

“Do you think I look alright today?”  

“You look like an angel!”  

“Really?”  

Larisa tried to suppress the excitement bubbling up inside her. 

There’s no need to feel this thrilled, is there? I’m just going to see Pavel, that’s all. Just to tease him a little, play some pranks, and maybe convince him to leave the palace early so we can have dinner together and relax.

Even as she climbed into the carriage and headed to the palace, Larisa’s mood remained bright. Somehow, the sky seemed to sparkle, and the breeze was cool and pleasant—just perfect.  

Will he be surprised since I didn’t tell him in advance?

She pictured his slightly widened eyes whenever he was startled, followed by the awkward smile that would appear on his usually stern face. 

Does Pavel even realize how he looks when he does that?

Thinking about his reaction, Larisa chuckled to herself.  

She hadn’t expected that being in a “relationship” with Pavel would be this entertaining. It was truly a fascinating experience.  

The carriage soon arrived at the palace. Larisa decided to walk to the building where the Knights’ Order was located, situated on the western side of the palace grounds.  

With a light parasol resting on her shoulder, she strolled along, her steps feeling unusually buoyant. Larisa found it both strange and amusing that she was so excited simply to meet Pavel. 

Me? Getting this excited over meeting a man? 

But she didn’t want to dwell on it too much. Pavel was simply a man she found particularly appealing after a long time, and that was all there was to it.  

As she approached the Knights’ Order building, she began to hear some commotion. It was only natural, as training or sparring sessions were a daily occurrence there.  

Upon entering the building, the soldiers who recognized her were startled and quickly bowed in greeting. One knight came rushing out from inside, bowing his head deeply.  

“Welcome, Lady Lochrain. Are you here to see the Commander?”  

“Yes. But since I came unannounced, could you keep it a secret?”  

“The Commander is currently overseeing a sparring session. Shall I escort you there?”  

“No need. I know the way from my last visit.”  

When Larisa smiled sweetly, her eyes curving gently, the knight standing before her turned bright red. She waved her hand lightly in farewell and continued on her way.