Chapter 165

Juniper froze. The unexpected touch sent alarm bells ringing in her head, and a flicker of defensive hostility flashed in her eyes.

In the past, anyone who touched her without permission would have a broken hand by now. But when she looked at Shanley's strong, elegant fingers and his gentle expression, the defensiveness melted away, replaced by an unfamiliar warmth that rushed through her, challenging her composure. Her heart hammered against her ribs. She blinked, her feelings in turmoil. She had always detested physical contact with men, yet Shanley's touch didn't bother her in the slightest.

"Sorry," he said softly, noticing her frown and immediately releasing her hand. "I just wanted to remind you that we're about to eat. Too much candy isn't good for you. I didn't mean to startle you."

Juniper studied his sincere expression, knowing he was right.

"Oh," she mumbled, her gaze falling to her wrist, where a faint warmth seemed to

linger.

“Exams are tiring, aren't they?" Shanley asked, relieved to see her relax. "What would you like to eat?"

"The beef stir-fry," she answered immediately, stuffing her hands in her pockets and falling into step beside him. She tried to act casual, to ignore the chaotic rhythm of her heart. “But I already made plans to eat with Qadir and Queenie.”

“We'll bring them along," Shanley decided, glancing at his watch. "I'll take you all to Moonlight Peak."

Moonlight Peak? It had been a while since she'd eaten there. And she remembered Luella had texted her last night, asking her to come by and review the restaurant's accounts. This was perfect; she could kill two birds with one stone.

"Okay," Juniper agreed, obediently getting into the car. Felton was dispatched to fetch her friends from their classroom.

While they waited, Juniper sat curled in her seat, playing a game on her phone, her expression a little downcast.

"Still want more candy?" Shanley asked gently, draping a soft blanket over her legs.

She just shot him a look, but her face said it all. Of course, she did.

Shanley sighed with a fond smile. He relented pulling another candy

his pocket, unwrapping it and

to her lips Contelom

holding

"This is the last one before your meal," he said, his voice laced with indulgence.

"Mmm," she hummed, opening her mouth to accept it. The corners of her eyes instantly lifted. She was happy again.

"Give me your right hand,” he said,

taking some ointment from the glove compartment. He'd been applying it for her every day, and the wound was healing nicely, leaving only a faint scar.

"Here," she said, placing her hand on the armrest while her left hand continued to tap away at her game.

"So, you got perfect scores in literature and math on this exam?" Shanley asked casually as he gently applied the cream.

"Yep,” she replied, her tone nonchalant, as if getting a perfect score was the most ordinary thing in the world.

"Hmm?" Shanley's movements

paused. He turned to look at her, his

eyes narrowing in mock suspicion.

"If that's the cas

why did you agree

to let me tutor you all this time?"

At his question, Juniper's fingers slowed on the screen. She looked up at him, her clear eyes meeting his.

"You said," she began slowly, "that if I finished my tutoring sessions, you'd treat me to delicious food."

"What?" Shanley almost couldn't believe his ears. The only reason she'd gone along with his tutoring was for the food?