Chapter 43: Genius, again

We exchanged a select few of the words. And in a single moment, the atmosphere in the bath changed once again. 

And it would be weird if it didn't, given the weight of what we dropped in those few words. 

An investment. 

It implied a relationship based on the calculation of costs and incentives. 

A deal sweetener, on the other hand, was merely a honey trap aimed to gain leverage. 

'When put in this way, this really sounds bad, huh?'

I resisted the desire to hang my head. 

Doing so right now would inevitably mean Claire shifting her position as well. And right now, it was our conversation that I had to put all my attention to, not some stupid worldly desires. 

In the end, I only managed to cover my face with the palm of my hand before heaving a long sigh. 

"Listen," I tried to speak out, only for Claire to, once again, tighten her hold over me. 

"Shut up." 

For a moment, she left me hanging. Her voice… annoyed?