Marla's voice caught in her throat as Eren materialized by her bedside, leaving her momentarily speechless.
The sight of his naked form sent a jolt of both excitement and nervousness through her, causing her words to stumble and falter incoherently. Her mind struggled to form a coherent sentence, a mixture of awe and confusion clouding her thoughts.
Gulping nervously, Marla's gaze remained fixed on Eren, his presence both captivating and intimidating. His chuckle resonated in the air as he observed her vulnerability, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Is there anything I can help you with, Marla my dear?" he asked casually.
In a flash of lightning, he gracefully positioned himself beside her on the bed, propping his head up with his folded hand. His playful curiosity danced in his eyes as he traced abstract lines on her exposed tummy with his index finger.
Sensations of both anticipation and trepidation washed over Marla as Eren's touch grazed her skin, causing goosebumps to rise. Her hands instinctively withdrew from their previous activity, and she turned her neck to meet his gaze, locking eyes with him. The accusatory tone in her voice carried a blend of excitement and apprehension as she found a semblance of clarity amidst the overwhelming emotions.
"It's… it's all because of you… you are the reason I'm in this state."
Eren's hearty laughter filled the room, acknowledging the truth in her words. "I can't deny that," he admitted, his voice laced with amusement. "But let's not forget that your intoxicated state played a part too, wouldn't you agree?" He teased, his words carrying a hint of playful reproach, inviting Marla to share the responsibility for their current situation.
Marla found herself caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, exacerbated by the effects of the Frostfoam coursing through her veins. She couldn't deny that the elven ale had heightened her desires, intensifying the pull she felt towards both Eren.
With a mix of frustration and arousal, Marla directed her words at Eren, her gaze locked with his, searching for any hint of apprehension in his eyes. Her breath came in quick gasps, her body responding to the surge of heat within her. The temptation to surrender to her desires was becoming almost unbearable.
"You... you have no shame, do you?" Marla's voice quivered with a mixture of accusation and desire. "Toying with both of us at the same time." Her eyes bore into Eren's, the magnetic pull between them palpable. She wanted nothing more than to succumb to his seduction, to let him ignite the flames of passion within her.
Eren's lips curled into a confident smirk as he met Marla's gaze, his eyes filled with a predatory glint. He closed the distance between them, his voice dropping to a low, husky tone that sent shivers down her spine. "Shame, my dear, is nothing more than a self-imposed barrier, a prison we create to deny ourselves the pleasures we truly desire," he whispered, his breath caressing her skin.
"As for me," Eren's voice trailed off as he used the tip of his nose to trace the contours of her neck. He inhaled her wildly arousing feminine scent before commenting further.
"Sometimes… I let my intrusive thoughts win. The trick is in choosing the right time and right place for this form of self-serving surrender. Plus, you are responsible for making me feel this way about you. Both of you are beautiful, after all. You don't see me complaining, do you?"
Marla felt a surge of anticipation as Eren's lips brushed against her cheek, his proximity igniting a fire within her. His words resonated deep within her. In that moment, she realized that surrendering to her desires might just be the liberation she had been craving.
Marla's breath hitched as Eren's finger continued its tantalizing path across her exposed tummy. She couldn't deny the electric thrill that coursed through her body, even as she tried to gather her thoughts. His proximity, his touch, it was all overwhelming.
"Responsibility?" Marla repeated, her voice laced with a mix of defiance and desire. She liked that Eren complimented her and Almera both in a subtle way. "Perhaps... but you have a knack for leading people astray, Eren. and you've always known how to push my boundaries." She held his gaze, her eyes reflecting both uncertainty and a newfound boldness.
Eren's mischievous smile deepened, his hand tracing higher on her abdomen. "And you've always been willing to follow, Marla. It's part of the thrill, isn't it?"
Marla felt a surge of conflicting emotions as Eren's words resonated within her. The allure of indulging in desires and stepping into the unknown tugged at her, tempting her to surrender. However, a sense of caution held her back, reminding her of the potential complications that lay ahead.
Her voice trembled as she voiced her concerns, her words laced with a mixture of restraint and longing. "After tonight, I fear the dynamics between Almera and me will never be the same," Marla admitted, her voice tinged with vulnerability. "The bond we share could become tangled and complicated because of our connection to you."
Eren's playful demeanor softened, his gaze turning serious as he listened intently. He paused, allowing her words to sink in before responding. "You're right, Marla. There may be complications, but that doesn't mean it has to be detrimental. Life is too short to deny ourselves the pleasures and experiences we secretly crave," he explained, his tone sincere.
A whirlwind of emotions swirled within Marla as she grappled with her desires and her sense of responsibility. She reached out, her hand trembling slightly, and placed it on Eren's chest.
Marla felt the warmth of Eren skin beneath her touch as she spoke. "If we choose to embark on this path, Eren, let us do it on our own terms," she asserted, her voice filled with determination. "I refuse to be a mere pawn in a game between your guild and the Amazonians. I also don't want Almera to be subjected to such fate," Marla's care for Almera evident in her tone.
