Agnes simply couldn't wrap her head around it.
She lay in bed, her mind a jumbled mess of emotions, while next to her, Jared snoozed peacefully. She had ushered him to bed the night before, and now, he was sprawled out like a child, oblivious to the world, having slept through to nine in the morning.
Several times, Agnes considered waking him up. Yet, each time she saw his serene, boyish face in repose, her heart softened, and she let him be.
When Jared finally opened his eyes, he found Agnes gazing at him intently, her expression a complex tapestry of emotions. Their eyes locked, and Agnes', betraying a flicker of panic, seemed to dart away.
Just as she was about to speak, Jared closed the distance between them with a sudden kiss. Agnes' attempts to resist were futile. It was a long moment before Jared finally released her, leaving Agnes' cheeks flushed like the rosy fingers of dawn.
Annoyed, Agnes blurted out, "Jared, what on earth are you doing kissing me first thing in the morning?"
Jared, who seemed in an exceptionally good mood, replied with a half-grin, "Sorry, couldn't help myself." His nonchalant demeanor suggested anything but remorse.
Agnes shifted the topic, "Now that you're awake, let's get started."
"Started on what?" Jared feigned confusion.
Agnes lifted their still-bound wrists. "Finding the key, Jared. I'm not a prisoner, you know. Do I have to be shackled to you for life?"
With a sigh, Jared conceded, "I kind of like it this way, but you always seem in such a rush to escape me."
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