Hera buried her face in Bernard's neck. The faint tobacco scent on him gave her a deep sense of security.
She stayed like that for a while, letting the sudden wave of emotion subside before realizing she'd let her guard down.
As she pulled away, she noticed a damp spot on his shirt collar and felt a twinge of embarrassment.
"I've been missing the steak you make. I thought I'd never get to taste it again," Hera said, attempting to mask her feelings with a cough.
Bernard saw right through her and smiled.
"Just the steak I make?"
He gently tucked a few stray hairs behind her ear as he spoke. The casual gesture left Hera's mind in a whirl, and her skin felt warm where his fingers had touched.
Hera avoided his gaze and replied firmly, "Yes."
"Not the person who makes it?" Bernard asked with a hopeful glint in his eyes.
Hera remained silent.
Her silence made Bernard worry she was about to get angry again, but then she whispered, "Yes."
Bernard's heart soared.
He couldn't resist teasing her, "Who do you miss?"
Hera was speechless. She suspected he was doing it on purpose.
Her beautiful face returned to its usual cool demeanor as she looked at him seriously and said, "I miss you… your steak. I'm hungry."
Bernard chuckled softly. Even for those first three words, he'd make her steaks for a lifetime.
"I'll cook it for you once you're discharged. For now, you need to eat light."
Hera was mesmerized by Bernard's smile. He was already devastatingly handsome, but when he smiled, he was even more dazzling, like an angel. It was irresistible.
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