A Madman in Love-Chapter 44

Whoosh!

Jaehee turned off the shower faucet, cutting off the cascade of water.

He stepped out of the shower booth, his body as flawless as a sculpture, gleaming like a work of divine art.

“Hah.”

Exhaling softly, he let the heat from the warm water dissipate with a short breath. Water droplets clung to his toned muscles, catching the light and sparkling like jewels.

Bzzzt—

As he dried his damp body and stepped out of the bathroom, his ears caught the vibration of his phone.

It was likely another call from his father, who had been relentlessly trying to reach him all day. Judging by his father’s uncharacteristic persistence, he must have heard about the accident.

Since everything would be settled once his stitches were removed tomorrow, Jaehee had been ignoring the calls. Wearing nothing but a shower robe, he walked to the powder room mirror.

As he was putting on the earrings he had removed before showering, the phone vibrated again.

“Persistent, aren’t you?”

Tossing a towel over his wet hair, he checked the screen.

—Lee Suin.

The corner of his previously impassive lips curled upward in an instant. Without hesitation, he answered the call.

"You actually had the conscience to call me?"

[Director, where are you?]

Her voice was, as always, strictly businesslike, but simply hearing it made Jaehee smile.

[I’m at the hotel, of course. Waiting for you, Suin.]

He spoke leisurely, walking into the dressing room. Deep down, he hoped she was on her way to him after spending all her time at work.

[Are you coming over?]

“Director, I—”

Ding-dong!

Suin’s voice and the sound of the doorbell overlapped.

This sly woman.

[You’re here?]

Convinced that his wish had come true, Jaehee practically threw his phone down, hastily slipped on a pair of pajama pants, and headed to the door.

“Suin.”

He opened the door with a broad smile, his wet hair slightly messy, but his smile faded the moment he saw who was standing there.

“Oh, Father.”

Caught off guard, Jaehee quickly tightened the belt of his robe, which left his bare chest exposed.

“Jaehee! Are you alright?”

Seo Sungyeok, his father, frowned with worry etched deeply into his face and pulled Jaehee into a firm embrace.

Trapped in his father’s arms, Jaehee shot a silent look of protest toward Suin, who stood behind him.

‘Why is he here?’

‘Maybe you should’ve answered your phone,’ Suin replied wordlessly, lifting her chin with a cool expression.

Unaware of their silent exchange, Seo Sungyeok released Jaehee from his embrace and began examining him from head to toe.

“Let me see. Where are you hurt?”

“It’s nothing serious.”

Jaehee shrugged and held up his hand.

As he tried to peel off the waterproof bandage from his palm, his father grabbed his wrist.

“Don’t take that off.”

“It’s already healed.”

“Oh my god!”

Even though the stitched-up wound was already closing nicely, with only faint scarring remaining, his father gasped as if he had seen something catastrophic.

“It must’ve hurt so much. The wound looks pretty bad.”

“Professor, why don’t you come inside?” Suin interrupted, guiding the distraught man into the suite.

Jaehee stepped aside to let them in, but not before brushing his hand against Suin’s arm in a playful tap.

‘Don’t overdo it.’

Her sharp glare in response only made him suppress a chuckle. Despite her annoyance, she looked so endearing.

“Have you been okay living here alone? Your hand must make things difficult...” Seo Sungyeok asked, glancing around the spacious suite.

Walking over to his father, Jaehee shook his head.

“Suin and Kwon Jongin, my assistant, have been taking good care of everything.”

“Ah, Intern Kwon. Your mother mentioned how reliable he seemed. And, of course, there’s no need to even mention Suin.”

Seo Sungyeok gave Suin a warm smile before turning his attention back to Jaehee’s hand.

“Shouldn’t you put another bandage on that? It might hurt if the stitches get irritated.”

“It doesn’t hurt, but I’ll cover it just in case.”

“Let me do it for you.”

“It’s fine...”

His father, who had been known as a doting parent since Jaehee was a child, insisted on doing something to help.

Despite Jaehee’s half-hearted resistance, his father pulled him over to the sofa and made him sit down.

Quick on her feet, Suin fetched the first-aid kit and handed it over. Seo Sungyeok carefully rebandaged his son’s hand, even wrapping it with gauze for extra protection.

“Have you eaten dinner yet?”

“I will soon.”

"Let me take you out for something delicious," his father suggested warmly.

"I don’t feel like it. Grandma sent enough food," Jaehee replied indifferently, his focus entirely on Suin behind his father.

Suin frowned, silently urging him to pay attention to the conversation. But Jaehee’s thoughts were far less innocent.

When is he leaving?

He needed his father to leave so he could finally be alone with Suin.

"Haven’t you finished eating yet?"

"There’s too much food," Jaehee responded nonchalantly.

"True, your grandmother always packs too much. You should share it with Suin. She must not have eaten yet since she came here straight after work."

Seo Sungyeok unknowingly aided Jaehee’s intentions of keeping Suin around.

"Right, Suin?"

"I’m..."

"I’ll do that," Jaehee quickly interjected.

He grinned as Suin’s lips parted in protest. She clearly wasn’t pleased, but he found her reaction amusing.

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"I’ll set the table," he added.

"I can do it, Professor," Suin said, attempting to take charge.

"Suin and I can handle it. You’ve had a drink, so why don’t you head home and rest? I’ll call a taxi for you," Jaehee suggested firmly.

The moment the opportunity arose, Jaehee moved swiftly to send his father off. Within minutes, he had hailed a taxi and escorted his father to the elevator.

Left with no choice, Suin remained in the suite.

"You’ll be moving back to the Hyesung estate after your stitches are removed, right?"

"I’ll stay here for another two weeks. I’ve got some work to do," Jaehee replied.

"What kind of work?"

"Company business. Important matters."

Not a chance.

The "work" he had in mind involved spending electrifying days with Suin.

As far as he was concerned, nothing could be more important than that.

"Take care of yourself and come home soon," his father said.

"Of course," Jaehee replied smoothly.

His father hesitated, reluctant to leave, but Jaehee’s steps back into the suite were brisk and light.

Ding.

When Jaehee entered, Suin was taking braised short ribs out of the microwave.

The delicious aroma filled the air, but it was the sight of her slender back that truly caught his attention.

Suddenly, his hunger intensified.

"I’m sorry, but you’ll have to eat alone," Suin said, her tone dry and rushed as she avoided turning around to face him.

She was clearly in a hurry to leave.

"You didn’t mention it to my father, but you already have plans?"

"Yes," Suin replied curtly.

Jaehee began walking toward her leisurely, his long legs closing the distance quickly.

The moment he reached her, his eyes fixated on the curve of her pale neck, a hunger of a different kind taking hold.

"I’ll set everything up before I go—"

When Suin turned around with a plate in hand, Jaehee stepped forward and blocked her path, flashing a sly smile.

She froze for a moment, startled by the closeness of his bare chest and the subtle intensity in his expression.

"Go ahead and eat," she managed, her voice steady.

"Sure," he replied, taking the plate from her hand effortlessly.

In one fluid motion, he placed the plate on the table and stepped even closer, keeping his eyes locked on hers like a predator sizing up its prey.

With the dining table behind her, Suin had no room to retreat.

"Sit and eat," she instructed firmly.

"I’d rather have something else," he murmured, his voice low and suggestive.

"I don’t have time for this," she said, attempting a weak protest.

His hand reached up, tracing her jawline lightly before brushing against her chin. His touch was delicate, yet electrifying.

"You’re not going anywhere. Not after giving me eel," he teased, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

Suin couldn’t help but laugh softly at the absurdity of his words.

His smoky gray eyes gleamed with desire, their intensity undeniable.

Her lips curled into a faint, alluring smile, even as her mind screamed for her to flee.

Logic always told her that escape was the best option.

But when Seo Jaehee stood before her, no choice seemed viable except surrender.

Even if it wasn’t the "right" choice, the urge to follow through was impossible to resist.

How could any woman resist a man so sensual, so captivating?

"It was just a side dish. Don’t read too much into it," she said, her tone sharp but wavering slightly.

"I refuse. I’m going to find meaning in everything you give me," he replied, his voice rich with amusement.

His lips, curved into a teasing smile, descended with a soft breath.

He leaned in, his damp tongue brushing lightly against her lower lip, as if testing her reaction.

A shiver ran through her body, and her lips instinctively parted in response.

It was ridiculous.

She reacted so naturally, as if her body had been trained by their previous kisses.

Of course, there was no denying it—kissing Seo Jaehee felt exhilarating.

It sent her heart racing, filled her with anticipation.

And left her wanting more.