Chapter 21

Sienna didn't want L to see her in such a vulnerable state. Little did she know, her soft and fragile demeanor tugged at his heartstrings. His dark eyes were deep and enigmatic, a flicker of surprise crossing his otherwise cold and stoic face. Licking his thin lips, he spoke hoarsely. "Why didn't you tell me you were being bullied? I thought you..." "You didn't give me a chance." Hearing the sharpness in his tone soften, her sense of grievance grew stronger. Pouting, she accused him, "It wasn't just Carl bullying me tonight—you humiliated me too, without even trying to understand the situation." He fell speechless. Faced with her accusation, his face tightened. "Does it still hurt?" "What do you think?" "Lie down. I'll apply the ointment for you." "No—" "Stop arguing." L was commanding, his mature authority leaving no room for refusal. He lifted her shirt, his hands firm as he held her slender waist in place. When his large hand touched Sienna's skin, she instinctively tremb