Villain Ch 345. Gentle Massage
With a warm smile, Larissa's fingertips deftly spread the excess hand cream across her own skin, smoothing it over her palms and fingers. Leaning slightly closer, she reached out, her fingers curling gently around his hand.
With a practiced ease, Larissa began to rub his hand, her movements slow and deliberate. Her thumbs traced gentle circles along his palm, her fingers following the contours of his skin. The lotion acted as a buffer, allowing her touch to glide smoothly, creating a sensation that was both relaxing and soothing. She could feel the tension in his hand begin to melt away under her ministrations.
Allen inhaled a long breath, the scent of the lotion mingling with the comforting aroma of the coffee that wafted through the air. The cafe's ambiance seemed to fade into the background as he felt the soothing touch of Larissa's hands on his skin.
He turned his head toward her, his gaze meeting her warm smile. "Do you mind?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability that he hadn't intended to reveal. He placed his phone on the table as he offered his other hand.
Larissa's smile widened, and she reached for his offered hand without hesitation. Her touch was gentle, her fingers deftly working the lotion into his skin. The way her fingers kneaded the tension from his palm, the subtle pressure of her touch that seemed to melt away his worries. It was bliss for a writer like him.
The soft sigh that escaped Allen's lips didn't go unnoticed by Larissa. It was a sound that spoke volumes, a testament to the relief he was finding in her touch. A genuine smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"Thank you," Allen's gratitude was sincere.
Larissa's fingers stilled, and she released his hand with a soft pat. "You seem to enjoy it," she commented lightly, her tone teasing.
A chuckle escaped Allen's lips, and he shook his head. "Yeah, I did. It was unexpectedly relaxing," he admitted, his voice holding a hint of surprise.
He picked up his phone again, his fingers deftly navigating the screen. "I've never felt that before," he continued, his attention on the train schedule he was booking. The urgency in his actions was palpable.
Larissa's eyes flickered to Allen's phone screen, where he seemed to be in the process of booking travel tickets. "You're going out of town this Sunday?" she asked, her tone a mix of surprise and curiosity.
Allen glanced up briefly, his attention torn between his phone and the conversation. "Yeah," he confirmed with a nod, his fingers deftly navigating the screen. "I want to visit my brother and my mom. It's been a while since I met them," he added, his words coming out in a rush as if he wanted to finish the task at hand.
A small frown tugged at Larissa's forehead as she processed his words. "You're planning to go and come back on the same day?" she asked, her voice laced with a mix of concern and curiosity.
Allen's gaze flicked up from his phone again, and he met her eyes with a small smile. "Yeah," he confirmed. "It's a short trip. I don't want to be away from it for too long," he explained, his tone carrying a hint of determination.
Larissa nodded slowly. "But why not stay a little longer?" she ventured, a soft note of encouragement in her voice.
Allen's expression shifted slightly, his gaze returning to his phone as he continued with the ticket booking. "I have some... family dynamics to consider," he admitted, his tone a touch wistful. "It's a bit complicated, and I don't want to stir up any unnecessary trouble," he added with a faint smile, as if trying to downplay the weight of his words.
Larissa's heart felt heavy as she absorbed Allen's words. She had heard about the challenges he faced within his family, but hearing him refer to himself as an uninvited guest in his own home struck a chord within her.
"Allen," she called his name softly, her tone a mix of concern and empathy. She wanted to reach out to him, to offer support in any way she could. "Do you... do you need a friend to accompany you?" she asked tentatively, her eyes searching his for any sign of openness. "Someone to chat with on the way," she clarified, hoping that her offer would convey her willingness to stand by his side.
Allen's gaze shifted to her, his expression a blend of surprise and gratitude. For a moment, it seemed as if he was considering her offer, weighing the comfort of companionship against the complexities of his family dynamics. "I appreciate the offer, Larissa," he said sincerely, his voice softening. "But I think I'd prefer to go alone."
Larissa's head bobbed in agreement, her eyes showing a mixture of concern and understanding. "So, I'm guessing you won't be logging in on Sunday, right?" she inquired, wanting to make sure she had the right idea.
A small smile played at the corners of Allen's lips. "Well, not entirely. I'm planning to take my VR device with me. The train has Wi-Fi, so I might be able to hop online during the journey and pass the time that way," he explained, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Larissa's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Ah, great," she quipped, a chuckle escaping her. "But," she added, her tone becoming more serious, "if you ever find yourself needing a real conversation, a distraction, or just a friendly voice, don't hesitate to reach out. You don't have to go through whatever awaits you alone, Allen. We're here for you."
As Larissa's words hung in the air, a warmth spread through Allen's chest. He shifted slightly in his seat, suddenly feeling more connected to Larissa than ever before. He found himself meeting her gaze with a mix of surprise and gratitude.
"Thanks, Larissa," he replied softly, his voice carrying a blend of appreciation and vulnerability. "I really mean that."
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