Chapter 7
854words
Raven and Riley could hold their alcohol well, so I naturally thought that Arielle could drink too. However, after having a few glasses of alcohol, I didn't feel that disheartened anymore.
I tugged at my collar and started delving into deep conversations with them.
Arielle admitted to me guiltily that they were indeed plagued with hypersexuality and that she had passed her condition down to both her daughters.
Since Arielle's sex libido was too much for her husband to bear, he upped and divorced her. She seemed to be on the verge of tears when she was talking about this. Her eyes were red, and tears threatened to fall.
"After that bastard ran away, I was the one who brought Raven and Riley up by myself. Those were some hard times."
Arielle poured herself another glass of alcohol. Her face was flushed red. It seemed like the alcohol had already gotten to her.
Raven and Riley had their heads down too, staying quiet the whole time.
The air suddenly turned forlorn. Arielle hurriedly eased up the tension and said, "I did a lot of hard, physical work in my days just to bring them both up. Finally, they've both grown up well, and I can finally relax now."
While speaking, Arielle started falling toward me. Since she looked so upset, I felt that I had to comfort her as a man, so I did my best.
"Don't bother about that bastard who left you anymore. He's not worth your tears at all!"
I'd had a lot to drink, and my mind wasn't exactly the clearest. I believed everything Arielle told me. Never once did I realize that her hands were as smooth as a baby's butt—her hands would never have been in such pristine condition if she'd really done physical labor in the past.
I just felt sorry for her. In fact, I even felt guilty for suspecting her of having an ulterior motive for taking me in as her tenant. I felt terrible. I must have been too touchy and sensitive.
Riley piped up just then. "There are so many bad guys living in this neighborhood! They know that we're all females in this house, and they keep taking advantage of us! They even bully her from time to time!"
Raven also spoke up in anger. "That's right! I remember those perverted neighbors too! They tried molesting Mom and even whistled at us whenever we walked by! They're just so disgusting!"
"How could they do such a thing! They're going overboard!" I exclaimed, suddenly feeling righteous. I slammed my fists against the table in frustration.
"Dusty, this is the main reason why we had those weird terms and conditions when Mom was looking for a tenant. I hope you don't misunderstand us…"
I was stunned. Realization suddenly dawned on me like a tsunami wave.
No wonder Arielle was looking for strong hunks with muscles! She had only wanted to keep her family safe!
How could I have had such perverted thoughts toward them in the past? Shame on me!
After listening to their explanation, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I thumped myself on the chest and promised them that I would never let another man lay a finger on them as long as I was around.
"If they still come looking for you next time, I'll beat them up into a pulp! We'll see if they dare to bully poor, weak women like you again!"
Riley was overjoyed. She immediately raised her glass and clinked it with mine.
"Dusty, does that mean I can come over to your place the next time someone follows me home again?"
Raven spoke up too. "Since you put it that way, I won't hold back anymore either."
"No problem at all!" I replied with a generous smile.
Arielle chuckled at me and said that I was not like any of those other men because I was willing to take responsibility for their safety.
Every time she complimented me, I could feel myself floating in cloud nine. Gradually, I completely let my guard down around them.
Just then, Arielle whispered in my ear and said, "We've got a basement in our house, but the bulb just went out. Could you help us replace it?
"It's a little dark down there, though. You'll need to be careful where you're going."
Arielle then looked at me sincerely.
Since I'd already promised Riley and Raven that I'd do anything to help them, there was no reason for me to reject Arielle this time.
So, I agreed to help them without much thought. I didn't care that I was tipsy and would probably fall down the stairs in my state.
I just wanted to show off my manliness so that they would compliment me again.
Had I been a little more careful, I'd have realized that Arielle's, Riley's, and Raven's smiles had turned into something more sinister. They exchanged glances with each other and smirked evilly.
