Rebirth: 100 Days Before Doomsday - Chapter 187

Chapter 187: Rune’s Magic Hands

The long day finally settled into a quiet calm, and Grace took her leave. She stepped into her apartment, and locked the door behind her, exhaling deeply.

As she slipped off her boots and hung her coat, she noticed Rune lounging on the couch. He was flipping through a book that he had most definitely picked up just to look busy. His silky hair was slightly disheveled, and the smirk that tugged at the corner of his lips as he noticed her entrance was unmistakably Rune.

“Welcome home, Girlfriend,” he teased while closing the book and tossing it onto the coffee table. “Long day?” He continued.

“Don’t start,” Grace muttered as she played along with him, though her tone lacked any real bite.

Rune rose from the couch and stretched, his lean frame exuding an effortless confidence that always managed to irritate and intrigue her.

“Where are the others?” Grace asked while glancing around. She just returned from Unit 2203 where she was discussing some work with Aleena and Kevin, so she had no idea where Davian and Dr. Kian were.

“Still with Professor’s team,” Rune replied casually. “Sorting things out. Thought I would let them handle it for now and make sure you didn’t collapse the moment you walked in.”

Grace rolled her eyes as she brushed past him toward her room. “I’m fine, Rune.”

“Sure you are,” he said, his voice following her down the hallway. “You have been running on fumes all day. Go shower, Grace. I’ll take care of the rest.”

She paused, and galnced back at him with a raised brow. “The rest?”

“You’ll see,” he said, and his smirk widened.

Too tired to argue, she decided to just take his advice. She disappeared into her room, and locked the door behind her. But she knew better than to believe that door, whether locked or unlocked, could stop Rune frome entering.

She grabbed a change of clothes, and headed straight for the bathroom. The hot water was a blessing as it washed away the grime and tension of the day. By the time she stepped out, her muscles felt looser, and her mind was just a little clearer.

She changed into a pair of warm night-suit, and towel dryed her hair as she made her way back to the living room. It was the faint hum of a juicer that greeted her ears, and she rounded the corner to find Rune in the kitchen only to find him pouring a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

“Here,” he said, handing her the glass without waiting for her to ask.

Grace raised an eyebrow but took it. “Fresh orange juice, huh? Let me guess, you stole these oranges from my stash.”

Rune grinned in response. “Of course. Only the best for you.”

She took a sip, and felt the tangy sweetness refreshing her instantly. As she drank, her mind wandered and she realized something odd. “You always do this,” she murmured, half to herself.

“Do what?” Rune asked as he leaned against the counter and crossed his arms.

“Offer me fresh juice,” she said while meeting his gaze. “Every time I find you after a long day. When I’m tired and tensed.”

He shrugged, and his grin softening into something gentler. “It’s just my way of making sure you are taken care of. You tend to forget to do that for yourself.”

His words caught her off guard, and for a moment, Grace didn’t know what to say. She didn’t knew that he could be this gentle and thoughtful. She finished the juice and set the glass down on the counter before turning to face him.

“Thank you,” she said quietly, her voice softer than usual.

Rune tilted his head, and appeared to be studying her. “You are welcome. But no more work talk tonight, okay?” It was almost as if he knew that she was going to talk about continuing their search for mutated plants.

Grace frowned. “Rune, I-”

“No,” he interrupted in a firm but playful tone. “You have been on your feet all day. You are not allowed to stress about anything else tonight. Take a break for once.”

She shook her head, but there was no real annoyance in her expression. “You are impossible.”

“That’s why you like me,” he said with a wink. Then, without missing a beat, he added, “Want a massage? You look like you could use one.”

Grace’s lips twitched as she tried not to laugh. “You can’t be serious.”

“Dead serious,” he replied while stepping closer. “Come on, let me help you relax.”

She shook her head again, but her resistance was waning. The idea was tempting, especially with how sore her body felt despite the hot shower. “Fine,” she relented, but still gave him a warning look. “But don’t push your luck.”

Rune grinned and gestured for her to sit on the couch. “Trust me, Grace. I have got magic hands.”

She didn’t comment and sank into the couch, letting out a soft sigh as he positioned himself behind her. She was still unsure about this idea, but the tension in her shoulders made her give in.

“Relax,” he murmured, using a low and soothing voice as he settled his hands on her shoulders. His touch was firm yet gentle as he began kneading the tight muscles.

“You are like a rock,” he muttered. “What do you do, carry the world on your shoulders?”

“Feels like it sometimes,” Grace admitted, her voice softening as the tension in her body began to melt away under his touch.

His touch sent an immediate wave of relief through her, and the soreness melted away under his skilled hands. She closed her eyes, and leaned slightly forward to give him better access. Her body was slowly surrendering to the comfort.

“See? Magic hands,” Rune teased while his fingers worked along the curve of her neck.

Grace let out a soft chuckle, though it came out more like a breathy exhale. “Don’t get cocky. You are not that good.”

But then she felt Rune leaning closer, and his warm breath brushed against her ear. “Liar,” he whispered.