Bonds at War: The Untouched is Mine novel Chapter 316

Chapter 316 Self–control

LUNA

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“Oh, we’re not together,” I said quickly. I didn’t want to embarrass Lola, but I also didn’t want her to get the wrong idea. She had known me since I was a child. Pretending would have felt wrong somehow. “We’re just… friends,” I added, glancing briefly at Abel.

He didn’t say anything, but his jaw clenched slightly, a muscle ticking there before he looked

away.

“Oh, that’s too bad then,” Lola said in a disappointed tone. “You two make a great picture together.”

I focused back on Lola.

“You would even have the cutest children,” she added, making me choke on thin air.

“We have to go now,” I said quickly, cutting off the awkward silence that lingered between us. I reached into my bag and pulled out the money Queenie had given me for the eggs, adding a few more bills from my pocket. It was my small savings from the diner, but it was enough to make Lola stop worrying for at least a week.

She counted the bills carefully, her wrinkled hands trembling slightly as she separated the notes. Then her eyes widened. “This is too much, Luna,” she said firmly, pushing half of it back into my hand. “Take it. Go on. I’m not robbing you.”

I smiled and shook my head, taking a step back so she couldn’t press it into my palm again. “Buy all your medicine this month,” I said softly, waving my hand as I turned.

Her voice rose, filled with affection and scolding. “You, young woman! You don’t even have that much to eat!”

However, I was already walking away, pretending not to hear the tremble in her tone. I knew she cared, but I couldn’t stand the thought of her skipping her medicine again just because she thought I needed the money more.

I reached out instinctively, catching Abel’s hand as I stepped away from the stand. The spark between us was immediate. I meant to let go right away, but he didn’t pull away either. His fingers flexed slightly around mine, intensifying the sparks even more.

When I turned to look at him, the sight almost made me stop walking.

He wasn’t wearing his usual guarded expression. His brows, normally drawn, were relaxed, and

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Chapter 316 Self–control

in his eyes was something I didn’t expect at all.

He looked to be in pain.

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Before I could ask what was wrong, he dropped his gaze, his hand slipping from mine. He reached forward, taking the box of eggs and the plastic bag of chicken out of my hands without warning.

“Abel-” I started, instinctively trying to take them back.

“I’ll carry them,” he muttered.

“It’s fine, I can…”

He shook his head once. “I said I’ll carry them.”

I hesitated, watching him for a moment as he turned and began walking toward the parking lot.

The market noise faded behind me as I followed. He walked a few steps ahead, and I realized how easily people made way for him without even noticing.

I trailed behind quietly, feeling the sunlight brush against my shoulders as I tried to ignore the strange tightness in my chest.

He reached the car first, opened the back door, and placed the bags carefully on the car floor.

I opened the passenger door and slid inside quietly. The leather seat was warm from the sun. I clasped my hands on my lap, unsure if I should say something.

He got in a moment later, his scent filling the enclosed space. He didn’t start the car right away. He just sat there, one hand on the steering wheel, his other resting near the gear shift.

“Thanks,” I muttered.

He didn’t look at me, but I saw the corner of his mouth twitch slightly, like he wanted to say something but thought better of it. Then he exhaled, turned the key, and the car rumbled to life.

“Where are you going now?” he asked as he started driving.

“I have to start my shift soon,” I said, glancing out the window.

“You mentioned your stepmom’s diner,” he said, keeping his eyes on the road. “Is it owned by your family?”

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Chapter 316 Self–control

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I hesitated. “You could say that. It was my mom’s,” I said quietly. “It’s being taken care of by my stepmom after my father died.”

He frowned, a crease forming between his brows. “Shouldn’t you be taking care of it instead of your stepmother?”

His question made a lot of sense. It was one I asked myself most days.

“My mom died when I was young,” I said softly. “My dad died when I was still a minor, and… he didn’t leave a will.”

I paused, inhaling slowly before continuing. “My stepmom acquired it under her name. So, it’s hers now. Legally, anyway.”

“Then why are you working there?”

I was unsure how to answer. No one had ever asked me that before. Everyone else just assumed I was lucky Queenie let me stay after my father’s death.

“I guess…” I murmured, looking down at my hands. “Because it’s my mom’s; or at least, it used to be.”

“Are they paying you well?” he asked after a moment.

“Define well,” I said with a faint smile.

He didn’t seem amused. His brows pulled tighter, his grip on the steering wheel shifting. “Seriously, Luna,” he muttered under his breath.

“What?” I asked.

He sighed, one hand coming up to massage the bridge of his nose like he was holding back frustration. “Why are you letting this happen to you?”

His words hit me harder than I expected, “What do you mean?”

He shook his head, his jaw tightening again. “You’re working for someone who took what’s yours. You’re running errands like-” He stopped himself, exhaling sharply. “Forget it.”

I turned toward him, a small laugh slipping out before I could stop it. “Why do you look mad?”

“I’m not,” he said immediately.

“You are,” I pressed, tilting my head slightly. “You look like you want to strangle someone.”

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