Live With Your Blood || LingOrm

Chapter 17: Forbidden Temptation

The night had grown late, the once vibrant energy of the restaurant faded into the quiet hum of the city outside. Gulf had decided to stay behind and help Bow and Mint close down, but Ling wasn't in any state to do the same. She looked dazed, her movements sluggish, almost like someone drunk. Only, she touched a sip of wine; her strange state was from consuming human food.

"Orm, can you take her home?" Gulf asked, tossing Ling's car keys to Orm. "She's in no condition to drive."

Orm caught the keys and glanced at Ling, who was wobbling slightly, her eyes unfocused. "Yeah, I got her." June ended up just going back home with Franky only.

The drive back to Ling's penthouse was quiet, the soft purr of the BMW's engine the only sound in the car. Ling sat in the passenger seat, her head resting against the window, eyes half-closed as if trying to fight off the strange sensation in her body.

When they finally reached the penthouse, Ling made a beeline for the fridge as soon as the door opened.

"I need... ox blood... I need it," she muttered, her voice thick with need.

"Stop there!" Orm barked, her voice sharp, halting Ling in her tracks. Ling's legs froze, her hand inches from the fridge door handle. The power in Orm's voice left no room for argument.

"What did I tell you?" Orm stepped closer, her tone reprimanding but filled with concern. "First, do not mention of Prig. Second, no sudden skinship. Third, no staring. And most importantly, I've told you countless times—don't reveal your identity!"

Ling's eyes widened, her blush deepening as if the scolding hit harder than she expected. She looked at Orm with glassy, slightly confused eyes.

"You did?" Ling asked, a slight twitch of guilt in her expression.

"Yes!" Orm sighed deeply, rubbing her temple. "How could you not keep a single promise?"

"All of them?" Ling blinked, genuinely confused.

Orm gave her a sharp glare, exasperated, just as Ling's phone rang, breaking the tension in the air. Ling glanced at the screen, her eyes widening as she saw Suree's name flash across it. She held the phone up to Orm, who widened her eyes in warning, mouthing, Don't say anything stupid!

Ling nodded, giving an exaggerated 'okay' sign before answering the call.

"Hey, have you arrived home safely?" Suree's voice filtered through, soft and concerned.

"Yes," Ling replied, glancing at Orm who was already at the fridge, preparing her ox blood. "I'm at home now."

"You seemed fairly dizzy earlier. Are you all right?" Suree's concern was palpable.

Ling's eyes lingered on the bowl of ox blood jelly Orm was setting down. "I'm fine," she answered, her voice sounding distant as her focus shifted to the meal in front of her.

"I forgot to thank you earlier," Suree continued. "You saved my life."

"I only did what anyone would have done," Ling replied mechanically, her mind elsewhere, already drooling at the sight of the thick, crimson ox blood jelly.

"Still, I'd like to express my gratitude. Are you free tomorrow?" Suree asked on the line.

Ling's eyes widened, her hunger momentarily replaced with surprise. "Yes. I'm free all day," she said, staring longingly at the blood Orm had just placed on the table.

"I'll text you the details. See you tomorrow," Suree said before hanging up.

As soon as the call ended, Ling lunged for the bowl like a predator who hadn't eaten in days. In her haste, her hairpin struck Orm's lip, drawing a small cut.