Delighted by this realization, Michael cheerfully continued his assault on the remaining mantis shrimp.
After peeling and feeding the sweet meat into the mouths of Clara, Lucian, and Evelyn, Evelyn finally cried out that she was stuffed.
"I'm completely full now. You eat your fill, I'll peel the rest for you," she said, eyeing the stacked plate in front of the man with genuine sympathy.
Without another word, she slipped on a pair of gloves, picked up a fork and began removing scallop meat into a clean dish for Michael.
Before she could even finish one, he stopped her. Gently reaching out, he unclasped her left hand, slipped off her gloves, and tossed them into the bin.
"Just enjoy your meal. I'll take care of it," he insisted softly. There was no need for her to lift a finger.
In the future, when they were living together, she wouldn't even need to touch a shell, whether he was there or the estate staff were present, she would only ever need to open her mouth to be fed.
