The cool air hit her skin as each barrier of clothing slipped away under his hands, discarded carelessly to the floor. His lips trailed down the curve of her throat, slow and deliberate, leaving behind sparks that made her tremble.
Her breath shuddered when his palm pressed against her waist, dragging her flush against him, the heat of his body overwhelming.
Hot kisses marked her skin, hand slipped into hers, he didn't rush, every move was deliberate but intense.
Her heart stumbles as he laid her back against the sheets. His hands mapped every inch of her as though memorizing her, his gaze locked with hers even in the most vulnerable moments, daring her to look away.
Impact of his fingers hitting her right where she trembles before she tensed for a moment then jolts.
She sighed after the tense release, chest rising and falling in uneven breaths, trying to gather herself. Just as she attempted to sit up, a firm hand pressed against her shoulder, forcing her back down into the mattress.
Zhu Zihan leaned over her, his shadow engulfing her, his eyes gleaming with dangerous satisfaction.
"We are not done yet, Mrs. Zhu," his voice was low, dark, threaded with a hunger that refused to relent. His lips brushed against the corner of her mouth, making her shiver. "The night is just getting started."
Her protest died before it could even leave her lips. The weight of his presence, the heat of his touch, and the commanding tone that brooked no refusal left her defenseless.
The lights dimmed behind her eyes again, every sense overwhelmed by him. And though she should have resisted, should have feared how mercilessly he claimed her, Guo Min knew, there was no more escape. Tonight, she belonged wholly to him.
---
The Next Morning.
The sun spilled gently into the room through sheer curtains, painting everything in soft gold. Zhu Zihan was already awake, standing tall before the mirror as he buttoned the cuffs of his crisp shirt. His expression was sharp, refreshed, as though the night had only invigorated him. His skin looked clearer, his energy untouchable, the air around him carrying that same cold authority, yet faintly softened by satisfaction.
By the time breakfast was delivered, he was already seated by the low table, sipping his tea with calm precision. Not a hair out of place, not the slightest hint of exhaustion.
On the other hand, Guo Min was still fast asleep in the tangled sheets, her breathing deep and steady, utterly drained from the night's relentless demands. Strands of hair clung to her face, her lips faintly parted, her body too worn to stir even at the scent of warm food.
Zihan's gaze flicked toward her, lingering for a long moment. The corner of his lips tugged ever so slightly, a private smirk reserved only for her, his wife, his conquest, his everything.
With deliberate calm, he set his teacup down. "Rest well, Mrs. Zhu," he murmured under his breath, a promise and a warning intertwined. "Last night was only the beginning."
As if on cue, she stirred, blinking her eyes open against the morning light. For a few minutes, Guo Min simply lay there, staring at the wall in silent, and with a groan, she finally pushed herself up.
The moment her feet touched the floor, she wobbled slightly, stumbling on her own step and immediately recollecting everything that had happened last night. Heat crept up her neck at the memory as she caught herself against the edge of the bed and frowned, muttering under her breath, "Tsk! He was anything but calm yesterday."
From his seat across the room, Zihan's deep chuckle rumbled, low and knowing. He didn't even glance up from his tea as he said, almost lazily, "If I remember clearly, you were the one pleading for me to go faster, Mrs. Zhu."
Her face flushed scarlet. "Don't tease me!" she snapped, puffing her cheeks in indignation before giving a sharp little "humph."
Without waiting for his reply, she turned on her heel and hurried toward the bathroom, her steps brisk despite her soreness.
Zihan's eyes followed her retreating back, his lips curving into a smirk that carried both amusement and pride. He leaned back in his chair, savoring his tea, utterly unbothered.
It wasn't long before she emerged from the bathroom, freshened up, her hair damp at the ends and her face set in a faint scowl. She shot him a glare cold enough to freeze the air between them, but not a single word left her lips. Instead, she sat on the edge of the bed, pulling out her concealer.
Her movements were sharp, almost defensive, as she dusted the product across her shoulder. The mirror caught the faint glimpse of bruised marks, hidden under the beige strokes. She pressed a little harder than necessary, her frown deepening when she realized just how many she had to cover.
Zihan, still sipping his tea, said nothing. He merely watched, his calm gaze betraying neither guilt nor apology, instead it was quiet satisfaction.
When she was done, she finally moved to join him at the table. Breakfast passed in silence, the clinking of cutlery against porcelain filling the room. Guo Min kept her focus on the food, while Zihan leaned slightly toward her, lowering his voice so only she could hear.
"We are going jet skiing" he whispered, his tone firm, leaving no room for argument. "Get ready."
Her chopsticks paused mid-air. Slowly, she turned her head, giving him a side-eye glare that spoke volumes. "Jet skiing?, Really? After last night, you think I have the strength for that?"
The corner of Zihan's lips curved again. "If you don't have a problem with us staying indoors," he replied evenly, a dangerous gleam flickering in his eyes, "I don't mind."
Guo Min's heart skipped. She jerked up so fast her chopsticks clattered onto the table. "I've changed my mind," she announced, forcing a bright, fake smile. "I can't wait to ski." She hurriedly darted into the bedroom, leaving Zihan sipping his tea with a knowing smirk.
In minutes, she reappeared.
A black bikini hugged her figure, straps tied neatly over her shoulders, a delicate waist chain glittering against her skin. Her hair was clipped up, curled bangs framing her face, and jewelry shimmered across her neck, ears, and wrist. The butterfly tattoo on her side peeked boldly on her right hip in the sunlight that streamed through the windows. To finish, she tied a light chiffon scarf loosely around her waist, giving her a mix of daring and playful modesty.
"I'm ready," she declared, striking a little pose before grabbing her beach tote.
Zihan didn't move. He simply stared. Bottom down shirt loose, shorts casual, his calm presence was enough to make her falter. He stayed silent long enough for her to frown.
"…What?"
His gaze sharpened, voice cutting low. "No."
Guo Min blinked. "No? What do you mean no?"
"You can't wear that." His tone was flat and absolute, as though it were law.
Her brows arched, disbelief dripping from her voice. "Excuse me? Since when do you get to decide what I wear? And besides, what do you expect me to wear if not a bikini?"
"Aren't there other modest ones?" Zihan countered coolly, his eyes narrowing just slightly.
"I don't like those." She crossed her arms, chin tilting defiantly. "Why are you so worried anyway? You're going to be there with me."
He stared at her for a moment, the silence thick between them. Then, without a word, he shrugged off his shirt and tossed it toward her. "Wear that then."
She caught it, staring at the oversized fabric before glaring back at him. "…This will ruin my whole outfit combination."
Zihan's lips twitched, almost a smirk. "Good. That way I don't have to kill anyone who stares too long."
Her mouth fell open at his bluntness. Without a second thought, she threw the coat back at him, the fabric hitting his chest with a soft thud. "Keep your caveman rules to yourself," she huffed before storming back inside.
A few minutes later, she reappeared, head held high. This time she wore a black, see-through chiffon after-dress draped over her bikini, the delicate fabric fluttering with every step. She did a slow twirl, defiance glittering in her eyes. "At least this should be okay."
Zihan's gaze swept over her, unhurried, sharp, and annoyingly thorough. His verdict came without pause. "I can still see everything, though."
Guo Min sighed, exasperated. "You're impossible."
He began walking toward her, each step deliberate, his presence filling the space until the air grew heavy. He leaned down, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "Come on… please."
The word didn't sound like a plea, it was velvet-wrapped command, threaded with something dangerously close to jealousy.
Her chest rose and fell faster, caught between the urge to roll her eyes and the inconvenient flutter in her stomach. "You don't play fair, Zhu Zihan," she muttered.
His lips curved. "I don't need to. You're my wife. That's enough."
"Ok fine".