Chapter 14 He Seems… Truly Tempting

The moment Lu Shiyan finished speaking, Xu Anhao abruptly straightened up and turned to flee:

“I’m tired. I need to shower and sleep.”

But she had barely taken a step when his hand caught her wrist, and the next second, his warm chest pressed against her back.

He embraced her from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder, his breath carrying the scent of fir as he whispered by her ear, “Let me help you wash.”

Before Xu Anhao could react, Lu Shiyan was already leading her by the hand toward the bathroom.

When the door opened, warm steam greeted them, carrying just the right temperature to dispel the night’s chill.

Lu Shiyan’s arm encircled Xu Anhao’s waist, his palm resting against her warm skin, still carrying the residual heat from his recent shower.

He adjusted the showerhead for her, deliberately softening the water’s impact when it fell upon her shoulders.

“Is the water temperature comfortable?” His voice was husky, mingling with the steam as it drifted into her ears, sending faint tingles through her.

Xu Anhao didn’t speak, only giving a slight nod.

The tips of her ears remained flushed, and with her eyes downcast, even her breathing became light and slow.

Watching her like this, Lu Shiyan chuckled softly, picking up a bath sponge with his other hand and squeezing some citrus-scented body washing onto it, working it into a rich lather.

Instead of applying it directly to her body, he first touched the back of her hand: “Not too cold, right?”

Only when she shook her head slightly did he slowly begin washing her arms.

The foam clung to her skin, carrying a faint sweetness that intertwined with the fir fragrance from his body, creating a soothing aura.

The water flowed down her spine, gradually rinsing away the foam and leaving behind a cool, damp sensation.

Lu Shiyan’s fingertips followed the water’s path, occasionally brushing against her waist and making her shiver slightly, her breath catching for half a beat.

“Those tickles…” Xu Anhao’s voice carried a soft, plaintive note.

He paused, leaning closer to rest his chin on her shoulder, his warm breath brushing against her ear: “Then I’ll be gentler.”

As he spoke, his chest pressed against her back, and through the thin veil of steam, she could feel the distinct rhythm of his heartbeat gradually synchronizing with her own.

The shower continued to flow, water falling upon their entwined bodies, splashing into tiny droplets that landed on the tiles and seeped into the gaps.

Unable to resist, Xu Anhao turned around and found herself nestled in his embrace.

Lu Shiyan tightened his arms around her, drawing her closer, his forehead against hers, his nose brushing her nose with a cool dampness against warm skin.

“Not afraid anymore?” His gaze fell upon her flushed lips, his voice dropping even lower, filled with unmistakable tenderness.

She didn’t answer, only lifting her hands to hook them around his neck, her fingertips gently stroking the nape of his neck.

There, a few damp strands of hair clung softly to his skin.

Lu Shiyan’s breathing instantly grew heavier as he slowly leaned in, his kiss landing on her lips.

The shower continued to flow, its “pattering” sounds gradually mingling with soft, shallow gasps that drifted with the steam around them.

The mirror on the wall was completely fogged by the steam, only reflecting two blurred yet intimate figures entwined together.

Lu Shiyan’s hand gently caressed her back, wiping away the remaining foam with movements full of reverence.

The steam grew thicker, enveloping their body heat, making time itself seem to slow down.

Only their mingled breaths, heartbeats, and occasional soft murmurs remained, slowly intertwining in the warm light.

The entire bathroom was steeped in tender affection, completely shutting out the chill of the night.

After what felt like an eternity, the water stopped running, leaving only the sound of their mingled breaths in the bathroom.

Lu Shiyan wrapped her in a large bath towel and carried her out of the bathroom.

Xu Anhao leaned against his chest, feeling the warmth of his palm, when suddenly her mind buzzed and clarity returned.

Had she long wanted to draw a clear line with him?

When he offered her two million last time, she explicitly said she “didn’t want it anymore” and didn’t want to be involved with him.

Just moments ago, she persistently asked, “Why aren’t you taking me home?” her heart full of the desire to escape.

But now, she was letting him hold her, kiss her, without even the strength to refuse.

Contradictory thoughts churned in Xu Anhao’s mind.

She should be repulsed so why did his warmth, his scent, his tenderness feel so addictive?

Noticing her distraction, Lu Shiyan paused and gently touched her cheek.

“What are you thinking?” His voice was low, carrying a lazy magnetism.

Xu Anhao didn’t answer, secretly lifting her gaze.

His damp bangs clung to his forehead, his eyes were clearly gentle, and droplets of water still dotted his collarbone.

Images from the bathroom flashed through her mind: his kisses, his embrace, the feel of his touch…

Her cheeks grew even hotter, and a thought that surprised even herself emerged:

He seemed… truly irresistible.

Lu Shiyan seemed to see through her thoughts, letting out a soft chuckle, the vibration from his chest transmitting to her palm through his skin.

He didn’t press further, carrying her to the bedside and gently laying her on the soft bed.

Then, he slowly leaned down, drawing closer to her.

His breath brushed against her ear, carrying the scent of fir fragrance, making her instinctively shrink deeper into the sheets.

“Don’t… get so close.”

Hearing this, Lu Shiyan’s smile widened. Instead of pulling back, he took her hand and drew her gently toward him.

“What are you afraid of? It’s not the first time.”

His voice was low, filled with a certain tenderness, as if reminding her that they were no longer strangers.

Xu Anhao’s heart skipped a beat, her fingers tightening subconsciously, but she didn’t struggle.

Lu Shiyan watched her reddening ear tips, leaning in even closer until his nose brushed against her, and whispered:

“Do you like me?”

Xu Anhao parted her lips, but no sound came out.

She couldn’t deny it, nor could she admit it, so she turned her head away, avoiding his gaze.

But her body betrayed her breathing quickened, and even the tips of her ears flushed a deep red.

Seeing her like this, Lu Shiyan didn’t push for an answer. Instead, he lowered his head and gently kissed the corner of her lips.

Then, his kisses trailed downward, landing on her neck, his voice warm against her skin:

“One more time?”

Xu Anhao’s body stiffened slightly, but she didn’t pull away as she had before.

She closed her eyes, savoring his kisses, his warmth.

Reason still whispered, “You should push him away,” but the desire in her heart grew clearer.

Forget it.

If she wanted to cut ties, she could deal with it tomorrow.

Right now… she truly craved him.

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Zephyr Yizelle

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