Volume One, Chapter 84 She lifted her face, immersed in the tide he had brought.

Xu Zhi was caught off guard, her face suddenly burning. Usually, when Yang Xue occasionally watched short videos of racy men, she would share them with Xu Zhi, but Xu Zhi herself never cared for such things—she simply didn’t like muscle-bound men.

But Liang Jinmo was different. He looked slender in clothes but was solidly built without being exaggerated. His muscles were firm but not overdone, and his skin tone was fair with a cool undertone, without any deliberate tanning.

Just one glance, and the raw masculine energy crashed over her like a wave.

Xu Zhi’s mind went blank until the man turned and looked her way. She hurriedly spun around, facing away from him.

“You… you… put some clothes on first.”

After dinner, Liang Jinmo had calmed down a little; now, he was in the mood to tease her. “Why are you stammering?”

Even her ears burned. “Just put your clothes on! I have something to tell you.”

It was true she could keep staying here, but what if Xu Heping really called the police? Would they come looking for her at the hotel? Then he would be completely exposed… After living together for so long, the chaos wouldn’t just envelop her family but his as well. She’d drag him down with her…

Her thoughts whirled in confusion. She had come to discuss something serious, but now, tangled amidst all the mess, an image intruded.

A single droplet of water trickling down, the powerful lines of his body…

She was about to lose her mind.

Xu Zhi, why can’t you just think properly? she scolded herself inwardly.

From behind came the soft rustle of clothing; it seemed the man was finally dressing.

“All right.” He came up behind her. “What did you want to say?”

Xu Zhi breathed a sigh of relief and turned—only to freeze.

He was coaxing her, but Liang Jinmo still hadn’t put on a shirt!

This time, he was so close that with every breath, her senses were overwhelmed by his damp, woody scent, thick with masculine allure, enveloping her completely.

“You… you…” She didn’t know where to look, her mind blank. After two seconds, she tried to run.

But with one swift movement, his long arm wrapped easily around her slender waist.

He shifted, pinning her gently against the door, lowering his head. With one hand, he brushed aside her long hair, his cool lips pressing to the nape of her neck, his voice husky: “I what?”

“How could you… How could you lie to me—you’re so bad…” Xu Zhi’s body trembled.

She wanted to curse him, but no words came to mind.

He seemed to laugh softly against her skin.

Her back was pressed to his chest, and she could feel the faint tremor there—as if her heart was being set rippling by his touch.

“Why are you so easily embarrassed? Do you know…” He spoke slowly, his head lowered, pressing gentle kisses to her neck as her skin flushed red. “Every time I see you blush, I want to…”

He raised his head slightly, bit her delicate earlobe, and soothed it with a kiss before speaking three words.

Xu Zhi’s mind went blank, as if those three words had set her ablaze.

All reason shattered; she never imagined such words could be spoken so directly…

She was still wearing his white shirt, loose at the hem, which made it easy for his hand to slip inside.

Xu Zhi melted, about to slide down, but he held her firmly with one hand at her waist, the other moving upward.

She couldn’t help but gasp softly, bracing herself on the door as her breathing fell apart.

The shirt strained across her chest. She had just showered, with nothing underneath. When his hand found her, she completely forgot what she’d meant to say.

Trapped between his body and the door, in that narrow space, it felt as though there was barely enough air. She turned her face to take a breath, but he leaned in and kissed her.

She caught a faint hint of tobacco on his tongue, rough and bittersweet.

The air grew warmer, her soft murmurs mingling with his breath. At some point, a few shirt buttons came undone, exposing her pale shoulders, which he marked with red kisses one after another.

He soothed her waist and stomach with his hand, but soon his palm drifted lower.

Xu Zhi’s heartbeat quickened. In her fluster, she pressed his hand to stop him.

Liang Jinmo’s hand paused at the edge of decency. Truly, she no longer had any strength to resist him, but he didn’t go further.

Gazing into her tear-bright eyes, his own heart was awash with tenderness. He kissed her sweat-dampened temple, his voice hoarse beyond recognition. “Don’t be afraid… If you’re not ready, I won’t go further.”

Xu Zhi wasn’t entirely convinced; his readiness was pressing hot and hard against her lower back, impossible to ignore. Gasping, she whispered, “I… I’m not ready.”

“Mm,” he pressed his cheek to hers, “just kissing you.”

He was sweating too, his body burning hot, but his voice was gentle and rough, making her utterly defenseless.

Just kissing… Then let him… Her mind swam, realizing that to want to satisfy someone could feel like this.

He lifted her, placing her on the wardrobe beside them so they were face-to-face, with her sitting higher.

The few remaining shirt buttons barely held; as she realized and tried to cover herself, he lowered his head.

Breath caught in her throat, dissolving into a sound she couldn’t tell was pain or pleasure.

She felt as if she might melt, her blood boiling, and she clung to him, her hands tangling in his short, coarse hair.

Her head tipped back, breath shallow, lost in the waves he sent crashing through her.

How much time passed, she didn’t know—their breaths rose and fell, gradually slowing.

Her body, still soft as water, let him fasten her buttons one by one, then carry her to the bed.

On the bed, calm returned. He held her, pressing kisses to her forehead, her nose, her cheeks.

Xu Zhi reached out, her hand touching his sweat-slicked chest. The slight stickiness did not repulse her; she only nestled closer.

But then, hesitating, she quietly shifted her lower half away from him.

He still hadn’t calmed down.

Just as she thought this, he asked, “Don’t you believe me?”

“No…” She bit her lip, then after a pause, couldn’t help whispering, “Doesn’t it… hurt for you?”

“A little,” he admitted, hugging her close. “But don’t believe all those stories—if a man truly wants to restrain himself, he can.”

Curiosity got the better of her, and she glanced downward.

He caught her, raising an eyebrow. “So you don’t want to stop?”

Xu Zhi quickly covered her face. “No, I didn’t mean to!”

He chuckled softly, his hand gently stroking her ear, red as blood. “What were you going to say just now?”

Finally recalling her purpose, Xu Zhi said, “My mom called; she said my dad can’t find me and might call the police.”

Liang Jinmo wasn’t surprised. “Your company has nowhere left to turn. You’re his last hope—he won’t give up easily.”

“So what should I do?” Xu Zhi said anxiously. “If they find us here, you’ll get dragged in too.”

She could already imagine the blame and accusations that would rain down on him. His situation with the Liang family was already difficult—she couldn’t bear to make it worse.

He lowered his gaze, locking eyes with her. “Are you afraid?”

She hesitated. “I’m afraid I’ll drag you down…”

“I’m not afraid,” he said, gripping her hand and pressing it to his lips. “I’ve died once before. I know exactly what matters most to me. If they want to come, let them come.”