"John, where are we going?"
After leaving the cemetery, Bertha, still held tightly in his arms, couldn't help but ask.
"Bridal chamber," he answered casually.
"Bridal chamber?"
She blinked in shock. "Are you trying to hit on me again?"
"What do you mean by 'hit on'? This is a matter of righteousness and propriety."
"What?" Her voice pitched higher, confusion written across her face.
"Haven't you already admitted that you're my future wife?"
"When did I…?"
She trailed off. It suddenly dawned on her—back at the cemetery, when he had spoken those words in front of his mother's tombstone. She hadn't corrected him. Not because she agreed, but out of respect for his grief.
Even if she did like him, wasn't it a bit too soon?
How could they head to the bridal chamber so directly?
"Put me down! I don't want to marry you so soon!"
She struggled in his arms.
With one arm, he lifted her easily, and with the other, delivered a playful smack to her backside. "Behave yourself."
"Bastard! Don't go too far. I'm not that kind of girl!"
Gritting her teeth in frustration, she leaned forward, ready to bite him.
John said with a teasing grin, "I think it'd be better if you bit me when no one's watching. It's bad for your image as Master Bertha."
"My image has long been ruined by you, you scoundrel!"
But he had a point. There were too many people on the street. She couldn't exactly bite him here—or… should she wait until they were alone?
Wait… alone?
And bite?
Realization hit her like a thunderbolt. Her face turned a brilliant shade of red. Embarrassed, she buried her head against John's chest, hoping no one would recognize her.
Thankfully, the passersby paid them no mind.
Although the name Master Bertha was well-known in martial arts circles, few people had actually seen her in person. Back at the Houston Martial Arts School, she had already stood out as a prodigy. After graduation, she had been transferred directly to the Central US Martial Arts League. With Alexandra's support, she quickly rose to a leadership position.
Her photos were only ever displayed internally—restricted to the school forum, which required special clearance.
So it made sense that the average person wouldn't recognize her face.
Even Anita had heard the name Master Bertha while working in Houston's entertainment industry, but she had never connected it to her own sister.
Still, Bertha didn't want to take chances. She pressed her burning cheeks into John's chest, utterly flustered.
John, watching her reaction, wore a smug smile and carried her all the way to the Long Family estate.
Arno, seeing that John had returned safely, was overjoyed. He rushed forward and said, "Thank goodness you're alright! Did you find out who the murderer was?"
Clearly, he was worried that the killer might strike again. After all, John's status carried weight, and the Long Family couldn't afford another incident.
John reassured him, "You don't need to worry. Alexandra cleared everything up. It was all a misunderstanding."
"That's a relief," Arno said with a sigh.
Then, giving the woman in John's arms a curious look, he asked, "And who is this?"
Bertha buried her face deeper, shaking her head furiously.
John chuckled and, drawing out his words dramatically, said, "This is the famous— Hiss!"
A sharp pain radiated from his chest.
She had pinched him—hard.
John winced and scolded her in his heart. So ruthless!
Changing tack, he said, "Well, this… this is just a little wife I picked up on the road."
Not daring to linger, he rushed into one of the Long Family villas with Bertha still in his arms.
This particular villa had been arranged for him by Arno—quiet, secluded, and perfect for his needs.
He barged through the door.
"Stop! Stop, you crazy woman!" John yelled as soon as they were inside.
"No!"
Bertha was determined to teach this bastard a lesson.
"You won't let me go, huh? You asked for it!"
With no warning, he tossed her onto the bed—still in his arms. As they landed, he reached for her chest and gave a firm squeeze.
"Ah—!"
She screamed in shock, her teeth releasing their grip. Then, her long leg shot upward in reflex, catching John square in the stomach.
Stunned and gasping, he clutched his midsection.
She stared, horrified.
She hadn't meant for things to go that far.
But when she saw John holding his stomach with a pained expression, she burst into laughter. Pointing a finger at him, she said smugly, "Serves you right! Bah!"
"How dare you challenge me? You think I won't teach you a lesson? I'll fuck you today!"
His voice was a growl now—half anger, half desire.
John grabbed her wrists and pinned her beneath him. When she tried to kick again, he anticipated it and locked her legs down with his own.
How could a Heaven Master match the King of Horizon?
In no time at all, she was completely restrained.
Her breathing quickened. Panic flashed in her eyes.
She wriggled, but it was no use.
Then she turned her face away, her cheeks burning, and whispered in a trembling voice,
"Please… be gentle…"