The sunlight bathed the clearing as Leon carefully lifted Yun Lan into his arms, her body still warm and pliant from their shared intimacy. His lips lingered on her temple, and for a moment, it felt like the world had stilled for just the two of them.
But then Yun Lan's expression changed. She tilted her head, alert. "Do you hear that?"
Leon stopped in his tracks. From the direction of the cave's mouth, muffled voices echoed faintly against the stone walls.
"Someone's there," she whispered.
They exchanged a glance before he set her down gently. Though her ankle still throbbed, she leaned into him for support as they made their way toward the noise. As they turned a bend, light spilled through the cave's entrance, and four figures came into view.
"Grandmother? Grandfather?" Yun Lan gasped.
Her grandparents stood at the entrance, flanked by two familiar men in dark suits—Leon's assistants. The moment the elderly woman saw Yun Lan limping beside Leon, she rushed forward.
"Yun Lan! Thank heavens, you're alright!"
Leon's assistants gave a small bow. "We found you boos."
Leon nodded curtly. "Good work."
The ladder was already tied to a sturdy tree, dangling down into the pit. Leon turned to Yun Lan. "You go up first. It'll be safer that way."
She hesitated. "You sure?"
"I'll be right behind you," he promised.
She nodded and began her careful ascent. But halfway up, an impish idea sparked in her mind. When she finally reached the top, she looked back—Leon was almost there. Instead of waiting, she darted off quietly into the field beyond the trees.
She crouched behind a thick patch of wildflowers and giggled silently to herself. Her heart pounded as she imagined the look on his face.
Leon pulled himself up, exhaling with relief—only to find the clearing empty.
"Yun Lan?" he called, his voice rising with tension. He turned in every direction, spinning around. "Yun Lan?!"
Panic flared in his eyes. "Not again," he muttered, clenching his fists.
But before he could storm off to search, a rustle came from behind. Yun Lan emerged slowly through the tall flowers, a mischievous grin on her lips.
"Boo," she teased.
Leon whipped around and froze. For a heartbeat, all he could do was stare at her.
Then he stepped forward and pulled her into his arms with a rough urgency. "I thought you ran away again."
She blinked up at him. "I was thinking about it."
"Please," he said, his voice low and raw. "Stop running from me. Just once. I love you. I want to be with you every minute of my life. Let me love you, Yun Lan."
Her breath caught. She looked at his face—serious, vulnerable, yet blazing with that fierce devotion she'd seen more than once now. She touched his cheek, soft and slow.
"Fine," she said at last. "I'll give you a chance. But if I find out this is just a joke—"
He silenced her with a finger against her lips. "Shh, princess. That will never happen."
She let out a breathless laugh, her cheeks warming.
Leon grinned and suddenly lifted her up off the ground, holding her close. Her hands flew to his shoulders.
"Leon! Put me down!"
"Never," he growled playfully. "I'll never stop loving you. Not today, not ever."
He spun with her once, the field around them blurring in a golden haze of wind and laughter.
Yun Lan leaned into his neck, the warmth of his body anchoring her. She didn't know what tomorrow held, but right now, in his arms, she felt safe.
And maybe, just maybe, she was starting to believe that this man—this dangerous, cold, stubborn man—might actually be hers.
Later that day, after their emotional moment in the glade, Yun Lan and Leon returned with her grandparents and his two assistants. The mood had softened, and the old couple, seeing how gently Leon treated their granddaughter, began to warm up to him.
After settling down, Yun Lan's grandmother invited Leon to join them for dinner. "Come eat with us, young man. It's late, and you've helped Lan'er a lot today."
Leon smiled, his heart fluttering with the thought of being welcomed by her family. "Thank you, ma'am. I'd be honored."
The evening passed in a surprisingly warm atmosphere. Yun Lan's grandparents asked Leon about his background, and although he kept some details vague, he was polite and respectful. Yun Lan watched him, surprised at how naturally he fit into the calm setting, how his sharp edges softened in front of her grandparents.
After dinner, her grandfather stretched and let out a yawn. "It's already night. Why don't you stay here, Leon? We have an extra room."
Leon blinked, genuinely surprised. "Are you sure? I wouldn't want to intrude."
"Not at all," her grandmother replied. "You're family now, aren't you?"
Yun Lan's cheeks warmed, but she said nothing.
Later, she showed Leon to the spare room. She pointed to the neatly made bed. "You'll be sleeping here tonight."
Leon looked at the bed, then at her. "Wait. So, I'm sleeping alone?"
Yun Lan raised a brow. "Of course. What else did you expect?"
He stepped closer, pulling her gently into his arms. "Wife, I'm your husband. I'm supposed to sleep with you."
She pushed at his chest, but his smirk made her heart flutter. "Leon, behave. I'm going to my room."
Before she could leave, her grandmother walked into the room, holding a tray with two steaming cups. "Here, have some ginger tea. Good for the stomach and helps with the chill."
She handed them each a cup and smiled sweetly. "Good night, children. Sleep well."
With that, she left and gently closed the door behind her. A soft click followed. The door had been locked.
Yun Lan raised an eyebrow. "Did she just...?"
Leon didn't respond. He had already taken a few sips of the tea and was loosening the collar of his shirt. "It's so hot in here..."
Yun Lan sniffed her cup and instantly recognized a sharp undertone. Her eyes widened. "No... no way. Grandma put something in this tea."
Leon was already flushed. His breath was heavier, and his pupils darkened with desire. He reached out and grabbed her wrist. "Please... help me this once."
Yun Lan stumbled back, panic in her chest. "No—I can't!"
He groaned, his voice husky and desperate. "Please... do you really want to see your husband suffer?"
His pain looked genuine. Torn between logic and the heat in his eyes, Yun Lan hesitated. Slowly, she stepped toward him.
"Just this once," she muttered, cheeks burning.
Leon gently pulled her into his lap, burying his face in her neck. His kisses were hot and needy, lips traveling along her collarbone.
"You smell like heaven," he whispered. "I can't take it anymore."
Yun Lan's breath hitched. Her body betrayed her, responding to his touch. She should've pushed him away, but her hands gripped his shoulders instead.
Outside the door, her grandparents listened quietly. Her grandmother chuckled softly. "Finally, I might get to hold my grandbabies."
Her husband laughed too. "They're a good match."
Back inside, Leon lifted Yun Lan gently in his arms and carried her to the bed. He laid her down with such care it made her heart ache.
He kissed her neck again, nipping lightly. "Don't be scared my little kitten."
Yun Lan closed her eyes. Her fingers trembled as they brushed against his chest.
With that, Leon pulled the blanket over them.
Their bodies tangled beneath the sheets, whispering names and desires, the air thick with passion and heat.
That night, they sleep together. They spent the night hot and wild.