She was no longer the carefree girl who could indulge herself as she pleased. The change in her status had given her a few more concerns.
Yet Ye Xuan refused to indulge her wishes. Instead, he tightened his arms and held her even closer, lowering his head to chuckle by her ear as warm breath brushed across her sensitive earlobe.
"What? We haven't seen each other for just four years, and you're already acting distant with me? Back in Slaughter City, who was the one clinging to me, crying and begging me to dote on you?"
At the mention of their time in Slaughter City, Meng Yiran's cheeks flushed even deeper.
Those days when night and day had blurred together, when they had given themselves over to indulgence, were the most scorching imprint in her memories.
"Th-That was all in the past."
Meng Yiran bit her lower lip and tried to struggle out of his embrace.
"Grandfather and Grandmother are both elders at Spirit Hall now. If anyone sees us like this, people will gossip."
"Gossip?" Ye Xuan raised an eyebrow, his steps never slowing as he headed straight for the large bed in the inner chamber, his tone carrying a hint of dominance.
"You're mine. Who would dare gossip? If Dragon Duke and Snake Granny knew, they would only be grateful that I treat you well."
He gently placed her on the soft brocade-covered bed. Before she could rise, he leaned over her, bracing both hands at her sides.
Lying on the bed, Meng Yiran looked up at the handsome face so close to hers, her heartbeat growing ever more frantic.
His eyes were deep as a pool, clearly reflecting her bashful appearance. The teasing and affection mingling in his gaze made her utterly unable to resist.
She instinctively