She placed her hands against his chest breathing softly. He pulled back just enough to look down at her his eyes dark with longing his voice husky “Wife what is wrong?”
Xu Yaoyao felt the change clearly heat rising to her cheeks and her words coming unsteady “I I have not bathed yet.”
“It is alright I do not mind” Jiang Chiye smiled gently.
“No I mind” Xu Yaoyao said firmly frowning.
Jiang Chiye sighed helplessly. He lifted her up carried her to the bathroom and set her down “How about we bathe together?”
“No” She pushed him out and waited until the door was fully closed before letting out a breath and turning on the water slowly.
Jiang Chiye knew she took her time so he took his clothes and had a quick wash outside. When he returned the water was still running. About fifteen minutes later the sound stopped abruptly. The door creaked open and Xu Yaoyao peeked out her face flushed bright red “Husband”
Jiang Chiye walked over “What is it my dear?”
Xu Yaoyao looked embarrassed “I do not have any clean clothes to change into.” It felt oddly familiar.
Jiang Chiye’s gaze darkened. The thought of her standing there without anything on made his throat bob his eyes burning with heat. He wanted to say you do not need to wear anything at all it would only come off again but he did not dare. “Wait here I will get you something.”
Xu Yaoyao nodded and closed the door waiting patiently. He brought his own clothes rather than anyone else’s the idea of her wearing something that belonged to another man did not sit right with him. He knocked softly “Wife open the door.”
The door opened just a crack and her slender fair hand reached out “Give it to me please.” She took the clothes and quickly shut the door again. He touched the tip of his nose and stood waiting quietly.
About ten minutes later she shuffled out grumbling “Could you not have gotten something from your sister? This is so big how am I supposed to wear it?” His shirt hung long and loose reaching just above her thighs and the trousers were far too big to stay up. She had only managed to put on the top.
When he did not answer she frowned “Are you even listening to me” She stopped short. Their eyes met and his were bright red burning with need held back for far too long. He looked at her openly with hungry intensity. Xu Yaoyao’s breath caught and she stepped back instinctively.
Jiang Chiye stepped forward pulling her firmly against him his gaze deepening to a rich dark shade. “Wife I cannot hold back anymore.” He lifted her up in one smooth motion. She gasped and wrapped her arms around his neck. The world spun and she found herself lying on the bed looking up at him his eyes wild with desire. She swallowed hard.
“Wife”
“Mmm” He smiled and leaned over her his hands roaming confidently over her. She was perfectly formed slender where she should be and soft in all the right places.
“Mmm” She let out a quiet sound her resolve crumbling slowly until she could no longer hold herself back.
Night settled outside moonlight falling across the branches. Crickets chirped softly in the quiet darkness while inside the room warmth and tenderness filled every corner. They moved together for a long time clothes scattered across the floor until at last they rested.
The next morning.
“Wake up my dear”
Xu Yaoyao opened her eyes slowly feeling as though every muscle ached. Even the smallest movement brought pain. Beside her Jiang Chiye stood bright eyed and energetic smiling down at her completely unaffected. It was hardly fair she felt drained and exhausted yet he looked as strong as ever. At least he had cleaned her gently and dressed her in fresh clothes.
She tried to sit up wincing as she pulled at tender muscles. Jiang Chiye noticed immediately and sat beside her supporting her “Breakfast is ready. Our parents are waiting downstairs to see us off to the station.”
She remembered then they were heading to the military base together today “Why did you not wake me sooner?”
“I wanted to let you rest a little longer”
“And whose fault is that?” She gave him a pointed look.
He looked sheepish “Mine.”
“Hmph.”
“Where are my clothes?” She was still wearing yesterday’s garment loose and comfortable.
“I have already prepared them for you” He gestured toward the bedside table “They are right here.”
She glanced over and saw a set of women’s clothing laid out neatly “Well then why are you still standing there?”
“Why leave?” He smiled “Change I will stay right here. I will not look I promise.” He had seen her before and touched her and kissed her. There were no secrets between them anymore.
“Sure” She said dryly “Do you really expect me to believe that?”
He looked a little embarrassed but his expression remained earnest “I am only trying to help in case your legs feel weak.”
“Get out get out get out!!!” She waved him away.
He stepped outside and waited by the door. When she heard it click shut she pushed back the covers and stood up. Her legs wobbled the moment they touched the floor and she nearly fell catching herself against the bedframe. She waited until the feeling steadied and then slowly dressed and walked out.
“You are ready” Jiang Chiye stepped forward grinning warmly.
She ignored him. Even though she had started it all she had asked him to stop several times and he had not. It was entirely his fault.
In the living room everyone was gathered. She shot him one last look and then smiled brightly “Good morning Father Mother Grandfather.”
“Good morning” They replied together.
Jiang’s mother’s eyes lit up as she glanced at the marks on Xu Yaoyao’s neck. It would not be long now before she welcomed a grandchild. “You must be hungry Yaoyao. The food is kept warm let Chiye bring it to the table.”
“Have you all eaten already?”
“Yes go and eat quickly” Jiang’s mother said giving her son a sharp look. That boy had no consideration she thought to herself Yaoyao is still young and this is all new to her. She had noticed the dark circles beneath her eyes clearly she had not slept a wink. Like father like son they are exactly the same.
Jiang Chiye rubbed his nose and obediently went to bring out the food. He had skipped eating earlier so he could sit with her while she ate. His mother pinched his father’s arm hard and he winced wondering what he had done wrong.
Xu’s father looked at his daughter and his heart sank. His precious girl had been taken.