The moment she said those words, something stirred at my core — not in a spiritual sense, but in a way that was purely, undeniably physical. My whole body seemed to rise in response, lifting toward her even though I remained firmly seated.
Lady Yuan shifted slightly, something uncertain flickering across her expression. Those obsidian eyes turned to me.
"Lord Cade… something is poking me from beneath. Are you okay?"
Heat flooded through me — not just warmth, but a rushing current that pounded at my temples and tightened my chest. The most daunting question hung unanswered in the space between us: was this woman — flawless in her beauty, lethal in her gaze — genuinely innocent of what she was doing to me? Or was every confused blink, every uncertain question, a performance? A tease wrapped in bewilderment?
'There's no way to know. None at all.'
Instead of trying to puzzle it out, I drew her closer. Let my hands settle at her waist. Held her gaze with everything I had.
