Time seemed to lose all meaning, leaving only the frantic pounding in their chests.
After what felt like an eternity, the two slowly parted.
A muffled, breathy sound escaped Li Zhi's parted lips.
She gasped for air, as if she had used up every last bit of oxygen.
The moment her eyes met Shen Yuan's, Li Zhi abruptly buried her burning, tingling face in the warm crook of his neck. Her tightly shut eyes quivered violently, betraying the storm still raging within her.
Her arms, draped around his neck and shoulders, felt weak. She was almost entirely supported by Shen Yuan's arm, which remained wrapped firmly around her waist.
Shen Yuan's chest was also heaving, his hot breath washing over the crown of Li Zhi's head.
He instinctively tilted his head, gently nuzzling his chin against the corner of her smooth forehead. The lingering softness on his lips and her unique, sweet scent filled his chest with an unprecedented sense of satisfaction and a thrill he'd never known.
