When you toss fresh meat to a wolf, of course the wolf won’t be polite. A dangerous glint flashed in Nolan Dongling’s eyes, and while Serena Feng drifted between sleep and waking, he had already marked her back with countless traces.
“Ah! What are you doing?” Serena snapped awake, startled, and yelped, trying to roll off the jade couch.
But once you’ve boarded a pirate ship, it’s not so easy to jump off. Nolan held her down with one hand, his chin resting against her back, voice teasing: “What else could I possibly do to you here?”
Nolan said this with total seriousness, not a hint of change in his tone. He wasn’t cursing or being vulgar—he was just stating a fact.
“You... scoundrel.” Serena fumbled for words, unable to come up with anything else. Nolan’s line wasn’t just suggestive—it was loaded, and anyone could guess exactly what he meant.
That kind of blunt talk—‘do you’—was common in the barracks. She’d heard plenty worse, and it was just a catchphrase to her. But coming from Nolan right now, it made her whole body feel restless.
“I may not be a gentleman, but I’m no scoundrel.” Nolan hovered over her, his fingers tracing back and forth along her skin.
“If this isn’t being a scoundrel, what is?” Serena’s breath quickened as she tried to turn and face him, but Nolan wouldn’t allow it—he kept her with her back to him. “I’m the creditor here, come to collect my thank-you gift. Since it’s for me, of course I’ll unwrap it myself.”
Nolan lowered his head to Serena’s back, planting countless gentle kisses, especially at the scar. There, his touch was impossibly soft.
With her back to Nolan, Serena couldn’t see or guess what he was doing, or what he’d do next. That uncertainty made her uneasy—and even more expectant. The tension only made her excitement sharper.
In an atmosphere like this, with Nolan teasing her so expertly, it would be strange not to feel something. If she felt nothing, that would be the real problem.
......
A long time passed...
Her voice, now tinged with desire, was low and husky, carrying a temptation she couldn’t quite name. After a brief rest, Serena recovered some clarity and put on a show of arrogance: “Your technique’s not bad. I’ll give you a gold star when I get the chance.”
As she spoke, she couldn’t resist giving Nolan a playful pinch, making it clear she was the boss here—and the one beneath her was just her little underling.
His skin was smooth—not porcelain-pale, but radiating healthy color that made her feel safe. Most importantly, Nolan’s body was flawless, not a single mark, unlike the scar on her own back.
The scar!
The playful smile and lingering desire vanished from Serena’s face in an instant, tears shimmered in her eyes. She finally understood why Nolan was so fixated on her back tonight—it was all because of that old wound.
“What’s wrong?” Nolan noticed Serena’s sudden change of expression and tried to sit up, only to realize she was pressing him down, making it impossible for him to move…
“I’m fine.” Serena hooked her arm around Nolan, her voice muffled. “Actually, I’m okay. I don’t mind.”
Her words trailed off, but both Nolan and Serena knew exactly what she meant—they were talking about the scar on her back.
“I don’t mind either, but I wish you’d never been hurt.” Nolan didn’t want her good mood ruined; he hugged Serena and rolled with her off the jade couch.
As they landed, Nolan braced himself against the floor to cushion her, then shifted their positions and launched into a fresh round of affection.
Another long, tangled interlude...
Satisfied, the two of them lay quietly together on the floor, their clothes long forgotten. Neither cared at all—they simply basked in the warmth that lingered after love.
The air still held traces of their passion. Once Nolan had rested enough, he picked up a large bath towel and gently cleaned Serena, then scooped her up in his arms and carried her toward the hot spring.
Serena was exhausted, but not so drained she couldn’t lift a hand. She knew Nolan was strong, but she still reached out, wrapping her arms around his neck.
It wasn’t because she was afraid he’d drop her, but to answer him—to let Nolan know she liked being held and treasured like something precious.
So when Serena wrapped her arms around Nolan’s neck, he lowered his head and kissed her on the forehead. “Let’s soak in the springs. The hot water will wash away all your fatigue.”
“Mm.” Serena, who’d already enjoyed a dip, knew just how good the hot spring was. Right now, she needed the soothing soak more than ever.
Together, they walked up the steps and into Jadebrook Pool, sending up tiny splashes. Nolan kept his arms around Serena, letting her cling to his neck as he gently massaged her waist.
Serena didn’t resist, resting her head against Nolan’s chest. Only now did she notice the water level was perfect for her, though a bit shallow for him.
But Nolan could soak here every day; for Serena, this was a rare treat. Of course he’d make sure she got exactly what she needed—Serena felt absolutely no pressure at all.
After soaking for a while, Serena started to feel a bit drowsy and heavy. She knew she couldn’t stay in much longer, and sensing her strength was mostly restored, she gently pushed Nolan away and made for the edge of the pool.
Nolan had been taking the lead all along, but this time, it was her turn.
Nolan Dongling, get ready—now it’s my move!