The night was deep, and the air thick with longing. Inside the room, the dim candlelight cast a haze of intimacy and ambiguity. Ninth Royal Uncle (Nolan) gently laid Serena Feng down, his left hand deftly undoing her clothes.
A chill ran over her skin, sobering Serena from the wine just enough to realize how close she and Nolan truly were. Yet she made no move to resist; only in moments like this did she feel truly near to him—so close, so close...
Since she didn't want to resist, she might as well enjoy it. Nolan was supposed to return to his manor soon—she acted indifferent on the surface, but inside she couldn't bear to let him go. Still, she had no choice; if Nolan stayed any longer, she might really be dragged off for public disgrace and harsh punishment—like being drowned in a pig cage, the ancient penalty for women who broke the rules.
Serena shifted, making herself more comfortable on the bed. Only when Nolan used his left hand to slide off her underwear did she suddenly remember how she'd been tricked earlier that day.
Fueled by the alcohol, she hooked her arms around Nolan's neck, her tongue lightly teasing his ear as she purred, "Nolan, your left hand is so skillful. Looks like even if your right hand were ruined, it wouldn't affect your life at all."
As she spoke, she twisted around and pressed down right on Nolan's injured right hand.
Serena knew exactly how bad Nolan's right hand injury was. After her little act of punishment, she obediently moved away—if his hand were truly crippled, she'd be the first to regret it.
Nolan didn't even flinch at Serena's childish antics—he didn't change his expression or so much as raise an eyebrow. A sly smile played at his lips: "As long as my wife is satisfied, that's all that matters."
All that remained on Serena was a lake-blue dudou. Faced with her alluring beauty, Nolan finally lost control—he bent down and kissed her fiercely, hot and possessive, as if he wanted to devour her whole.
Serena, I miss you. I miss you!
His lips tangled with Serena's, and his uninjured left hand was just as busy. With his right hand wounded, his left had to do all the work.
"Mm... ah." Just a kiss, just a gentle touch, and Serena felt a sudden heat in her chest, her whole body burning—like a fire was raging inside her. Restless, she twisted beneath him, her hazy eyes flickering with shock.
What's happening to me? Did Nolan drug me? No, he wouldn't—he's not that kind of man. Then it must be the wine. That wine was suspicious. Serena's mind flashed to the notorious Snowbrew scandal—when Princess Yara and Prince Adrian were compromised at Nolan's villa after drinking doctored wine, which led to public disgrace and forced marriage.
Ugh... Serena never thought Nolan would use a trick like this on her. He must really want her, if he'd resort to tricks like this.
Nolan kept a close eye on Serena's expression, worried he might be too impatient and make her uncomfortable—if she got angry, she might really kick him out of bed. Seeing doubt in her eyes, he knew exactly what she was thinking. He had used a little trick, yes, but he'd never do anything that could truly harm her body.
A secretive smile curled at Nolan's lips as he leaned over Serena, whispering teasingly in her ear: "Serena, are you feeling hot? Don't you want me to hold you? Do you want me to come inside?"
"Hmph..." How was she supposed to answer a question like that? Serena turned her face away, refusing to respond.
She didn't believe for a second that she was the only one who wanted this—Nolan must want it even more than she did.
Nolan let out a low laugh. Tonight, he had no intention of letting Serena off easy...