He was cradling her like a baby, while kissing like a lover. A jealous, possessive sensation crept into his heart.

He had mixed feelings when she was narrating her story just now. Ever since he met her, she had been so fragile, and scared of starting a new adventure, let alone diving into a relations.h.i.+p again. He was really curious of what actually had happened that shattered her soul and broke her to that extent of darkness.

But at the same time, he was unwilling to hear, as it had no meaning of talking about the past anymore because she had moved on. And that was what mattered the most out of all things.

Initially, they were only kissing at slow pace. He was consoling her, sucking the pain of past. When he felt her arms circled around his neck, he pulled her closer and started to kiss her deeper, thrusting his lips onto her. His palm was caressing her cheek, while he started his attack on her body, drugging all of her senses.

His lips were devouring her, his tongue searched for hers, exploring every corner of her mouth and they kissed sloppily. His mind was solely focusing on conquering her soul.

She was not shy responding in kissing him back. They had kissed many times up till now. But she felt something different this time. Was he... angry?

His one hand slipped to her waist and was pressing her silhouette close to him, as if he wanted her to melt into his embrace, mingling into one by the warmth of his love. His palm tracing her cheek kept guiding her to kiss him more pa.s.sionately.

She could feel his desperation, his insecurity, his jealousy through his rough attempt and heat of sudden pa.s.sion. She did not know how to calm him down, so all she could do was to surrender to him completely, letting him engulf her darkest part.

His palm now moved from her cheek, to grab a hold the side of her neck. He tilted his head a little and started to bite her lower lip gently, pulling the pink flesh a little. His hungry lips then traveled towards her jaw, sucking beneath her cheek. As his body intensity was increasing making his hot breath towering.

His lips crawled to her neck, breathing heavily and started kissing her skin; making her moan under his a.s.sault. He was looking for her warmth and her tranquilizing fragrance. He explored her neck and found his favorite spot just right beneath her earlobe; and he sucked on the flesh intending to leave a glaring red mark.

She felt that she had bequeathed an oasis for her thirsty soul. Unconsciously she rubbed her body on his, and a bashful smile escaped her lips when she felt him responding to her touch. He growled and moved from beneath her earlobe to her clavicle, and gently bit her.

He rested his forehead on her shoulder and started to breathe slowly.

He would hate himself if he take advantage of her in her most fragile state now. He had promised himself to give her the utmost happiness. He had planned his next steps carefully; it was not the time to ruin it now.

And he would do anything to fulfill that happiness.

He slowly let her go. Both of them were still trying to catch on their breath and trying to control themselves. After those intense kisses, somehow he ended up laying down on the sofa with her laying on top of him. He cupped his palm on the back of her head and led her to lie down on his chest.

"I want you so much, Yan Yan" his husky voice was tickling her blus.h.i.+ng ear "And you know that".

"But I will hate myself more if I take you now," he whispered softly above her. His hand was unconsciously rubbing her back, trying to calm both of them.

They stayed silent for a while, only enjoying each other's presence. She was enjoying his hold around her. He was trying to bring back his rationality.

"Yan Yan"

He suddenly stopped rubbing her back, and held her upper arm to prop her up. She crossed her arm over his chest and leaned her chin on top of her crossed arms.

"Clear five days for me next month. After I am done with the office set up, let's go on vacation" he said while running his fingers through her hair. He traced his fingers along her cheek, "I have prepared a surprise for you".

Shao Yan looked at him quizzically. She pursed her lips and her eyebrows gently brought together. Her round eyes gave him undivided attention. A lot of questions ran through her mind and she was itching to ask. But in the end, she still chose to follow his suggestion and nodded her head in agreement, "Alright".

A little surprise would not harm her. On the other hand, she was actually looking forward to it!

He put his palm on top of her head, "Go and shower first? Let me prepare dinner. I'm sure you're already tired".

A tender smile formed on her swollen lips. She laid her cheek back onto his chest, "Let me stay like this for a while. And then I'll go shower".

He stared at the crown of her head and smiled helplessly, but still conceded to her wish.

While Shao Yan was showering, Li Xiqing was busying about in his kitchen. He took out two pieces of 6 ounce meat to grill. They would be having steak for dinner tonight.

He also took out asparagus and carrots. He tossed them in olive oil, salt and pepper; before he put them in the oven to grill.

He walked to the wine cellar next to the kitchen and picked a Cabernet Sauvignon bottle from his collections.

Indeed, he had something to celebrate. He was celebrating her trust on him. He was celebrating her surrendering herself to him. And he was celebrating their commitment to each other. From now onwards, she would have more faith in him. And he in her.