“This is the place.” Jesse says as they drive into the city.

“Alright. So where are we going?” Taylor asks, trying to draw as little attention to their situation as possible.

“I'm going to get my hair done, so find a hairdresser. After that we'll find a hotel.” Jesse says as she looks to Taylor, a suppressed blush beginning to form.

Taylor looks at her and gulps. “Okay.” He says, not knowing what else to say.

…

…

“Do you like it?” Jesse asks with a smile, feeling pretty good about her new look. Her hair was darker now, the red partially hidden, highlighting the darker tones.

Taylor gulps again. “It looks great.” Taylor admits. Holy shit. I never realized before. She’s my type… Taylor thinks, not really wanting to acknowledge it.

“I’m glad you think so.” She says as she grabs Taylor’s hand. “Let’s find somewhere nearby where we can stay.” Jesse says as she leads Taylor forward.

…

…

Taylor exhales a breath, sweat lingering on his skin, his body moist under the blanket. Why is the sex so hot with this chick? Taylor wonders to himself. It was a very weird situation for Taylor. Sex was hot with Sylvie because he loves her, and sex was hot with Maggie because it was sinful, but for Jesse… Taylor didn’t understand why his body was reacting so faithfully. Is this what a soul mate is? Taylor asks himself, wondering if there were people out there who truly belonged to each other.

Taylor shakes his head. Do I really want to know? For now… I just want to keep going… But how am I going to explain this to Johan? He asks himself.

Jesse moves closer and collapses her weight onto Taylor’s chest. She closes her eyes and breathes Taylor in before asking, “Are you going to ask me?” She asks, happiness lingering on her lips.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Do you want to get married?” Taylor asks, unsure why the words were coming out of his mouth.

“Yes.” She says, feeling comfortable enough to rest.

A bitter smile forms on Taylor’s lips. We’d have to get Johan’s blessing first… Taylor thinks, knowing it was impossible.

Suddenly Taylor’s phone starts ringing. Taylor leans over and picks up his phone from the table. He looks and sees that its Johan. Taylor groans, unsure if he should answer. This isn’t the best place to have a conversation with him, Taylor thinks as he looks over to Jesse.

Eventually, Taylor forces himself to answer the phone. I’ve already jumped into the pool, might as well answer the phone… Taylor thinks as he presses the green button.

“Hello?” Taylor says, unsure what to expect.

“Did you do it?” Johan asks over the phone.

Taylor immediately begins sweating again. “Do what? I didn’t do anything.” Taylor says somewhat hurriedly.

“Is the matter with your friend done with? Or are you already finishing up with Jesse?” Johan continues to ask.

“What? I’m not finishing anything with Jesse! What are you talking about!?” Taylor asks, his breathing becoming shallow.

“What? Why are you so excited? I’m asking about the job. Why do you sound like you did something wrong? Did you–” Johan asks before something crosses his mind. A sigh is heard from across the phone. “Taylor, tell me you didn’t.” He says, some disappointment in his voice.

Taylor chuckles awkwardly. “What are you talking about? I didn’t do anything to Jesse. We’re just friends and we get along great now.” Taylor says, pushing the envelope.

“Taylor.” Johan’s admonishing voice says over the phone, like a father who caught his kid stealing from the cookie jar.

Taylor sighs and a bitter smile forms on his face. “Okay, I banged her.” Taylor admits, getting ready for Johan’s wrath.

Another sigh is heard. “Fuck.” He exclaims over the phone. A deep breath and a long exhale is heard. “Okay, okay. Shit happens. But you realize she’s your problem now, right?” Johan says after calming himself.

Taylor’s eyes open wide. “My problem? What do you mean my problem?” Taylor asks, unsure what Johan was talking about.

A sigh is once again heard. This stupid fucking kid. Johan thinks to himself before answering. “Taylor, you don’t know this but… Jesse is… special. There’s a reason why high-ranking cultivators like my blood brother and I have been taking care of her. She’s… Well, if I had to say it simply, she’s cursed. It isn’t exactly her that’s cursed, but her presence… Well, it forces things to happen. If she’s around normal people, they become more honest, which, by itself isn’t so bad, but considering that people are generally shitty overall, this honesty means that their ideas become more violent. If there are any lingering ideas or evil thoughts that they have been suppressing, it will slowly start to reveal itself and… not everyone can handle seeing themselves for who they truly are.” Johan explains, trying to make it clear to Taylor what he was getting himself into.

Taylor’s raises an eyebrow, not quite believing the explanation. “What the fuck? What are you talking about? Why don’t I feel anything?” He asks; he didn’t feel any differently around Jesse.

“Well, first of all, you’re a cultivator; your mind is more disciplined than most. Also, I would say that you wouldn’t fall into temptation so easily, but that’s clearly wrong.” Johan says with a chuckle, making light of the situation. “But I feel like the dao you’re cultivating is a good match against her natural situation. There’s probably a reason why she agreed to sleep with you.” Johan says, somewhat grumbling at the last part.

“Also, I’ll say this, Taylor. Now that you’ve made the plunge, you’re responsible for her. The Cultivation Association left her with me after my blood brother died, but now, the weight lies with you. You can’t pass her off either; I’m telling you, Taylor, someone has to take care of her, or it could be disastrous for the world.” Johan warns with a solemn tone.