I stretched, my body pressing deliberately against the figure before me. His warmth flared, breath catching in his throat, each exhale a gust against my skin. The scent was unmistakable – cool, clean, Gong Li'an. He often emerged from his study at this hour, seeking a moment of respite and a glass of water.
I leaned closer, the sweet aroma of my shower gel enveloping us in an intimate cloud. The air crackled with unspoken tension, his heart a frantic drum beneath my hand.
Panic surged, and I pushed him away, my voice a startled cry. "I'm sorry! I didn't see you there."
Light flooded the room as Gong Li'an flicked the switch. His robe hung loose, revealing the sculpted expanse of his chest. My hands flew to cover myself, the thin fabric of my nightgown clinging like a second skin, betraying the flush that stained my skin a delicate pink from the hot shower. My own bareness mirrored his.
Lifting my face, a picture of innocent alarm, I stammered, "I apologize, Mr. Gong. I didn't realize anyone was here."
"It's alright," he replied, his voice composed despite the crimson tide creeping up his neck. He turned away, busying himself with filling a glass, yet the air thrummed with a newfound awareness.
A playful smirk tugged at my lips. The formidable Gong Li'an, a man renowned for his unwavering control, was bashful as a schoolboy.
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The rhythmic slap of approaching slippers shattered the moment. Panic clawed at me, but the open layout of the kitchen offered no sanctuary. Escape was impossible.
Xie Weihuan's voice cut through the silence. "Husband, what are you doing?"
Gong Li'an stood frozen, his broad back shielding me from view. He raised the glass to his lips, feigning a casual thirst.
My heart pounded against his chest as I shrunk further into the haven of his embrace. Xie Weihuan, oblivious to my presence, drew closer, her hand falling onto his shoulder.
"Darling," she purred, "I was out of line today. Forgive me. Come back to bed."
From my concealed vantage point, I could see her slender fingers, mere inches from my hiding place. I trembled, my eyes pleading with Gong Li'an to maintain our secret. A thrill coursed through me. Oh, if only Xie Weihuan knew who occupied the arms she so desperately craved.
Gong Li'an remained silent, his body rigid, his gaze locked with mine, emotions swirling in their depths.
Just as Xie Weihuan moved to circumvent the counter, he spoke, his voice a low rumble. "No. You should focus on being a mother. Spend time with Xiao Jue before he forgets who you are and you resort to theatrics again."
Xie Weihuan recoiled as if struck. Her voice rose, laced with indignation. "Fine! I get it!" She spun on her heel and stormed away.
Seeing our opportunity vanish, I made a calculated misstep, my foot sliding against Gong Li'an's. I fell back, a gasp escaping my lips.
He reacted instantly, his arm a steel band around my waist. My face collided with his chest, a soft thud muffled by his robe.
"What was that?" Xie Weihuan whirled around. Gong Li'an shifted his stance, effectively concealing me once more.