Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 24436 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24436 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
—-so good at reading her stupidly expressive face?
"Do you want anything else before I go?"
You, she wished she could say. I want you to say I'll also be the ONLY woman in your life.
But how could she when she was terrified of how he would answer her?
"I'm on your side, Summerine."
"I want to believe that," she whispered.
"But you don't."
"I u-used to," she said jerkily, "b-but—-"
"That asshole you're in love with fed you lies about me?"
"I..." Summerine's fists clenched against her lap. "I r-really didn't cheat on you—-"
Ryu's expression turned brooding. "I guess we're on the same boat again. Because I also want to believe you...but I don't."
Reward
SUMMERINE WOKE UP THE next morning and was greeted by the unexpected sight of her husband still in bed...watching her.
"Oh...hi..."
His gorgeous face softened. "Ohayo."
She should probably tell him that wasn't what she said, but...how could she when it had earned her the most dazzling smile, and...oh.
He had leaned close to cover her mouth with the sweetest kiss, and when he pulled away, all she could do was stare at him.
"That's how you should greet me every morning from now on."
Every...morning?
He then pressed a hand on her forehead. "Your fever's broken."
"I feel better," she admitted.
"But you still need to take it easy in the next couple of days," he cautioned.
Was he saying he wanted her to skip school?
"I have classes—-"
"I have work as well, but I'm not at the office, am I?"
Did that mean—-
"How does having me as your personal nurse for the day sound?"
"V-Very good?"
Ryu's gaze gleamed. "I appreciate your honesty. And such straightforwardness shall be rewarded, don't you think?"
Yes, she did think so...until she realized that the reward her husband had in mind was carrying her out of bed so he could help her change.
"I c-can manage—-"
"I know you can."
Oh bleep, he was purring again.
"But this is all part of my job being your personal nurse."
And that was how Summerine found herself standing naked in front of Ryu while he remained fully clothed.
It was both agonizing and thrilling to feel Ryu's gaze on her as he slipped the dress over her head. His hands accidentally grazed her breasts, and Summerine's breath caught.
Stay calm, stay calm, stay calm.
He slowly pulled her dress down before turning her around, and it was then she saw the truth in his gaze.
"Y-You—-"
"Couldn't resist teasing my wife?" A wicked smile played over his lips. "Guilty as charged."
Ryu then carried her to the dining room, with the table set up for two, and wow. This was not her first time having breakfast with Ryu, but this was definitely the first time he had Chef Milo prepare kaiseki, a traditional Japanese multi-course meal that she immediately fell in love with.
The incredibly tender slices of grilled fish tasted even more delightful when paired with the dipping sauce and sticky Japanese rice. Also to die for were the fluffy scrambled eggs and the crisp salted sheets of nori. The mild but tasty miso soup and the pickled vegetables that added just the right touch of sourness to the entire meal.
Everything was perfect save for...that.
"Open your mouth, wife."
While she absolutely loved having him call her that, what he was asking for was too much, and Summerine stubbornly shook her head.
"If you finish your natto, I'll give you another reward. And it's one I've never given anyone before."
Ryu already had her at 'reward', and her husband chuckled at the way Summerine had opened her mouth before he even finished speaking. But as soon as she saw the amount of natto he expected her to eat—-
I can't.
Summerine squeezed her eyes shut in order to pretend she didn't know what was coming and simply swallowed everything in one go.
"It wasn't that bad, was it?"
Summerine's eyes opened at his words, and the rare sight of her husband grinning just had her heart swooning.
Oh, Ryu.
She would willingly go on an all-natto diet every day if it meant always seeing him have fun like this—-
Her husband's lips tightened, and Summerine's smile faded. "What's wrong?"
Ryu scooped her off her seat instead of answering.
"This is all your fault."
"W-What did I—-"
"You were looking at me like you wanted to have me all to yourself."
Because I do!
"But you shouldn't have done it."
And now he thinks he has a slut for a wife, she realized with shame.
"Because now you only have yourself to blame."
What did he mean—-oh!
Ryu had taken her to his en-suite, and of course it was impossible not to remember the one and only last time she had been here.
It was their wedding night, and she had accidentally seen him...oh...my...gosh.
Ryu had set her on her feet, and all she could do was swallow hard as he got the Jacuzzi in his en-suite working in seconds.
This...was...his...reward?
Her husband turned to face her again. "Yes, wife."
Oh no.
It always meant trouble when he was purring his words out.