Chapter 388

Chapter 388

Dazed and out of breath, Yan fell into Rains comforting embrace. Quivering from head to toe, she savoured this moment and engraved it into memory, enjoying the soothing sensation of his hand running slowly up her back and down again, the simple movement so soothing and reassuring. Somehow exhausted and invigorated at the same time, she kissed him between laboured gasps and was delighted to discover he still yearned for her touch, despite being too exhausted to continue. Much like his preferred fighting style, Rains performance appeared inelegant and unpolished at first, but he was a quick learner and soon uncovered all her weaknesses without need for question or guidance. Coupled with the fabled stamina which won him the title of Undying, Yan was soon rendered helpless before his charming smile and attentive efforts.

Mother above, he did all this while he was crippled, so what would it be like when he had both his hands and feet?

Her voracious appetite sated, Yan entwined her arms and legs around Rain while running her hands over his naked body, mentally marking all the changes since they last met. So soon after their repeated bouts of frenetic activity, his robust heart had already slowed to a steady beat, pulsing powerfully inside his chiselled chest. With pecs firm as iron and a wiry, sinewy frame, his broad shoulders and narrow waist made him look even leaner than he already was, a powerfully built foundation which could use a little more padding for comfort and aesthetics. Regardless, she loved the feel of him, of his sculpted muscles and washboard abs, his smooth, supple skin and soft, silky hair, those hungry, affectionate lips and his pulsating, throbbing...

Grounding herself with a deep breath, the musky scent of their intermingled bodies delivered her a heady rush and only debilitating fatigue and aching muscles kept her from mounting him once again. Instead, she settled for a contented nuzzle and buried her face in his neck, which earned her a throaty chuckle and a question asked in jest. Still not enough? Heavens save me from this insatiable woman. Mercy Yan, I beg you, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Giggling at his terrible joke, she kissed the hollow of his neck and faked a sigh. Well, top marks for effort, I suppose. I expect a better performance from you next time.

Ha. Punctuating the laugh with a slap of her buttocks, Rain embodied pride incarnate as he said, Dont play coy. We both know you enjoyed it.

Unable to resist needling him, she replied, Never said I didnt, but theres always room for improvement.

Of course. For starters, Ive learned we should lay towels out beforehand. Scootch over will you? Its like Im lying in a puddle over here.

Her cheeks set ablaze, Yan was too embarrassed to respond. Shed only noticed it after the fact and had been so mortified she almost panicked and ran away, but Rain only laughed and held her close, explaining it wasnt what she thought it was, only a natural bodily response and a sign he was doing things right. Shifting over so he neednt lie in a pool of their bodily fluids, she buried her face deep into his neck, not only to hide her shame but also because her horns would force him to crane his neck at an awkward angle, her minor vengeance for his barbed jab.

She couldnt even bring herself to lie and say, What next time?, lest he bring up more embarrassing examples of her hedonistic gratification, or worse, play along and force her to beg next time they...

Its not fair, she growled, pressing her horns just a little harder against him, enjoying the warmth seeping through to her forehead. You have an overwhelming advantage in both practice and experience, a seasoned veteran matched against a wide-eyed innocent.

Innocent? My, how youve changed Lady Du Min Yan. Whatever happened to the shameless, salacious, ribald little she-devil Adujan? When you left, I said a prayer for all the handsome young men of Central, for I believed we were introducing a fox to a hen house. Or should it be a duck house?

Outwitted once again, Yan stopped arguing and fell silent, content to bask in the moment and settle the score when her mind was fully functional once more. It had been her intention to find a young handsome buck or three to romance and seduce, but between her lessons and dealing with Grandpas aggravating family members, there was little time left for social pleasures. Even if she had the time, Central wasnt the same as back home, where no one cared about the horns on her head. Shed lost track of how many times shed been mistaken for a slave or how many arrogant young idiots shed been forced to beat up, though she took a small measure of satisfaction at the absurd prices they offered for a single night in her company.

At least Yan knew if her Martial skills failed her, she could always switch to lucrative career as a courtesan.

Feeling her eyes growing heavy, Yan cautioned herself to stay awake. As much as she wanted to fall asleep in Rains embrace and resume their lovemaking in the morning, she couldnt stay the night for proprietys sake, not to mention how she wasnt ready to face Lin, Mila, or worst of all, Alsantset in the morning. To keep her mind active, she returned to cataloguing the changes in her lover, a difficult prospect with her face pressed against his skin, but his body wasnt the only thing which had changed in her absence, but his personality too. Though too preoccupied with their reunion to make note of it earlier, the differences were stark and obvious now that she had time to think. He was more confident now, standing taller and retorting faster, a proud, self-assured warrior instead of the timid, unsure young boy shed left behind, and she wanted him all the more for it.

Granted, she wasnt pleased with all the changes. Rain was colder now, rougher and more callous in demeanour as evidenced by his exchange with Jin Tok earlier tonight. Everyone present, Yan included, thought Rain meant to slaughter the snivelling little idiot out of hand, playing his part perfectly as a cold and merciless individual to whom life meant little. Were it anyone else, Yan would not think twice about his newfangled ruthlessness, especially considering his sudden rise in power, but this was Rain they were talking about, a man who rescued wildcats and cripples for Mothers sake. Thankfully, upon seeing the horde of bunnies sleeping in and around his yurt, Yan knew Rain was still the same sweet, affectionate person shed fallen in love with, only hed gotten better at hiding what some would call his deficiencies.

Never her though. Those frail insecurities were what she admired most about him, because despite all his fears and worries, he never surrendered and always pressed on. Without fear, there could be no courage, so if one were to measure courage by the extent of ones fears, then Rain was easily the most courageous man in the world.

And you trusted him enough to tell him all... this? Monk or no, Rain telling a stranger he had almost turned Defiled was insane, even for him, not to mention being in possession of a drop of Heavenly Water named Blobby.

Its not the same. I felt I could talk to him because he was a stranger. I didnt care about his opinion, so I wasnt afraid of him judging me. It made sense in a twisted way, but Rain wasnt finished. Besides, the Monk figured out most of it on his own, or at least he guessed it, and I figured if he wanted to hurt or kill me, there are much easier ways to go about it, especially considering he was a Divinity, whatever that means.

It means strong enough to turn you and everything around you into meat paste with a flick of his finger. Which meant Rain had a point about trusting the Monk, except at the time, he had yet to learn the Monk was a Divinity. Her poor, sweet, trusting Rain, so stupid and naive. Imperial Consort or not, he would need more help than Yan could provide to survive the world of cut-throat politics hed been thrust into. Do you know how conceited you sound? Taking responsibility for the death of a Divinity? The Monk died because the Defiled killed him. A room full of Divinities couldnt save the Monk either, so why blame yourself?

Because he was there to protect me, and because I could have saved him if -

If what? If you werent you? If youd made a different choice years ago? If youd known in advance what you know now? What if Taduk were a thousand times better at Healing? What if the Azure Ascendant had gone with the Monk instead of doing Heavens knows what around Nan Ping? What if the Monk hadnt forced the Immortals hand? What use is there in playing this game? Blowing out a sigh, Yan shook her head and continued, What I dont understand is how you could trust the Monk after only knowing him for a week, but couldnt talk to Mila or Lin, Alsantset or Charok, any one in your family or circle of friends?

Yan wasnt angry at him, but herself for leaving and at everyone else for not seeing how much he was suffering. So full of pain and self-condemnation, the look in his eyes made her heart ache with misery as he answered, Because Im afraid. Im afraid of looking into your eyes, or Milas, or Lins, and seeing horror and disgust. Im afraid of giving my family more reasons to regret saving me, of proving them wrong for standing by me. Im afraid of being abandoned by my family and friends, left alone to face this world without their love and support, the only reasons Ive made it as far as I have...

Itll never happen. We love you too much.

You say it and I want to believe it, but my fear has long since left the realm of rationality. Smiling weakly as he hugged her close, he added, Im trying my best to work through it. This was progress, but believe it or not, theres still a lot to cover. Take a break and pick up where we left off in the morning?

Ignoring his vulgar leer which filled her with burning desire, Yan kissed him and said, I want to, but I cant stay the night. I havent told Grandpa about us and I want him to hear it from me. Grabbing him by the chin, she forced him to look her in the eyes and said, Dont you dare think even for a second Im leaving because youve scared me off. Du Min Yan is not so easily dissuaded. You are mine and I love you, faults and all. Understand?

...Understood. I love you too. And Ill talk to Mom and Dad about marrying you soon as I can.

How adorable, he was calling them Mom and Dad now. You better. Now close your eyes. Still not ready to leave his embrace, Yan rested her chin on his chest and added, Ill stay until youre asleep.

Then I wont sleep. Contrary to his declaration, Rains eyes were barely still open, ready to nod off at a moments notice. Dont want you to go.

Nor do I want to leave, my sweet Rain.

Gotta say, Im loving how possessive you are. Are you gonna start a fight with Mila? A sexy fight, with hair pulling and shirt ripping... And with that, Rain fell asleep before Yan could inform him she knew better than to start a fight with Mila, but if he wanted to see her slap one of his wives around, then Yan would happily oblige if pitted against his new concubine, the oh-so-perfect Zheng Luo.

Hmph. Mila and Lin were one thing, but for this complete stranger to swoop in and try to steal Yans lover?

Unforgivable. The big-breasted hussy would have to learn her place, and Yan looked forward to teaching her.

Chapter Meme