He'd kiss her mouth, her collarbone, her neck. His hands would caress her bre4st, his head dipping to suckle her n1pples. He'd part her thighs, his touch exploring every inch of her skin, before pushing his aroused length between her legs, his strong hand gripping her hips, kneading them firmly.

Even during meals, he couldn't keep his hands to himself. A single meal would stretch into an hour, punctuated by forty or fifty kisses, leaving her weak and pliant.

At Jiang Yi's insistence, he'd always bring her back to the Zhong family villa before 9:30 pm. Even then, before she could leave, he'd pull her into a deep, lingering kiss, savoring every second until the very last moment before reluctantly letting her go.

Jiang Yi sometimes wondered if this was really the workaholic brother Qin Feifei had described. He seemed to have so much free time, sending her suggestive messages during the day and clinging to her relentlessly at night.

Friday arrived, and as usual, Qin Zezhou's car pulled up outside the Zhong villa just before 9:30. Before Jiang Yi could get out, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her into a deep kiss. He wouldn't let a single second slip away, stretching the kiss to the very last moment.

Finally, Jiang Yi pushed against his chest. "I...I need to go in now."

Normally agreeable at this point, he seemed deaf to her words. Instead of releasing her, he tightened his hold, almost as if trying to meld her into his body.

Jiang Yi sensed his mood had shifted.

"It hurts," she murmured, her brow furrowing. She felt as if her waist would snap.

Qin Zezhou tilted her chin up, his gaze locking with hers. Under his intense stare, her heart began to race. She braced herself for some important revelation, but all he said was, "Goodnight. Don't forget to think of me."

Dazed, Jiang Yi nodded. Then, abruptly, he released her, and she got out of the car.

Shaking off her confusion, she started towards the villa.

After a few steps, she hesitated, glancing back. Through the half-open car window, she saw Qin Zezhou watching her.

As their eyes met, a smile played on his lips.

A warmth spread through Jiang Yi. She quickly turned away and hurried inside.

She'd meant to return his "goodnight," but decided against it.

Lips pressed together, she returned to the villa, went upstairs, and showered.

Afterward, she worked through a practice exam, then went to bed promptly at 11:30. Saturday brought no classes, so she set her alarm an hour and a half later, for 8:00 am. Waking, she opened the curtains, letting the warm winter sunlight wash over her.

She mentally reviewed her study plan for the day, then went to wash up and headed downstairs.

In the living room, she encountered an unexpected guest.

As if sensing her presence, he turned, his gaze capturing hers.

That familiar, intensely possessive stare threatened to pull her into its depths, consume her whole.

"Come here," he said, his voice a familiar low rumble.

Her heart pounded, but she found herself moving towards him, drawn in against her will.

Stopping before him, she seemed to suddenly regain her senses, standing awkwardly, head bowed, a blush warming her cheeks.

"You...you're back."

"Yes." Zhong Lin reached out, taking her wrist and pulling her into his arms.

Caught off guard, her legs parted, and she landed on her knees, straddling his lap, her upper body pressed against his chest.

He quickly wrapped his arms around her, his warm hands cupping her br3asts, pulling her closer.

Holding her soft warmth, his heart, empty for half a month, finally felt full.

He buried his face in her neck, inhaling her scent. But his body craved more. His blood felt like it was boiling, desire swelling within him, urging him to devour her.

He nipped at the skin of her neck, the corners of his eyes flushed.

"Did you miss me?" he asked.