With a slight exertion of force, Gu Chengyu pried open her tightly clenched fingers one by one, effortlessly taking the paper bag into his possession.
Su Qianqian let out a soft "Ah," her face burning with embarrassment as she wished she could bury herself into the sofa.
Oh no, oh no! He saw it!
Would he misunderstand?
Ugh…
Gu Chengyu glanced at the brand logo on the bag—it seemed to be from a swimwear store?
His eyes darkened instantly as he lifted his gaze to the girl who was practically shrinking into herself. A meaningful smirk curled at the corner of his lips.
"Swimsuit?"
He leisurely pulled out the exquisite box from the bag and opened it.
A bold, seductive design in aqua blue came into view—a sheer, gauzy top, a daring bandeau, and an impossibly short skirt with a high slit…
Gu Chengyu’s movements froze.
Su Qianqian didn’t dare look up to see his expression.
After a few seconds of silence in the master bedroom, she heard a low chuckle above her, laced with amusement and a dangerous huskiness. "So this is what you meant by… ‘ordinary clothes’?"
His slender fingers pinched the delicate sheer top, the nearly transparent blue fabric fluttering between them.
His gaze slowly shifted from the swimsuit back to the blushing girl in his arms.
Leaning down, Gu Chengyu brought his lips close to her crimson-tipped ear, his scorching breath nearly melting her as his words dripped with teasing intent.
"Qianqian, when exactly… and for whom… did you buy this?"
He pulled her closer, letting her feel him.
Su Qianqian shuddered, her voice soft and sweet, tinged with pleading. "Of course it’s for you! But Chengyu, not now, please…"
She tried to wriggle free, but he held her firmly against him, letting her sense the tension coiled within him.
Gu Chengyu’s burning gaze locked onto her eyes, his tone dangerously low. "If it’s for me, then put it on. Now."
"Now?" Su Qianqian’s almond-shaped eyes widened, her head shaking like a rattle drum. "No, no! I’ve been shopping all day, I’m exhausted."
She slumped against him, nestling her head against his chest and tilting her face up with a pitiful pout, her eyes wide and imploring.
"Chengyu, gifts are meant to be unwrapped on the special day for the full surprise…"
Her delicate fingers poked at his unyielding chest as she cooed, "Just hold on a little longer, okay? Wait till Saturday at Nanwan—then I’ll wear it for you."
"Please, Chengyu~"
As she spoke, she nuzzled her soft crown against his chin like an adorable kitten trying to charm its way out of trouble.
Gu Chengyu looked down at the girl in his arms, silent.
She blinked up at him with those dewy, innocent eyes, pleading and sweet, occasionally squirming in his embrace while murmuring, "Chengyu, please?"
That soft, begging tone was downright lethal.
The heat inside him only grew more unbearable at her coy, trembling act.
But if she said she was tired, he couldn’t bring himself to push her.
Taking a deep breath, Gu Chengyu forced down the urge to claim her right then and there.
He lowered his head and nipped lightly at her pouting lips in punishment, his voice rough with restraint. "Little temptress, always testing my patience."
Su Qianqian let out a delicate whimper, the faint sting on her lips—and the overwhelming heat—making her go weak again.
She quickly shifted slightly away from his lap, puzzled. How did he still have so much energy after working all day?
She was already mortified enough.
But hearing the reluctant surrender in his tone, she secretly sighed in relief.
Though she put some distance between their lower halves, her slender arms looped around his neck, and she pressed a featherlight kiss to his tense jawline.
"Chengyu, you’re the best… Just two more days, okay?"
The unexpected kiss and her sweet coaxing soothed him, even though he was still aching.
But he’d endure it.
With a heavy grunt, he conceded.
A cold shower later would have to do.
Two days. He could wait.
