Chapter 480
The next morning dawned bright and early.
Half–asleep, I turned over, and my hand brushed against something unexpected. No, not something–someone.
I jolted awake to find myself wrapped in someone’s arms, and the owner of those arms was gazing at me with such tenderness, as if trying to pour all his gentleness into the look. “Awake?” he asked, his voice slightly hoarse, raspy from sleep.
Memories of last night slowly pieced together, and I felt a flush of embarrassment. Yet, I boldly wrapped my arms around him, snuggling closer into his embrace with a defiant whimper, “Nope, still wanna sleep.”
That sleep was the deepest slumber I had had in ages. Completely peaceful, without a single
dream.
Gregory raised an eyebrow, his tone lazy. “A sleepyhead, huh?”
“I’m all yours,” I replied, nuzzling against his chest. The crisp scent of mint somehow felt revitalizing.
He chuckled softly, “Calling me a sleepy pig?”
“Not at all.” I looked up to place a kiss on his chiseled jawline. “I meant, I belong to you.”
I was totally, completely his.
Gregory paused for a moment, then leaned in for a deep kiss, overpowering me until my body went limp, and I playfully protested, “Stop, stop, stop…”
My protest was cut short as I felt something hard and hot press against me. Just like last night. Yet, my face instantly flamed up, and I scrambled out of his embrace, “I–I should check on Ike! He must be awake by now!”
Last night, he wouldn’t let me leave. Ike was left in the care of Christine Jackson. They got along surprisingly well. When I called, Ike assured me right next to her, “Auntie, don’t worry! Ike will listen to Christine, you go enjoy your couple’s time!”
Now, Gregory’s brown eyes watched me, a laugh in his voice, “Just lighting fires, huh?”
“What else!” I dashed into the walk–in closet to change quickly, “I’m heading back first.”
“Wait for me a few minutes.”
Gregory, resigned, grabbed a t–shirt and cargo pants, dressed quickly after a swift wash, and then pulled me along upstairs.
In the elevator, I couldn’t help but stare at his face. Just a splash of water, and his skin looked flawless?
Gregory’s eyes crinkled, “What’s with the look, planning to kiss me in broad daylight?”
12:14 #
Rogue. My gaze flickered to the camera above, remembering his antics from the night before, and I glared at him. “Who’s kissing you?”
Before I could finish, he planted a kiss on my forehead, “Grump, if you won’t kiss me, then I’ll kiss you.”
Wasn’t he just talking about broad daylight? Heat rushed to my face again, and I raised my hand to hit him, but just then the elevator doors opened, and he dodged out swiftly.
“Gregory!!!” Annoyed, I chased after him.
The front door was ajar, indicating Christine and Ike were already up. Gregory dashed inside, then suddenly halted, causing me to crash into his back. I cried out, “Ow!”
“Where did it hurt?” His tone distracted, Gregory turned to check on me.
I randomly covered my nose, “Here.”
He checked briefly, then teased, “It’s fine, as long as it’s not your brain.”
While he was off guard, I tickled his waist, having discovered his ticklish spot the night before. Sure enough, he jerked away, capturing my hand, his lips curving, “Resorting to self–harm now?”
“Being your girlfriend, I need to be smart,” I retorted, “Otherwise, one day you’ll sell me off, and I’ll still be counting the money for you…”
“Jane!” Christine’s voice suddenly called out, and following it, I noticed an additional presence in the living room.
Mark looked at me with a gentle smile and said, “Jane, Dave asked me to check on you.”
“…Mark.” The unexpected guest made me feel awkward. I straightened up, trying to regain my composure, “You shouldn’t have bothered, he just video–called me yesterday. Now you’ve had to come all the way from RiverCity.”
Dave was always overly concerned, even reminding me to dress warmly for a forecasted cold snap in F country. So, adjusting back home, he still hasn’t quite gotten used to it. After sending me reminders, he’d suddenly remember I’m no longer in F country and would hastily add, “No matter where you are, take care of yourself!”
Mark glanced at Gregory beside me, still smiling, “Not just Dave, I’m a bit worried about you
too.”
“What’ll you have?” Gregory’s attitude towards him lacked the earlier sharpness, instead offering hospitality, “Coffee or tea?”
Christine, busy dressing Ike, apologized to Mark, “Look at me, all caught up with Ike and I haven’t even offered you anything.”
“It’s fine, I’m practically family here, I can get something myself.” Mark was about to make himself a coffee when Gregory opened the fridge and tossed him a bottle of water, effectively stopping him.
12:15
Chapter 480
“Have some water instead.” Gregory glanced at his watch, a smirk playing on his lips, “It’s only eight, you’ve not had breakfast, right? Coffee on an empty stomach isn’t good for you.”
Caring for someone? And that someone was Mark? Confused, I glanced at Gregory, sensing something off, then back at Mark, who seemed as relaxed as ever.
Taking the water, Mark joked, “Didn’t realize Mr. Ford was into health.”
“Have to be,” Gregory cheekily pulled me closer, Not alone anymore, need to stick around a bit longer.”
It dawned on me what was off. He was marking his territory. Following his lead, I didn’t pull away, instead turning to Mark with a bright smile, “Almost forgot, Mark, let me properly introduce him. Gregory, my boyfriend.”