Chapter 209 -

Chapter 209: Chapter

He grabbed her waist and pulled her flush against his chest. His lips crashed onto hers.

She panicked. Her hands shoved hard against his shoulders. She fought to break free. But his kiss was too fierce, and his skin was unnaturally hot. The resistance drained out of her body. Her hands softened, slipping up into his hair. She finally gave in, melting into the heat of the moment.

Then, he stopped.

He tore himself away, stepping back quickly. His chest heaved as he fought for breath.

She stood dizzy, her lips parted in shock. Confused, she took a step forward and reached out for him.

He moved back again, raising a hand to block her. "Stop."

His voice was rough. He wiped his mouth, his eyes dark with intense conflict. "I am burning up. I will not pass this fever to you."

He turned his back to her, gripping the edge of the bed.

Yueqing pouted. She folded her arms across her chest and glared at his tense back.

"Who wants to be kissed by you anyway?" she muttered. She turned away, refusing to look at him. "I will sleep on the floor. You stay on the bed."

She turned to grab a pillow and make her way to the hard floor. Before she could even take a step, a large, burning hand wrapped around her wrist. He yanked her backward.

She stumbled right into his solid chest. His arms wrapped tightly around her from behind, trapping her in a warm, desperate embrace.

"Don’t be upset," his deep voice rumbled against her ear. "I just don’t want you to catch my fever."

He rested his chin on her shoulder. His grip softened, but he refused to let her go.

"Stay with me," he whispered, his hot breath brushing her skin. "Sleep in the bed and keep me warm."

Yueqing stiffened in his arms. She shook her head. "No. I won’t."

He sighed, his hot breath brushing her neck. He pulled her even closer, refusing to take no for an answer. "If you agree to stay, I will do whatever you want. Anything."

Yueqing froze. Her eyes went wide as a brilliant idea sparked in her head.

Anything? her mind raced with wild excitement. This is my perfect chance!

She turned her head slightly to look at him. A sneaky spark danced in her eyes. "Anything at all?" she asked, making sure he was serious.

"Anything," he promised, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

She quickly turned around and faced him. "Fine. I will keep you warm. But in return, you must have a one-on-one conversation with Xiao Chen."

His face darkened instantly. He frowned and shook his head. "No. Absolutely not him."

Yueqing did not back down. She reached up and grabbed both sides of his face. She squished his burning cheeks between her soft palms, forcing him to look directly at her.

"You promised," she said fiercely. "You have to do it."

He fell completely silent. He stared deeply into her bright, stubborn eyes, searching her face. The heavy tension stretched between them in the quiet room. Slowly, the hard line of his jaw finally relaxed.

"Fine," he muttered in defeat.

A huge thrill exploded inside her. Bursting with excitement, she leaned up on her tiptoes and planted a quick, happy kiss right on his hot cheek.

The sudden kiss wiped the frown right off Wenzhe’s face. A rare, genuine smile touched his lips, and a wave of pure happiness flooded his chest.

Exhausted but pleased, he collapsed heavily onto the soft mattress. He settled himself against the pillows and lifted the thick blanket with one hand, opening a warm space beside him.

"Come here," he said softly. His eyes locked onto hers, filled with a deep, magnetic pull.

Yueqing climbed onto the bed and slid beneath the covers. The moment she settled in, Wenzhe wrapped his strong arms securely around her waist. He pulled her flush against his chest, sighing in deep relief as he locked her into a tight, comforting embrace.

He held her tight in the quiet room. His heart pounded against her back. Looking down at her, a sudden, heavy ache filled his chest.

He swallowed hard. These were words he swore he would never speak to her again. He had buried them deep. But holding her now, his walls completely crumbled.

"I love you," he whispered. His voice was low, shaky, and full of raw truth.

The room went dead silent.

Yueqing did not smile. She did not hug him back. The warmth vanished from her eyes, leaving only ice.

But she didn’t respond back because she didn’t know what on hell to respond with.

Morning sunlight spilled into the room. Wenzhe’s fever had finally broken. His skin was cool, and his strength had returned. He was well enough to face the Emperor.

A line of maids hurried inside. They carried his heavy silk court robes and a golden belt. They bowed, stepping forward to dress their master.

Wenzhe raised a hand, stopping them in their tracks. "Leave. My wife will get me ready."

The maids quickly bowed and scurried out the door, leaving the robes behind.

Yueqing jumped out of bed. She glared at him, her face twisting into a deep frown. "I refuse!" she shouted. "Dress yourself!"

Wenzhe calmly stood up. He took a slow step toward her, a wicked smirk playing on his lips.

"Are you sure?" he asked smoothly. He leaned down, his dark eyes locking onto hers. "If you do not dress me, then I will not go see Xiao Chen. Our deal is completely off."

Yueqing stomped her foot. "Hey, that is not fair!"

Wenzhe simply stood there with his arms wide open. A smug, victorious smile crossed his handsome face. "Life isn’t fair to anyone. Now, dress me, or Xiao Chen gets nothing."

She gritted her teeth. Her hands balled into tight fists. She wanted to punch his stupid, perfect face. But she desperately needed that meeting to happen.

"Fine!" she snapped.

She marched over to the heavy silk garments. She snatched them up roughly and stomped back to him. She threw the inner robe over his broad shoulders, pulling the fabric a little too hard.

"Careful," Wenzhe teased. His voice was low and dripping with amusement. "You might choke your own husband."

"I just might," she muttered, forcefully tightening his golden belt.

He laughed softly. He did not mind her rough hands at all. In fact, he enjoyed her fiery temper way too much.