Chapter 88 - By the Fire and Pale Moonlight

Long Jie ignited the pieces of firewood. He waved the flames, trying to create a fire that would last through most of the night.

Song Luli set up the blankets, making it as comfortable as possible over the hardwood flooring. She stepped from behind him, staring at the back of his figure, watching him poke at the ashes and embers.

He poured some oil, and the flames rose, catching most of the pieces. He then turned around, approaching Song Luli slowly, carefully. Song Luli couldn't look at him. She knew his gaze held a longing sensuality, an indulgence he was ready to consume.

Her heart began to pound the closer he approached her, and she was beginning to feel conscious of the shallow rise and fall of her chest. She clutched at the blanket around her shoulders, watching his hand rise to her cheek, caressing it softly. Long Jie's hand dropped to the necklace around her throat, the gift he gave her.

Song Luli lifted her eyes to face him. She noticed that he was breathing heavily, too, and it was silent between them, except for the sound of crackling embers. His gaze dropped to her mouth. "Are you warm enough?" he asked her, low and rough.

"No," she said with an underlying meaning.

Long Jie stepped closer, taking her in his arms. He looked at her sharply, almost as if he didn't believe the words she told him earlier. I love you, she said to him. But he looked at her as if she was part of a lucid dream, one that he wasn't sure who had control over.

Long Jie took her face in his hands, staring into her soft brown eyes. He didn't make a move forward; he only wanted to immerse himself in the quiet, unhurried moment. All the moments they had before were acts of impulse, a good impulse that made them share passionate, fire-fuelled moments.

And with Song Luli, Long Jie always felt lost in the fire, waiting for her to see him through the flames. Song Luli didn't need him, not really; he needed her. Now that things have gone astray in his life, it was her that would help him; it was her that he wanted to share the struggles and moments of happiness.

Long Jie felt that he needed to connect with her now more than ever. He didn't use to worry about matters of safety, but none of them were safe now, not anymore. And he needed to convey his feelings in more ways than words can tell.

He pressed his forehead against hers.

"You love me?" Long Jie asked, needing that assurance.

Song Luli grinned benevolently. She nodded, cupping his face; the fire blazed by their side, burning, just as their bodies were heating up.

Long Jie grasped her left hand, entwining their fingers together, staring at their hands. He caressed the bare ring finger on her hand, locking eyes with her. He kissed her knuckles, bowing his head forward slightly like a courtesan does to pay his respects to his queen. Song Luli shuddered.

He kept his gaze on her, holding her hand. "I liked you back then, back when your eyes were on someone else," he began to say, low. "But, I knew you would change your mind."

Song Luli smiled. "Cocky, are you?" she teased.

Long Jie towered her, wearing a sly, devilish smile on his face. "Well, am I wrong?"

Song Luli pursed her lips shyly. "No," she answered. "You were far more charming."

Long Jie swept her growing bangs aside, over the curve of her ear. "The things you said earlier. I'm not good at saying those words, either. I often speak louder with actions. But I am yours—yours to dispose of, to break, to love, to anything you desire."

"I won't dispose of you," Song Luli replied.

Long Jie let out a short laugh. "I know. But, that's how much power you have over me." He lifted her hand to his chest, over his skin, feeling the pace of his quick and unsteady heart. "I love you, Luli, as I have for a long time now," he confessed sincerely.

Song Luli's eyes widened. She already knew how he felt about her, but hearing it escape from his lips made her feel swayed by his words—made her believe him. She appreciated how patient he was, had always been.

"Kiss me," she whispered with longing, and like that, Long Jie didn't waste any more time. He pulled her in gently, meeting her cruel, soft lips.

Unplanned, hurried, and desperate, they were; Long Jie kissed her vigorously. His hands travelled to her waist, eagerly feeling the softness of her skin. Song Luli circled his shoulders, tiptoeing, and gasping against his mouth. Long Jie pressed her body against his firmly, closing any gaps or spaces between.

His arms wrapped around her shoulders; his tongue curled over hers, and Song Luli bit his lip slowly, drawing onto his sensuality. Long Jie looked at her, a smile curving on his mouth. It seemed that he wasn't the only one that wanted this now, despite not being at home or anywhere familiar. He supposed that's what made them spontaneous.

But he didn't care where he was; he would prove his love for her through their bodies and shared mutual passion.

Long Jie looked into her eyes deeply as he kissed her sloppily and desperately. He pulled her hair back slightly, the way she liked it. He then moved his kisses to her chin, down to the base of her throat. Song Luli pleaded for more through her eyes, through the unmasked expression she held. He returned to her lips, stealing air, interlacing their hands together.

The sound of rustling leaves and whistling wind from outdoors, along with the crackling embers, were replaced with ambiguous gasps and breaths. Long Jie made his way down to her collarbones, and over his shoulder, Song Luli could see the pale moonlight peering into the room. She clutched at his hair, running her fingers through his smooth auburn hair.

Long Jie was going slow, slower than he's ever been. He didn't know he had any self-control left, but he wanted to take his time, taking every inch of her, trying positions that could make her feel both comfort and pleasure.

Long Jie looked at her once more, absorbing the image of her flushed cheeks, her look of desire. Indeed, he wanted to consummate their marriage.