Dusk had fallen when Tsubaki finally woke up. She stirred in her sleep, trying to chase the sleepiness away. A familiar warmth was enveloping her. She felt safe and secure even though her mind was still blurry. Forcing herself to open her eyes, she saw the face of her husband beside her.
Tsubaki parted her lips in shock. She stared at his sleeping face as she tried to recollect what had happened before she fall asleep.
She found escape in this suite. She slept on the couch. A nightmare terrified her. He appeared before her. She cried and cried, didn't want to let him go while he patiently and gently comforting her.
Tsubaki instinctively clutching on Ren's sleeping robe as the horrifying image from her nightmare flashed in her memory.
Why did I dream of such scene? Was it from my accident years ago?
Tsubaki pursed her lips as she shook her head in denial. She didn't remember what had happened during her accident five years ago but if the nightmare was really from the accident that claimed her memories, she would be better off without it.
"Love?"
Tsubaki looked up. Her brown eyes met his dark ones. Ren smiled lazily as he leaned closer and brought her face to his chest. He reached out a hand to stroke her head while the other safely wrapping her in his embrace.
"I miss you."
Tsubaki blinked. A small smile bloomed on her face.
He was really here. She wasn't alone.
Returning his embrace, she nodded. Her hot breath blew against his exposed bare chest. "I miss you too."
Ren nodded as he smiled. He silently hugging her close to him.
They didn't move from the bed until the sun had completely set. It was not until the suite was in darkness when Ren finally decided to sit up. Tsubaki followed up. Ren reached out for the remote controller beside the bed, switching on the lights. Tsubaki squinted her eyes, couldn't adjust to the brightness so suddenly.
"You're okay, sweetheart?"
Ren adjusted her robe as her shoulders were exposed due to its size being so big for her. Looking at her complexion, he smiled in relief as she didn't look as weary as hours ago.
"I'm okay," Tsubaki replied in low voice. She knitted her brows as she felt guilty. "I left Grandma alone in the hall. I shouldn't do that but I..."
"Grandma understood, so do I." Ren rubbed her head lovingly. "I noticed the moment when you suddenly left with the bodyguards. I knew you could no longer face the situation. It was right for you to leave the hall."
"But, I'm being a coward," Tsubaki lowered her head. Her mind had cleared up after she got a nice sleep. "I should be there, for you and Grandma. But I chose to retreat because I couldn't bear to see you without being close to you."
Ren chuckled. He shook his head, trying to ease her heart. His thin lips met her forehead. Tsubaki closed her eyes, savoring his love and warmth to her.
"You've been strong enough when I wasn't there with you. You handled the situation perfectly even though it was your first time meeting the shareholders. It's not a bad decision for you to retreat. And I am so proud of you, my wife."
Matsuzaki had told him how his little wife had acted in front of the shareholders, especially when she was trying to suppress Mr. Sagara with her remarks. He could clearly see the awe and respect flashed in Matsuzaki's eyes when he reported the matter to him much to Ren's dismay. He felt jealous because he wasn't there to witness it by his own eyes.
"Matsuzaki said you're injured." Tsubaki suddenly thought back of what her husband's special assistant had said to her last night. "Mr. Sagara sent people to harm you when you disguised as Hibiki?"
"Hush, don't think about it." Ren lowered his head as he gently kissed her lips. "Akashi came in time. And I did give them a good beating before we escaped. The police has already detained them."
"But..."
"It's okay now, love." Ren smiled. "I'm sorry because making you going through this. I wanted to settle this matter as efficient as possible, but I didn't expect that old fox had planned to trap me."
"You're safe, that's all that matters," Tsubaki replied. "But, I couldn't just let you off like this. Grandma and me were worried sick! To suddenly receive bad news about the helicopter crash, do you think it's easy for us?"
Tsubaki glared at Ren. She had decided to just not simply let him off. She should teach this man a lesson for always trying to bear all the burdens by himself. Even though on the surface he had a good reason this time, but she still wouldn't brush the matter off.
Who knew when would he pull this stunt again?
"You want to punish me?" Ren asked in amusement. His eyes sparkled mischievously.
"Yes! If not, do you dare to promise me to not do this again?" Tsubaki humphed. She averted her gaze from him as she turned her head to one side.
Ren laughed, low and seductive. He lunged forward and immediately trapped her in his embrace. Tsubaki wanted to protest but before she could say anything, he sealed her lips with his. She tried pushing him away but he suddenly turned aggressive and bit her lower lip as warning. His gaze darkened, looking at her like a predator eyeing his prey.
"Ouch!"
Tsubaki glared at him. How dare he had guts to take advantage of her when she was mad at him? Did he want a beating?
"So, how would you punish me?" Ren's lips curled up as he lazily traced her plumps lips with his fingers. He was clearly up to no good.
Tsubaki responded by biting his fingers. Ren chuckled, he wasn't even mad at her. Seeing his wife's little angry face made him laughed in delight. He pulled his fingers from her teeth and kissed her senseless.
Tsubaki could only admit to defeat.
When he finally released her lips, she immediately gasped for air. Ren was still chuckling. He placed his right palm on her left cheek, looking straight to her bright eyes.
"Sweetheart, why don't we go for our honeymoon?"
En? Honeymoon?
Tsubaki had yet to respond when he once again kissed her.