Wu Jinmai's POV
If that organization sends their men to kill me that only means that the person behind it was dead serious about killing Wu Jinmai.
That only means that my enemies aren't just my three husbands and the noble faction. Maybe… one of them as well.
My thoughts were interrupted when Xu Jiaxu spoke. I gulp. I hope he won't join me in the bath, or this quarter has two bathrooms.
"Go ahead. I will take a bath after you," I remark.
He dashes towards me, and before I can run away, he's already holding my wrist. He drags me with him.
"Everyone is forbidden to get closer to the bath house," he says.
The servants bow their heads. I heard that meaningful smile from Xu Jiaxu. He opens the door and locks it. I step back and place my arms on my body.
"Can we be modest, hmm? A dignified man can control his urge. You… are dignified and kind, right?"
He pulled the hairpin from his head and took off the rest of his head ornament. I was surprised to see his long hair.
Men from the ancient period were beautiful, even with their long hair. He takes off his clothes. I turn around.
This place feels hot all of a sudden. I think it's because of the water being boiled from the outside. I start fanning myself with my palm.
"Don't tell me I have to undress you myself," he utters. I turned around and glared—gosh!
I covered my eyes right away. I end up regretting facing him because of what I see. My heart skips a bit and beats so fast as if my heart is trying to escape from my chest.
Shanguan Zu Jin nestled his body on my back. I can feel his warm and muscular body. I was too stunned and frozen.
I can't even move to stop him from undressing me. The next thing I saw on the floor was the first layer of my hanfu.
"I don't mind undressing you from now on, Li Susu…" he whispers in my ears.
I gathered my courage, grabbed his hand, and stopped him from taking off the second layer.
"A'Zu, why are you being assertive today? This isn't you," I utter, turning around.
I made sure that my eyes were looking at his eyes. If I look down, it'll be the end of my innocent years.
He held my face. Shanguan Zu Jin's hand was so big that his fingers held half of the back of my head.
"How can you ask a question that is clearly obvious, hmm? I'm punishing you for making me mad," he whispers as he nears his face.
Our lips touch each other again. I suddenly remembered how I wanted to cross the line.
The fire that suddenly covered my sanity makes me wish for more. He opens his lips and teases me to do the same. My body will ruin my life.
It recognizes his heat and warmth. Zu Jin already knew how to turn me on, and I can't deny that anymore.
His hands continue to take off my clothes. I didn't stop him. I have no confidence that I can. Before he can take off my undergarment, we drift apart.
We're still looking into each other's eyes. He lifts me up and carries me. He walks down in this huge bath tub. He let go of me and held my face.
"Stop staring at me. It's making me conscious…"
Shanguan Zu Jin chuckled. I looked at him and saw how bright his face was when he chuckled. His eyes glow as if stars live inside them. He's really a handsome lad!
His hand slowly slid onto my waist as his fingers caressed my back. He pulled me closer. He's not just assertive. He's also cheeky.
"Shanguan Zu Jin, I think you're being shameless," I whispered.
He grabs both of my legs and makes me wrap them around him. He raises his hands, and his finger caresses the side of my face, while the left hand holds my chin.
"How far can you go to achieve your goals, your highness?" he suddenly asked.
The emperor consort was trying to test me again. I place my hand on his shoulder and look at him.
"You really think I'm just joking, emperor consort?" I ask.
His hand slips on my shoulder, and he runs his fingers on my skin. "I have a question. Why did you marry, Pei Qin and Li Jin? Base it on Wu Jinmai's memories," he asks.
I think he's jealous because of how I embrace and comfort Pei Qin. I'm afraid I'm getting confused. I don't know whether she loves Wu Jinmai, known to me as Li Susu, or Zhang Yihua.
'What if he's acting like this because he thought he could fool me? What if she wants to use me for his bigger plan? I don't know him yet. He's hard to read as well!'
He was about to kiss me when I looked at my left side. "A'Zu, I think we're crossing a certain line," I mumbled.
If I have to set the boundaries, I will do that. I have to make sure that he won't betray me first. I know this is not my body, but still.
I need to protect Wu Jinmai's chastity. He suddenly grabbed my neck and pulled me closer. I feel like my head has left my neck.
"What are you afraid of? Are you afraid that I'll learn the truth? Or the fact that you lost your chastity?! You've always been asking men to entertain you every night. Which of them, hmm?" he asks firmly.
His bloodshot eyes were looking at me dreadfully. I don't know if I have the right to tell him that Wu Jinmai was still a virgin.
She wants him to be the first man in her life. But Wu Jinmai was proud and dense. Her sexual frustration drives her to be more ruthless, especially toward her emperor consort.
"What? If she gave herself to other men, it's none of your business. You hate her and detest her. Why are you bothered about her chastity?" I ask. I shove his hand away from his waist and distance myself from him. I lift my knees and embrace them. His expression became darker.
"Why? You asked that? You destroyed my life; have you forgotten that?" he asserted. He no longer sees me as Li Susu. He sees me as Wu Jinmai. I remember what happened to Pei Qin. I think I have to help Shanguan Zu Jin. He needs to open the bottle and tell me everything that he's keeping inside. "Destroyed your life?! Hah! I give you the second-highest power in this kingdom! You're living the life that every man wants: lavish things, title, and power," I halt, laughing sarcastically.
"Don't make me laugh, Shanguan Zu Jin. Those are the things that Zhang Yihua will never give to you. It's me who can give you the world," I added.
He grabs my shoulder and looks at me. "You gave me the world? Are you sure I want that, huh?! Have you ever asked me what I want from the past three years?!" he roared loudly.
I was a bit scared, especially when she shook my body, looking at me with such scary eyes. "Answer me!"