The fire crackled softly in the cave, casting a warm glow over the small space where the group rested after the brutal battle. Lin Tian sat against the wall, his body aching but his mind sharper than ever. His gaze lingered on Bai Xianyu, who had fallen silent after their shared moment by the fire earlier.
Her usual confidence was replaced by a quiet contemplation. She sat on the opposite side of the cave, her golden eyes catching the light. Lin Tian's heart stirred—despite her sharp tongue and past betrayal, there was something undeniably magnetic about her.
As if sensing his gaze, Bai Xianyu looked up, her lips curling into a faint smile. She rose gracefully and crossed the space between them, sitting down beside him. "You're staring, Lin Tian."
"And you're not hiding from it," he replied, his voice low but steady.
She laughed softly, the sound both playful and alluring. "Why would I? You're the most interesting person I've met in a long time."
Lin Tian's eyes flicked to hers, the intensity in his gaze making her breath catch. "You're full of surprises, Xianyu. I'm not sure whether that's a good thing or a bad thing."
"Maybe it's both," she whispered, her tone teasing but laced with something deeper. She leaned closer, her hand brushing against his. "You're not as unreadable as you think, you know."
Lin Tian exhaled sharply, his usual guarded demeanor faltering. "You're playing with fire."
"Am I?" Bai Xianyu murmured, her golden eyes locking with his. "Then maybe you should stop me."
But Lin Tian didn't move. Instead, he closed the distance between them, his lips finding hers in a kiss that was both fierce and tender. Her hands slid up to his shoulders, pulling him closer as their kiss deepened.
The world outside the cave seemed to disappear, leaving only the two of them. Bai Xianyu's touch was soft yet insistent, her breath warm against his skin. Lin Tian's hands moved to her waist, drawing her closer as the kiss grew more heated.