Chapter 28: Passion Unleashed.

As Jin Liwei gazed into Xie Ming's eyes, the world around them seemed to fade away. "You're beautiful," he murmured, his voice husky with desire.

He bent down, his lips brushing against hers in a kiss that started soft but quickly ignited into something more passionate. Xie Ming shivered at his touch, the soft fabric of her bathrobe suddenly feeling too warm against her skin.

"Liwei," she gasped as he deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring her mouth with a fervor that left her breathless.

Jin Liwei's hands roamed her body, the silky material of the robe bunching under his fingers as he pulled her closer. "Do you have any idea what you do to me?" he whispered against her lips.

Xie Ming let out a soft moan, the sound only fueling Jin Liwei's passion. He trailed kisses along her jawline, his breath hot against her skin. "Tell me you want this," he murmured, his voice low and urgent.

"I... I..." Xie Ming stammered, her body responding in ways she had never experienced before. The thick cotton of the robe suddenly felt constricting, too warm, too much between them.

Jin Liwei's lips found her earlobe, nibbling gently. Xie Ming gasped, her body arching against him involuntarily. "Liwei, we shouldn't..." she protested weakly, even as her fingers tangled in his hair.

"Shouldn't what?" he teased, his hands sliding down to her waist. "This?" He pulled her tightly against his body, letting her feel the evidence of his desire.

Xie Ming's breath hitched. "We agreed... no further..." she managed between kisses.

Jin Liwei's hands found the tie of her robe, his fingers playing with the knot. "We can stop anytime you want," he said, his eyes dark with want. "Just say the word."

But Xie Ming found herself unable to form words as Jin Liwei's lips trailed down her neck, leaving a path of fire in their wake. Her hands clutched at his shoulders, the solid warmth of him grounding her even as she felt like she was floating away.

The soft fabric of the robe slipped off one shoulder, exposing more of her skin to Jin Liwei's hungry gaze. "You're perfect," he breathed, placing a reverent kiss on her collarbone.

Just as Jin Liwei's hand began to slip inside her robe, reality crashed back into Xie Ming. With a gasp, she pushed him away, clutching the robe tightly around herself. "Stop," she said, her voice trembling.

Jin Liwei immediately stepped back, concern replacing desire in his eyes. "Xie Ming? Are you okay?"

Xie Ming nodded, unable to meet his gaze. "I... I need a moment," she mumbled. She quickly snatched her clothes from the bed where Jin Liwei had left them earlier, then retreated to the bathroom, closing the door firmly behind her.

Jin Liwei stood there, running a hand through his hair, frustration and concern warring on his face.

When Xie Ming emerged, fully dressed, her cheeks were still flushed. "Liwei," she said, her voice stern despite the blush, "we agreed not to go further. You broke that promise."

Jin Liwei's expression softened, guilt evident in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Xie Ming. I got carried away. You're just... irresistible."

Xie Ming's blush deepened. "That's no excuse. As punishment, no kissing for a week."

"A week?" Jin Liwei's eyes widened in dismay. "But Xie Ming, you were enjoying it too. I heard you moan."

"I... I wasn't enjoying it," Xie Ming stammered. "It just... tickled."

Jin Liwei raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "Tickled? Is that what we're calling it now?"

Xie Ming huffed, turning away to hide her embarrassment. As she climbed into bed, Jin Liwei's voice softened. "I am sorry, Xie Ming. I'll respect your boundaries, I promise."

Later, as they lay in bed, Jin Liwei placed a gentle kiss on Xie Ming's forehead. "Goodnight, my love," he whispered.

Xie Ming lay awake, her heart racing, the phantom touch of Jin Liwei's hands on her body keeping sleep at bay. The intensity of their encounter had awakened feelings she had never experienced before, not even in her past life.

As she finally drifted off, her last thoughts were of the man lying beside her and the new, passionate life they were building together - a life that promised to be as challenging as it was thrilling.

The hairpin, safely tucked away in its box on the nightstand, seemed to glow faintly in the moonlight. It was a reminder of her past, but also a symbol of her future - a future that was becoming increasingly intertwined with Jin Liwei's, one passionate moment at a time.