章 84: The Endless Crave

His lips still tingled with the sweetness of her breath, a sensation that left him with a soft sigh of contentment. Her essence was something he knew he would never tire of.

His hand gently encircled her tender form, and he drew her into the warmth of his embrace. Their lips met in a fiery exchange, his mouth savoring her taste as the lingering cloud of Vanessa's perfume dissipated.

He tenderly pressed his lips to the faint bruises marring her visage, his tongue soothing the tender skin. His gaze delved deep into her eyes as he sternly commanded, "Lily, from now on, you are not permitted to wander off alone."

The memory of the vicious blow from the previous night flashed through her mind, and Lily couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort. "Would I dare? Not afraid of your retaliation?"

Ethan held her gaze, his lips descending once more to claim hers in a gentle caress, his arms enveloping her as he inhaled the pure, refreshing scent of her being.