Chapter 96 Criticized
A gentle breeze stirred, the morning light warm as rays filtered through tiny gaps in the air. Sheer curtains blurred the deep blue sky outside, and the room was so quiet it felt almost unreal.
Leopold had been awake for a while, his eyes resting on his beloved Caroline as she slept. Watching her peaceful sleeping face, he felt he could never get enough.
He bit his lower lip, trying not to make any sound for fear of waking her, slowly turning until he lay facing her.
His adoring gaze traced every feature of her face. Carefully, he used his fingertips to brush the hair from her forehead, his eyes as warm as morning light, his smile softer than the morning breeze.
Just looking wasn't enough—he was too drawn to her soft body. Gently lifting her head, he slipped his arm beneath her neck. Caroline's brow twitched, and Leopold instantly froze. Only after confirming she'd fallen back asleep did he pull her into his arms and hold her tight.
Held too tightly, she couldn't sleep comfortably. Opening her eyes, she saw Leopold watching her. Suddenly, images of last night's passionate entanglement flashed through her mind. Embarrassed, she closed her eyes again, her brow furrowing.
His pleased laughter came from above. Caroline reached out from under the covers and covered his eyes with her hand.
"What are you doing?" Leopold's smile deepened.
Caroline said, "Don't look at me."
Leopold took her hand away and kissed it. "Why can't I look?"
Caroline burrowed into his embrace. "Just don't."
Leopold stroked the top of her head. "What's there to be embarrassed about? Come on, honey, let me see you."
"Don't call me that." Caroline covered her ears.
"Why not?" This wasn't the sweet morning conversation Leopold had imagined. "We're married, and you're already annoyed with me?"
Caroline looked up. "I'm not annoyed with you!"
Leopold lifted her chin. "Call me honey."
Caroline blinked, her lips moving, but she just couldn't say it.
Impatient, Leopold pretended to be angry. "You say you're not annoyed with me, but you won't even call me honey."
"I'm not—" Caroline bit her lip. He watched her pink tongue move between her teeth, but still didn't hear her call him honey. Frustrated, Leopold rolled over and pinned her down, lowering his head to pry open her teeth and capture that disobedient little tongue.
The kissing was intense and fierce. He held her wrists above her head, his defined fingers threading through hers. As the kiss deepened, their hands gripped tightly together.
The ivory-colored blanket wrapped around them both, forming a high mound in the center of the bed. Gradually, the blanket rose and fell, accompanied by kitten-like murmurs and moans echoing through the room.
Leopold showered and went to the kitchen to make breakfast. Caroline stood under the shower with her eyes closed, the warm water washing away her body's fatigue. They'd made love who knows how many times last night. He seemed pretty experienced, guiding her throughout and introducing her to some wonderful sensations.
Thinking about those feelings, Caroline's body instinctively tensed, a tingling sensation spreading through her lower abdomen.
She quickly adjusted her breathing, making her restless body calm down. Only after she'd settled did Caroline breathe a sigh of relief.
It had only been one night—how had she become like this? It was as if he'd rewired her body.
Caroline came out of the bathroom in her pajamas and saw Leopold's back. She slowly walked over. He stood at the stove patiently stirring the porridge in the pot. Suddenly, she felt his waist tighten as she hugged him from behind.
Leopold looked down, the corners of his eyes crinkling with a smile. "Hungry?"
"No."
Her voice came through his chest, soft and sweet.
Leopold held her hand while continuing to stir the porridge. "Honey."
Caroline closed her eyes and took a deep breath against his back—the same body wash scent she wore. It smelled good. "What?"
Leopold: "I'm going back to Solstice Mountain tomorrow. What do you want for breakfast? I'll make it for you in advance."
"No need, I'll make it myself." Caroline rubbed her forehead against his back.
"No way. As long as I'm home, I'm cooking for you." Leopold insisted. "If you don't tell me, I'll just make whatever I want."
Not wanting him to tire himself out, Caroline said, "There's frozen pizza in the fridge. I can heat it up myself."
Leopold smiled without responding—he'd already planned the menu anyway.
"The porridge is done. Go wait for me." He patted the back of her hand.
Caroline didn't let go, nuzzling against his back again. "Don't move. Let me stay like this a bit longer."
Leopold turned off the heat and covered the pot. As the sun rose, they nestled together in the sunlight until she finally released him. Only then did Leopold turn around and open his arms to embrace her.
Beautiful love, compatible souls—these wove together into a net of happiness that Caroline willingly surrendered to.
She lifted her head, her moist eyes meeting his. Rising on her toes, she stepped onto his feet, her arms naturally circling his neck. A kiss was within easy reach.
Good relationships nurture people; good lovers nurture the heart. She indulged freely in the pleasure, both physical and emotional.
Their lips and tongues tangled. Caroline pressed harder and harder. Leopold's breathing grew heavier and deeper, his tense jawline appearing even more defined. Broad shoulders, narrow waist—her hands craved this strong body. Unable to restrain himself any longer, Leopold lowered his shoulders, lifted her with both hands, and placed her on the counter. His kisses rained down from her cheeks, landing one by one on her shoulders and chest.
Caroline closed her eyes, arms braced behind her. Her pajamas slightly open, chin tilted up, revealing the beautiful curve of her neck. She heard the sound of a racing heartbeat, staring at the ceiling, her gaze gradually becoming hazy.
In the second before losing all reason, she wondered—do all newlyweds make love this endlessly?
In the end, they didn't eat breakfast. Receiving a call from Elysia, the two rushed over to "get criticized."
Before getting out of the car, Caroline warned Leopold, "Don't say anything random in there."
Leopold asked knowingly, "You mean about us making love?"
Caroline glared at him in mock anger.
Leopold laughed, deliberately teasing, "What should I say? Besides, we have a marriage certificate. What's there to be afraid of?"
Caroline rolled her eyes at him. "I'm not talking about that. I mean your dad doesn't approve. Don't mention it yet. Let me find a chance to talk to my mom first."
Leopold had a different idea. "I think we should say something."
"Your dad doesn't approve, and we went ahead and got the marriage certificate anyway. What will my dad think? He'll think I'm so..." Caroline said quietly, "...forward. Can't you consider my feelings?"
With things put that way, Leopold put his arm around Caroline's shoulders. "Okay, I won't say anything yet. I'll try my best to handle things with my dad."
Caroline nodded.
The two stood at the door, neither daring to knock.
Caroline urged him, "You knock."
Leopold raised an eyebrow. "Is that appropriate?"
Caroline glared. "Just got married and already not listening to me. What can I expect from you in the future?"
Direct hit!
Leopold raised his hand and knocked on the door, though his face wore an expression of facing certain doom.