Chapter 337
“How could you get drunk and end up in another man’s car instead of Rico’s?” he scolded as he carried her up the stairs. His voice was firm, though his grip on her was gentle.
Rain stirred in his arms, her eyelids fluttering open. “Oh, my husband is here carrying me,” she mumbled with a giggle, wrapping her arms lazily around his neck.
Alexander’s expression darkened as he reached the top of the stairs and started down the hallway toward their room. Her carefree demeanor only added to his frustration.
She pouted up at him, clearly confused. “Why are you frowning? You look so mad,” she said, her fingers reaching up to cup his face as if to smooth out his scowl.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” he retorted sharply, pausing outside her bedroom door. “You came home late, drunk, and let another man bring you here instead of riding with Rico like you were supposed to p>
Rain blinked, then gave a cheeky smile. “Oh, come on, it’s still early! Everyone was having fun, and it’s been ages since I got to relax, drink, and sing karaoke with my colleagues. Rico’s too stiff… Henry let me drink more and even sang along with me on the drive p>
Alexander pushed the door open, carrying her inside. The room had changed significantly from what he remembered. It was larger, with an attached study, and the walls were painted in softer, warmer tones.
Apparently, he’d personally overseen the renovations to suit Rain’s preferences, though the memories of doing so still escaped him.
His gaze softened briefly as he took in the familiar-yet-unfamiliar space, but his annoyance quickly returned. He carefully set Rain down on the bed and crossed his arms, staring at her. “You should have been more responsible,” he muttered.
Rain sat up slightly, wobbling as she propped herself on her elbows. “Oh, Alexander,” she murmured with a teasing smile. “You’re so sweet when you’re worried p>
Alexander sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Rain, this isn’t about being sweet. It’s about your safety. Do you have any idea how reckless that was p>
Rain’s expression softened as she reached for his hand, pulling herself up from the bed. Before Alexander could react, she wrapped her arms around his neck, drawing their faces so close that his breath hitched. His entire body stiffened at the proximity, and his heart raced in response.
It wasn’t like they hadn’t kissed before… Rain often surprised him with quick pecks, leaving him flustered yet craving more. But this was different. His gaze dropped to her lips, soft and inviting, stirring an unfamiliar yet undeniable longing within him.
“Don’t be jealous, alright?” she said, her tone playful as her warm breath fanned against his lips. “Henry is just a colleague, and he’s safe to be around.” A mischievous grin tugged at her lips.
Alexander frowned. “You shouldn’t get into another man’s car, especially when Rico is there to take you home. It’s improper for a married woman,” he retorted, his tone sharp but his voice unsteady. “And for the record, I’m not jealous!” he added defensively.
Rain raised a brow, clearly unconvinced. “Hmm, but Henry and I used to share rides all the time when we worked on cases together,” she said with a teasing lilt, watching as his frown deepened.
Before he could argue, she surprised him again. With a confident step forward, she pushed him backward, guiding him toward the bed until he stumbled and sat on its edge.
Alexander’s eyes widened in shock, and his breath caught in his throat as Rain climbed onto his lap, straddling him effortlessly.
“Rain-” he started, but his words faltered as she leaned in closer, her hands resting on his shoulders.
“I’m sorry,” she murmured, her voice soft but laced with amusement. “I wasn’t thinking much about it earlier. But if I’m being honest… I kind of like how you’re reacting right now.” Her grin widened as she continued, “I don’t regret taking Henry’s car because now I get to see this jealous side of you p>
Alexander’s ears burned, and his hands instinctively landed on her waist to steady her. “I’m not jealous!” he protested again, though his tone lacked conviction.
Rain tilted her head, studying his expression. “Really? Then why were you so annoyed seeing Henry carry me? Why are you still frowning now?” she teased, her fingers lightly brushing against his jawline.
Alexander let out a frustrated sigh. “I was annoyed because… because it didn’t feel right, that’s all. And yes, seeing another man carry you… it bothered me, okay? But that doesn’t mean I’m jealous p>
Rain’s smile softened into something more tender. “Maybe you’re not jealous,” she said quietly, her gaze meeting his. “But I think it means you care… and that’s enough for me p>
Alexander’s heart pounded in his chest as her words sank in. His grip on her waist tightened slightly, pulling her just a bit closer. “Of course I care, that’s given,” he admitted in a low voice, his eyes never leaving hers. “You’re my wife p>
And in that moment, as the tension between them lingered, Alexander realized that his frustration wasn’t just about propriety… it was something deeper, something he wasn’t quite ready to name. But whatever it was, he couldn’t deny how Rain’s presence stirred emotions he hadn’t felt in years, emotions that were slowly becoming impossible to ignore.
Rain smiled, and Alexander’s heart skipped a beat as her face leaned closer. Her gaze held a mix of playfulness and affection that left him utterly captivated. “Yes… I am indeed your wife,” she whispered, her breath warm against his lips.
He parted his lips to respond, but before he could utter a word, she closed the distance, capturing his mouth in a kiss. The sensation was heavenly… soft, warm, and intoxicating, despite the faint taste of wine lingering on her lips.