Chapter 376
Rain bit her lower lip as she made her way back to her bedroom, though she stopped by the billiards room first. According to Sanya, the elders were gathered there. Through the transparent wall, she saw her Aunt Melanie laughing and chatting warmly with Aunt Vernice, while Uncle Ben and Father Frock were engrossed in a game of billiards.
A sense of peace settled in Rain’s heart as she watched her aunt’s happiness. “I won’t let you go back to that hell,” she murmured softly, thinking of the Clayton Mansion. Sanya had mentioned William’s suggestion, sending Aunt Melanie or even Rain herself back to uncover the truth about their real family.
Rain inhaled deeply. She knew the plan would be more effective if Aunt Melanie went, as Tim Clayton was far more likely to trust her than Rain, who openly resented him. The thought of Tim, the man who had sold her to Michael, made Rain’s blood boil. She doubted she could keep her emotions in check if she faced him directly.
But no matter how logical William’s plan seemed, Rain couldn’t bear the idea of risking Aunt Melanie’s safety or well-being. ’There has to be another way,’ she thought firmly. She would find a way to uncover the truth without putting her beloved aunt in danger.
Deciding not to interrupt the harmonious fun of the elders, Rain turned away from the billiards room and headed upstairs to the bedroom. When she entered, she found Alexander already there, dressed in his sleepwear.
“My things are all back in here,” he said timidly, a hint of vulnerability in his tone.
Rain’s lips curved into a smile as she walked toward him and wrapped her arms around his waist. His familiar, masculine scent filled her senses, and she buried her face against his chest. “Welcome back to our bedroom,” she whispered warmly.
Alexander chuckled softly and replied, “This might actually be an advantage for you p>
Rain pulled back slightly, her brows furrowing as she looked up at him. “What do you mean?” she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
His face turned red, his ears following suit, which only deepened her confusion. Then, with a sheepish yet roguish smile, he added, “I might end up waking you often p>
In an instant, the meaning behind his words hit her, and her cheeks flushed. She let out a soft laugh, cupping his face in her hands. “I really don’t mind,” she murmured, her voice playful yet sincere. “You can keep me awake all you want p>
His grin widened, and without another word, he leaned down, capturing her lips in a tender yet possessive kiss, solidifying the warmth and intimacy of the moment.
Rain pulled away gently, a soft hum escaping her lips. “Let me wash up and clean up first,” she said, her tone light and affectionate.
Alexander nodded, releasing her from his embrace. She grabbed a delicate nightdress from the closet and made her way to the bathroom. As she closed the door behind her, she could hear him moving around the room, likely settling in for the night.
Once inside, Rain quickly freshened up, the warm water washing away the day’s weariness.
She changed into her nightdress, the soft fabric brushing against her skin, and gave herself a quick glance in the mirror. Satisfied, she returned to the bedroom where Alexander was already lounging on the bed, his gaze immediately locking onto her as she entered.
With a sly smile, Rain slowly climbed onto the bed, straddling Alexander as he sat back against the headrest.
His eyes were already locked on her, his gaze burning with anticipation the moment she walked out of the bathroom. She loved how unrestrained he was now, letting his instincts guide him. She paused, meeting his gaze as she settled on straddling him.
She gently ran her fingers through his soft, jet-black hair and hummed. “I always thought they shaved your hair before surgery she mused, admiring the way his hair fell naturally. She was glad they hadn’t shaved it.
Alexander chuckled softly. “Dr. Lambert knows me well. He said my hair wouldn’t be in the way, so no need for the razor. He knew I’d hate it, getting bald like Dad. Speaking of which, I still can’t get used to seeing him like that. He used to complain about it all the time during his military training when they’d shave it off as a requirement p>
Rain paused, biting her lip. She remembered what William had told her, that their father lied to Alexander and told him that he had shaved his hair to look younger and cooler.
“Well, he’s been hanging out with Aunt Vernice a lot. Maybe William’s right… he just wants to look young again,” she replied with a soft smile, trying to ease his thoughts.
The mood shifted as Rain lightly touched the scar behind his ear, her fingers grazing the rough edges of the wound. “Does it still hurt?” she asked quietly.
Alexander shook his head. “Not really, just sometimes. Every once in a while, I get these blurry flashes of the past p>
Rain nodded, leaning down to kiss the spot where the bullet had once struck. She could feel his breathing quicken beneath her touch. Gently, she lifted the hem of his shirt and removed it, her fingers brushing over his skin as she moved to examine the other scars on his chest.
“All of your wounds were from when you shielded me,” she murmured, touching the jagged marks left by the gunfire. Her heart tightened as she traced the scars, three of them on his back that she had only seen when he was in a coma.
“Can I see the ones on your back?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alexander nodded and shifted, turning his back to her. Rain leaned forward, her breath catching in her throat as she touched each scar with reverence, kissing them softly.
“Rain Alexander’s voice was low, his breath shaky as he turned to face her. His hands gently slid the strap of her nightdress down her shoulder, his touch slow and deliberate. She could feel the heat between them intensify.
She, too, had her own scars from the ordeal… gunshot wounds on her belly and arm, though not as severe. They hadn’t hit any vital organs, but they were a reminder of the danger they had both faced. Alexander gently pushed her back on the bed, his lips tracing the lines of her scars.