Darkness fell.
The whole world slowly sank into silence.
Rain was quietly watching cartoons.
But everything on the screen was just propaganda, praising the Eight Great Families and exaggerating their power.
It said things like "serving the Eight Families is an honor."
Basically, it was brainwashing people from childhood.
Danielle didn't bother watching it. She glanced at the time—it was already bedtime.
But remembering what Zachary had said earlier, she didn't dare to tell Rain to sleep. She just paced the room restlessly.
Zachary was cleaning his black blade. When he saw Danielle acting like that, the corner of his lips curved slightly.
Women really do respond well to a little sweetness.
"Rain, time to sleep!"
Rain turned his head sharply, eyes shining as he looked at Zachary.
"Daddy, are you and Mommy going to give me a little sister?"
"Pfft, what sister? If he wants one, let him give birth himself. I'm going to bed."
Danielle glared at Zachary, flustered, and hurried upstairs.
Rain blinked in confusion. After Zachary whispered a few words into his ear, his mood instantly brightened.
He happily skipped into the room next door. When Danielle heard the door close, she let out a sigh of relief.
So Zachary was just talking casually. He really did go to the other room to sleep.
She didn't know whether to feel disappointed or relieved. It was complicated.
Hearing the bedroom door open, Danielle, who was in the bathroom, casually called out,
"Rain, wait a second. Mommy will be out to give you a bath."
Click.
The bathroom door opened. Danielle didn't even look up as she applied body wash to herself.
The tub was full of bubbles.
She wasn't worried Rain would see anything awkward.
"Why'd you come in already? Go back out. Mommy will finish soon and then give you a bath."
"No need. Let's just bathe together."
A low, deep male voice spoke behind her. Danielle turned sharply and saw Zachary's mischievous look.
Startled, she slipped and slid right into the bathtub.
Splash.
A strong hand grabbed her waist and pulled her out before she could sink.
"Cough, cough, cough!"
Danielle was coughing non-stop in panic. Zachary sighed and quickly brought her a glass of water.
"You're a grown woman, and you almost drowned in the bath."
Even though she knew Zachary couldn't really see anything, she wasn't wearing anything under the bubbles.
She took the water and sipped slowly, but her heart was thumping like crazy.
Why was he still here? Why hadn't he left yet?
"I'm done. You can leave now."
Finally finishing the water, Danielle gathered her courage to speak—but when she looked up, she froze.
Zachary was leaning over, looking into her eyes. "Do you like it?"
Gulp.
Before Danielle could answer, Zachary stepped into the tub.
"Ahhh! No, you can't! It's too small in here! There's no room—mmph!"
Her flustered shouting was quickly silenced by Zachary's kiss.
The water rippled, and soon the floor of the bathroom was covered in puddles.
In the end, Zachary carried Danielle back to bed. She was too tired to even glare at him, falling asleep the moment she touched the mattress.
Under the soft light, Zachary looked at the bruises on Danielle's back, his eyes dimmed with guilt.
No. She can't take it. I have to hold back.
He gently ran his fingers along her pale shoulder, making her shiver unconsciously.
Zachary smiled at her instinctive reaction, then pulled her tightly into his arms.
"Danielle, don't ever leave me. If you do, I don't know what I'll do."
A flicker of madness passed through his eyes. He kissed her forehead lightly.
Then the room went dark.
Danielle shifted uncomfortably, a small frown appearing between her brows.
"Rain, how many times has Mommy told you? Don't bring your toys onto the bed! You forgot again?"
Heh.
A deep chuckle from a man made Danielle's eyes snap open.
The wild, thrilling scene from last night flashed in her mind uncontrollably.
Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly yanked the blanket over her head.
But when she saw what was under the covers, she let out a squeal and shot her head back out.
She almost cried—because that definitely wasn't one of Rain's toys.
She could clearly feel Zachary's arm wrapped around her stomach.
His body heat was intense and burning.
"You… I… you…"
Zachary pulled her in closer, and Danielle stiffened like a board.
He chuckled softly, "Why are you so nervous? You weren't holding back last night."
Danielle glared at him. Holding back? As if! She had no choice. That shameless man!
"Why are you looking at me like that? Don't tell me you're not satisfied?"
Zachary leaned down and rolled on top of her.
Now that their skin was pressed so closely together, Danielle could definitely feel the source of that heat.
She panicked and quickly said, "Satisfied! I'm really satisfied!"
Ugh, her back still hurt. How could she dare say she wasn't?
But seriously, this man's stamina was terrifying. Which doctor said twenty minutes was the norm? Nonsense!
Last night must've lasted a few sets of twenty minutes.
Danielle was complaining in her head, but she forced a smile on her face.
"Rain's probably awake by now. Why don't we…"
Let's get up too!
She reached out to push his chest, but the moment her hand touched him, she started to absentmindedly feel around.
That muscle, that texture… wow, it was drool-worthy.
"I guess you're still not satisfied," Zachary smirked and leaned in to kiss her again.
Danielle shrieked and quickly pulled her hand back, tumbling out of bed and dragging the blanket with her.
She managed to cover herself, but Zachary got a full view.
"Ah! You're shameless! Cover yourself!"
Zachary didn't cover anything. Instead, he propped his head up on one hand and grinned at her.
"Didn't you say you liked looking?"
"I never said that! You narcissist!"
Blushing, Danielle dove into the bathroom.
Hearing her muttering inside, Zachary's grin grew wider.
He glanced at the time—what a shame. He had things to do today. Otherwise, he wouldn't let this little woman leave the bed so easily.
Danielle stayed in the bathroom a long while before finally coming out, hesitant.
And then… hah.
She yanked off the blanket with a huff.
Men. They eat and run. Typical.
"Come down for breakfast when you're ready."
Zachary's sudden voice startled her so much that she jumped onto the bed.
When she saw the door was still shut, she let out a breath and pouted.
Seriously, this was her house. What was there to be scared of?
Walk down with confidence.
Yes—just walk confidently.
Danielle got dressed and walked out of the room looking composed.
Even at the dining table, she kept her posture perfect.
Just as she pulled out her chair, Rain suddenly asked,
"Mommy, did a bug bite your neck?"