Ayla wrapped the blanket tightly around herself and drifted back to sleep.
Before long, she sensed someone tugging at the warm covers.
"Stop pulling." Her eyes stayed closed as she muttered sleepily.
But the blanket kept being pulled away, and Ayla grew irritated, frowning even with her eyes shut.
The next moment, someone pulled her into an embrace.
She struggled, but she could not break free. Then that familiar warmth surrounded her, and Ayla did not want to move away.
Not only did she stop resisting, she snuggled closer. Her hand slid toward his waist on its own.
Out of old habit, her hand slipped beneath his shirt without thinking and wandered.
Soon she felt the muscles under her palm tense.
Ayla thought she was dreaming, yet the feeling grew clearer until someone brushed against her earlobe. "Ayla, be good. Don't move."
His breathing deepened.
Ayla stiffened and woke instantly. She knew it, sleeping together would always get complicated!
She jerked her hand back. The next second, Draven tightened his arm around her waist, pressing her stomach and lower abdomen against him. Heat spread through the thin fabric and warmed her chest and body.
It was a close and sealed embrace, comfortable and intimate.
Ignoring the clear reaction of his body, of course.
Draven's lips left her ear. He simply held her normally and patted her back. "Sleep. I'm here."
He held her so close that her face pressed into his chest. Listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, she finally fell into real sleep.
After that, Ayla stopped dreaming. When she woke up, her whole body felt warm. When she opened her eyes, she saw Draven right in front of her, staring at her without blinking.
Ayla jumped in surprise. "You—"
"You were freezing last night. You kept burrowing into me," Draven said calmly.
Really? Once again, she was the one chasing warmth and taking the first step?
"That doesn't sound quite right," Ayla murmured uncertainly, a bit embarrassed.
Draven looked at her. "You used me as a heater all night and now you refuse to admit it?"
Ayla sighed. "Fine, I admit it. So how do I make it up to you?"
Draven said, "Kiss me."
Great. He's angry.
Hmph!
Ayla snapped, "Mr. Storm, if you're in a bad mood, just let me leave. Then I won't stay here, annoying you and ruining your day. I can take the babies home and figure out what happened yesterday. Once I calm down, say whatever you want. I promise I deal with it, because I can't afford to offend you."
She had never been able to, especially now that she stood on his territory. She was powerless.
Draven remained cold, domineering, and unyielding. "No."
Ayla said, "Seriously? You're angry, you refuse to let me leave, and look at the trouble I'm causing you. I'm starting to feel guilty."
Draven said, "I enjoy suffering. If you feel guilty, find a way to compensate me."
Ayla raised her eyebrows.
The noble and distant heir who used to ignore everyone, how could he act so shamelessly now? Her children had been taken, she was monitored, and he should have apologized sincerely. Instead there was nothing. Ayla laughed in frustration. "Weren't you—"
Draven stepped behind her and pressed close to her back, his arms wrapping around her waist. He rested his head against her shoulder. "No kissing. Hugging is fine, right?"
A shiver ran down her spine.
Wonderful. She had attracted a clingy lion.
Ayla felt as if nothing had changed from the past. Only after she finished washing up did Draven finally release her.
"Draven, you... follow the rules."

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