Chapter 195 Ethan and Jasmine's Flirty Routine
Jasmine's eyes glistened with unshed tears, a reflection of the emotions swirling within her. Despite understanding that Ethan's gestures weren't solely bound by their contractual marriage, she couldn't help but be deeply moved.
A bashful voice escaped Jasmine's lips as she tentatively questioned Ethan, "Shall we continue?"
Ethan's response was laced with a dangerously alluring tone as he locked eyes with her, "Why not? Are you not inclined to douse the flames you've ignited?"
Jasmine's heart raced in response, and she found herself instinctively wrapping her arms around Ethan's neck.
"Mr. Ethan, how long will this vacation last?" she whispered, a longing evident in her voice as she sought to prolong their time alone together.
The desire for more seemed to be an inherent trait in humans, and Jasmine was no exception. She found herself yearning to have Ethan to herself, even if only for a brief interlude.
Ethan's reply was measured, his movements deliberate as he attended to Jasmine, "No rush. We'll venture elsewhere after the wedding festivities."
Ever since her release from prison, Jasmine had refrained from cutting her hair, allowing it to grow rapidly, cascading down to nearly brush against her shoulders.
"Jasmine..." Ethan's voice was husky as he tenderly massaged her scalp while drying her hair, Ethan's voice was a bit hoarse as he massaged her head and spoke, "Let your hair grow."
Looking up at Ethan with curiosity, Jasmine inquired softly, "Do you prefer long hair, Mr. Ethan?"
A fond smile graced Ethan's lips as he cradled her face. "The first time I saw you, your hair was long."
Memories flooded Jasmine's mind as she nodded in recollection, "At the Douglas Family's gathering."
Ethan shook his head, a disapproving expression crossing his features. "No, at your school."
Jasmine blinked in surprise, her memory failing her momentarily.
"There was also your solo ballet performance," Ethan interjected once more, causing Jasmine's eyes to widen in realization.
"You don't remember me at all?" Ethan's voice held a hint of jealousy as he questioned Jasmine.
Struggling to find her words, Jasmine admitted timidly, "I... I do, but..."
In truth, her recollection was hazy at best.
Ethan's demeanor turned stern as he reminisced, his countenance clouded with a dark intensity, "Back then, you only had eyes for Daniel. You didn't even notice me."
Jasmine's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she recalled her single-minded focus on Daniel during that time.
Ethan's gaze softened as he continued, "But I noticed you, Jasmine. Even when you didn't see me."
Trepidation gripped Jasmine as she took a deep breath, summoning the courage to speak her truth, "You're not as intimidating now."
A sense of relief washed over her as she confessed, albeit nervously.
With a playful smirk, Ethan teased, "A little liar, aren't you?"
Jasmine's blush deepened, and she remained silent, unable to formulate a response.
Ethan's actions were deliberate as he lifted her onto the bed, his voice husky with desire as he questioned her, "What did Emily teach you?"
Words failed Jasmine, and instead, she acted on impulse, pushing Ethan down onto the bed.
A laugh bubbled up within Ethan, but he suppressed it, opting instead to watch Jasmine with quiet amusement.
As Jasmine hesitated, Ethan's patience wore thin, and he prodded, "And then what?"
Jasmine's mind raced, her thoughts scattered as she struggled to recall Emily's teachings.
Her fingers trembled as she tentatively reached out to touch Ethan's abdomen, stammering, "You need... exercise..."
Before Jasmine could finish her sentence, Ethan swiftly flipped her beneath him, unwilling to play the role of a virtuous man when faced with such temptation.
In the ensuing moments, Jasmine found herself engulfed in Ethan's embrace, her fears and insecurities momentarily forgotten.
The following morning, Jasmine awoke to find Ethan absent from the room. A wave of panic washed over her at the thought of being alone.
Hurriedly searching for him, Jasmine's anxiety mounted until she spotted Ethan returning from a workout, his physique glistening with sweat.
Relief flooded Jasmine as she voiced her concerns, "Where have you been?"
Ethan's heart twinged at the sight of Jasmine's red-rimmed eyes, a silent reminder of the fragility of their bond.
With a playful grin, Ethan teased, "Curious about how these abs are made?"
Flustered, Jasmine averted her gaze, unable to withstand the intensity of the moment.
Ethan's proximity left Jasmine breathless as he cornered her, his tone teasing yet reassuring, "Were you scared when I was gone?"
In a voice barely above a whisper, Jasmine nodded in acknowledgment, her vulnerability laid bare before him.
Sensing Jasmine's unease, Ethan suggested, "Next time, I'll take you with me to the gym."
Jasmine's heart raced at the prospect, her admiration for Ethan growing with each passing moment.
Before Ethan could continue his playful banter, they were interrupted by the arrival of the hotel's butler, bearing gifts of a gown and breakfast.
With a shy smile, Jasmine accepted the offerings, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment at the title bestowed upon them.
Ethan's reassuring touch brought solace to Jasmine as he encouraged her to try on the gown, his gaze softening as he admired her reflection in the mirror.
Though Jasmine radiated beauty, the scars marring her wrist served as a stark reminder of her troubled past.
Unfazed by Jasmine's hesitance, Ethan wrapped her wrist in a scarf, concealing the remnants of her pain.
With a tender smile, Ethan reminded Jasmine of their bond, pledging to protect her from harm, even from herself.
As they prepared for the wedding festivities, Jasmine couldn't help but marvel at the intricate gown adorning her frame, a symbol of their evolving relationship and the promise of a brighter future together.