Chapter 343

Shermaine rarely initiated. This was one of those rare moments. The second her lips met his, Joshua pulled her closer by the waist, deepening the kiss. But his concern for her injury lingered. After a while, he broke away to examine her wound.

Shermaine shot him an annoyed glare. She had finally made a move, but he had stopped. Stretching out on the bed, her figure alluring, she let out a soft huff. Beside them, the first-aid kit lay open. Joshua carefully applied fresh ointment to her arm and wrapped it in a clean bandage. “Anywhere else hurt?”

“No.” The minor scratches had already healed enough. Shermaine rolled off the bed. “I’m going to wash up.”

Before her feet could touch the floor, Joshua pulled her back, settling her onto his lap. He buried his face in the curve of her neck, pressing soft kisses along her skin. “Stay. Let’s pick up where we left off.”

Shermaine didn’t resist, though a hint of irritation remained. When her mood had been right, he had slammed on the brakes. She would be frustrated. But it was her problem. Joshua spoiled her, and combined with her morning grumpiness, she had gotten petty.

Joshua’s gaze softened as he laid her back against the sheets, leaning over her with a teasing smile. “You don’t usually start things. Now that you did, let me give it to you. Hm, baby?” He kissed her as he spoke, trying to soothe her mood.

Truthfully, Shermaine’s annoyance had faded when he tended to her. She just wasn’t used to acting so bratty. It wasn’t like her. Tilting her head up, she kissed him, fingertips tracing the lines of his face. He hadn’t shaved yet. The roughness prickled against her skin. “Was the flight exhausting?”

“Worth it.” Joshua’s palm warmed her back. “I just really missed you.”

Shermaine looped her arms around his neck, lips parting. “Me too.”

It was already noon after they were done. After showering, Joshua towel-dried Shermaine’s hair. “I’ll be careful next time.” It was baffling—a five-star hotel room without even the most basic amenities. But then again… Shermaine had mentioned it was her safe period.

From the moment Joshua met Shermaine, he had known there was no such thing as a true saint in this world. If there was one, it was only because that person had never met the woman who could make him drop everything and fall completely. But Joshua met her. And he loved her deeply, beyond reason.

Chapter 343

Over lunch, Shermaine had a hearty appetite, sipping red wine and enjoying the flavorful pasta. “I’ve got three or four more days before I can head back.”

Joshua smiled, “I’ll wait for you.”

Shermaine nodded, feeling content.

In Loang, it was midday. Due to the time difference, Basterel was already cloaked in darkness, the clock striking 8 p.m. Danielle’s call came through. “Sheary, I heard something happened to you in Ustrana. You alright?”

“Perfectly fine,” Shermaine replied. “Joshua is here.”

Danielle thought, Joshua flew in. He must’ve arrived today. No surprise, given how obsessed he is with her.

“And Molly?” Danielle asked.

Shermaine chuckled, “Busy playing power games.”

Typical Molly. Money and power were the only things that truly held her interest.

Danielle had met Molly through Shermaine. Fiery and headstrong—the polar opposite of Danielle’s calm demeanor. They still got along surprisingly well. Then again, with Shermaine around, even Molly’s temper had its limits.

Shermaine had nearly finished eating. She set her fork down. “How’s Ross? Is his wound healing well?”