Zayden was asleep, still roaming around in his dream. Kang Jimyeong appeared in front of him with a frown. Hands clenched behind his back.
"Your highness" he said.
"Wait a pleasant surprise, Duke Kang Jimyeong" Zayden said "How is business?"
"Quite delayed" he replied "I still could not understand why the half breed is still alive"
"Whom are you talking about if I may ask?" Zayden feigned ignorance.
"Stop acting like you don't know whom I'm talking about. I'm talking about your father's son"
"My father has two sons. Who exactly?"
"Ryan" he jaws clenched "Why is he still alive?"
"Are you asking me?" Zayden asked, then chuckled. "I have no right to take his life"
"You gave me your word. You said you'll have him killed"
"I did say that. But I never promised" he made it clear "Also, I came to understand one thing. Once an enemy comes asking for help from his foe, then it's a setup."
"What are you saying?" His brows furrowed.
"A foe is always a foe. If he has your back today, he won't have tomorrow."
"You're getting the wrong idea, prince Zayden" Kang Jimyeong said.
"A wolf can never take down a lion. But do you know what you are?" he took steps towards him "A hungry dog"
Kang Jimyeong gritted his teeth, clenching his hands. What gave him the audacity!
"A word of advice, Kang Jimyeong. Stop hunting the Wolf's mate. The Wolf would run mad if she gets a scratch. The end sometimes is bloody. Or should I say 'mostly'." Zayden smirked.
"Let me get things straight. You became a scaredy-cat and couldn't kill the half breed" Kang Jimyeong spoke "Is that it?"
"No. I became wiser not to." He clarified.
"That's the definition of being foolish" Kang Jimyeong said with a chuckle. "Actually I once thought you were brave enough to take down the ones who want your place. But now I see you're not."
"I have my reasons" Zayden said "Besides, a cub can't go hunting. He'll let the lion take lead."
"I see. That's why you'll never grow up" Kang Jimyeong said.
"No one would want to grow and become old with weakened muscles. Who would want to loose his charm?" He smirked, leaving Kang Jimyeong in anger.
"It was nice having you in my dream. You may leave if you don't mind"
"Of course I don't mind. I hope we meet on his death bed" he disappeared, and Zayden's eyes opened. He rose up.
"His death bed? Does that he'll have someone else kill Ryan?" He chuckled "I'd like to see them try"
"But... I've been lenient with that old demon. Letting him into my dreams. I'm a prince for goodness sake, I deserve some respect!" He got down from the bed and a knock was heard.
"Who is it?" he asked
"Your highness, the King has asked for your presence in his manor" the maidservant spoke from outside.
"I'll be there" he said.
*....*....*.....*.....*.....*....*.....*....*.....*.....*.....*
Ryan stood in the middle of her room, on a phone call with Leonel. He was dressed in white, with one hand in pocket.
"Have you found anything about that moron?" he asked.
"No, young master" Leonel replied. "We're still on it"
"I want every information on him. None should be left out"
"Okay"
"Also, I'm hoping you did well in re-checking the products before sending them to the company."
"Yes, I did that. There's nothing wrong with it" he replied.
"What did you do with his minions?" Ryan was curious.
"I got rid of them like you said" he shrugged.
"Exactly what did you do?" He asked through clenched teeth.
"I let them go"
"What?!"
"I let them go after having some fun with them, imprinting my marks and erasing their memories" he grinned "So cool, huh?"
"I must say, I'm not impressed" Ryan said lazily.
The bathroom door creaked open and Arianna walked out in the white bathrobe. Ryan turned and her legs came rooted to the ground. Their eyes locked in each other's.
"You're not impressed when someone else is cool, so I don't mind" Leonel said. But Ryan's mind was somewhere else.
Her hair was wet and water dripped from it. Her rosy lips had droplets of water.... her lashes wet also.....
"Young master?"
Arianna bit her lips unknowingly, still gazing at him.
"Young master, are you there?"
"Uh... let me....let me call you back" he said and hung up. Arianna had her hand on the collar of the robe, covering her chest properly.
Ryan took steps towards her, and she bit her lips again.
"W-What are you doing here, Mr Han?" She questioned, and the next moment Ryan pulled her by her waist. Her eyes were a little wide as she stared into his eyes. He trapped her lips in a kiss, kissing her softly.
Her eyes were wide, blinking a few times. Her heart set out on another race. His lips were warm. Those red lips which she had wondered how it felt like when she kissed him. Is this how it feels like? Have your heart on a marathon? And some butterflies in your stomach? Is he really kissing her? If this is a dream... She doesn't feel like waking up. Her eyes closed, feeling the warmth of his lips.
But.... He....
Ryan pulled away. He looked into her eyes which gleamed.
"I see you forget instructions easily" he spoke.
"Huh?!" Her voice was barely heard.
"What did I say about calling me by my name?"
"Ah... I'm not yet....use to it" So he kissed her because of that?
He smiled "You're growing red again. Does it affect you?"
Would he ever stop teasing her? "No" she said "I'm not affected by it"
Ryan frowned at that. Why would she lie? He let go of her and she inched back.
"Don't let me wait too long in the dining before you come down" having said that he walked to the door and opened it.
"By the way..." he spoke "Always be prepared. Because this would happen often" he walked out and slammed the door.
Arianna let out a breath she forgot. "He kissed me" her voice was barely heard. "He... really...kissed me"
"I had two kisses....with a demon" she whispered.
She rushed to the mirror and checked her face.
She cupped her face "Oh.... My poor cheeks. It's so red"