Chapter Ten: The Reward of Hands and Heart
The Mirror's Reflection
Steam still clung to the air as Liu stepped out of the bathroom, robe tied loosely around her waist. Her damp hair framed her face, strands sticking to her flushed cheeks. She exhaled, stretching her arms above her head, the day's exhaustion melting into satisfaction.
> "Today was productive," she thought, smiling faintly. "I proved myself again."
Her eyes drifted to the mirror. She paused, tilting her head, studying her reflection. The robe slipped slightly, revealing the curve of her hips. She turned, inspecting herself from the side. Her figure had changed—her waist slimmer, her hips fuller, her backside rounder, shapely in a way that startled even her.
She laughed softly, shaking her head.
> Liu (to herself): "Ah… has it even been that long since I left home? And yet…"
Her hand brushed over her robe, tracing her own silhouette. She smiled, not out of vanity, but out of quiet pride. She was becoming someone different—stronger, sharper, more alive.
And tonight, she had plans.
Not holy plans.
Not innocent ones.
Plans that involved Xia.
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The Knock at Ten-Thirty
Xia returned home around ten, his presence filling the estate with its usual quiet authority. By ten-thirty, Liu stood outside his door, her heart racing, her hand hovering before she finally knocked.
> Xia (calmly, from inside): "Enter."
She pushed the door open. He was laid out on his bed, his posture relaxed, his gaze steady. No guards. No Jin. Just him.
She smiled sheepishly.
> Liu: "Your head guard isn't here."
> Xia: "I sent him out."
Her smile widened. She stepped closer, her robe now replaced with a soft nightgown that clung to her curves.
> Liu (teasing): "So… can I massage you today? Ask about my school? I'm a rare talent, you know."
Her tone was playful, but her eyes betrayed her intent. Xia didn't doubt her. He nodded, his lips curling into a faint smile.
> Xia: "I wanted a reason to touch you anyway."
Her cheeks flushed crimson. She bit her lip, suddenly shy despite her boldness.
---
The Massage
She slipped his shirt off, helping him sit upright. Her fingers dipped into the ointment, cool against her skin, and then pressed gently against his chest.
Slowly. Purposefully. She traced the contours of his body—the sculpted lines of his shoulders, the firm planes of his torso. Her touch lingered, her breath catching as her fingers slid lower, circling his ribs, brushing against his abdomen.
Her lips parted slightly, her teeth grazing her bottom lip as she worked. She was teasing herself as much as him.
> Liu (softly, teasing): "Before you got crippled… who in the world were you training to fight?"
Xia didn't answer. He only smiled, his eyes locked on hers.
> Xia: "You don't like it?"
Without thinking, she blurted out:
> Liu: "Of course I love it, it's so—"
She stopped, realizing what she'd confessed. Her face burned. She pouted, hitting his chest lightly.
> Liu: "You're teasing me again."
He chuckled, his amusement quiet but genuine.
---
The Conversation
Xia's voice softened.
> Xia: "Tell me about your day."
Liu hesitated, then began to speak. She told him about the lectures, about Mika's challenge, about the frog dissection and the shock of victory. She spoke of Nari's laughter, of the professors' praise, of the principal's watchful eyes.
Her words flowed easily, her tone animated. For once, she wasn't guarded. She was simply herself.
Xia listened, his expression calm, his eyes attentive. When she finished, he nodded.
> Xia: "Impressive. No wonder you're in a good mood."
She smiled, proud.
> Liu: "That's why I'm rewarding you with my blessed hands."
---
The Kiss
Xia's smile deepened. His hand slid to her waist, firm but gentle. Though he could sit upright, his grip carried weight—possessiveness, authority.
> Xia (softly): "There are other ways you can reward me."
His other hand lifted, fingers brushing her chin, tilting her face toward his. Slowly, deliberately, he drew her closer.
Their lips met.
Soft at first. Testing. Exploring.
Then deeper. Heated. Hungry.
Her breath hitched, her body trembling against his. She blushed furiously, her mind screaming that she hadn't allowed this—but her heart betrayed her. She leaned in, her lips parting, her hands clutching his shoulders.
When they finally pulled back, her cheeks were crimson, her eyes wide.
> "I didn't allow this," she thought. "But I wanted it."
---
The Escape
She quickly pulled his shirt back over him, dropping the ointment onto the table. Her face burned, her lips trembling with suppressed laughter and embarrassment.
> Liu (flustered): "Naughty."
She turned, bolting for the door, her gown fluttering behind her. Her footsteps echoed down the hall as she fled, her blush refusing to fade.
Behind her, Xia laughed softly, shaking his head.
> Xia (to himself): "She's mine. Whether she admits it or not."
---
Reflections
In her room, Liu collapsed onto her bed, burying her face in the pillow. Her heart raced, her lips tingled, her body still humming from the kiss.
She whispered into the fabric:
> Liu: "What am I doing…"
But she smiled.
Because deep down, she knew.
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The end.....