Riley struggled again.
Still couldn't break free.
That accidental incident earlier had completely wrecked her confidence. Facing Adrian now, especially with that teasing look in his eyes, she didn't have the upper hand anymore.
"Let me go," she muttered softly.
"No."
His tone was lazy.
"Apologize first."
"You flicked my forehead first!" Her eyes shimmered, stubborn and wrong.
"I don't care." He didn't budge. "Either you figure out how to get down yourself… or you apologize."
She endured.
But apologizing?
Absolutely not.
I have principles—especially when dealing with someone this overbearing.
Riley looked up at him pitifully. "Hubby… I want to get down."
He ignored her completely.
"You stuffed a drumstick into my mouth."
She scratched her head. "I'm a good girl."
"You rubbed my face and pulled my hair."
"I…"
She ran out of excuses.
"And you kissed me."
Laughter rippled faintly from the living room.
That's it.
Riley snapped.
Now she understood—
He was just pushing his luck.
Her gaze landed on the slight curve of his lips, that infuriating smirk, and her temper flared.
Before she could think—
She leaned in and bit down on his lips.
A sharp, deliberate bite.
Adrian let out a muffled grunt, his body going rigid.
At the side, Mr Yeardley looked like he might burst into applause, eyes shining with emotion.
Look at that!
Master Adrian and Madam Riley, they're such cute couple!
They can't even hold back in front of everyone!
Riley's mind finally caught up with her actions.
She froze.
Face-to-face.
Close enough to feel his breath.
Her brain short-circuited completely.
She didn't move.
Didn't know how to.
Until—
CLANG!
A loud noise came from the doorway.
She snapped out of it instantly.
Like a startled cat, she sprang off his lap in one swift motion, her face burning, her chest tight like sparks were crackling under her skin.
"Oh my god! What did I just see?!"
A voice rang out.
"I just witnessed Adrian—Adrian—kissing someone in public?!"
"Unbelievable! I must be hallucinating!"
The man at the door dropped the box in his hands and walked in, eyes wide as saucers.
Mr Yeardley shot him an annoyed look, clearly wishing he could drag him out with a kitchen knife.
Lucas, however, was completely absorbed in the spectacle.
He circled them—once, twice, three times—staring between Adrian in his wheelchair and Riley, who stood flushed and flustered.
Just as he was about to speak—
A cold, piercing gaze swept over him.
His body stiffened.
He looked up—
And met Adrian's chilling eyes.
He nearly jumped.
"Why are you back so early?" Adrian asked flatly.
Lucas blinked. "Didn't I tell you I'd be back today?"
He leaned in again, grin spreading, curiosity practically spilling out of him.
"But you haven't introduced me. Who is she?"
Adrian's expression remained cool.
"Riley. My wife."
For some reason—
When he said wife—
It landed differently.
Riley felt her heart skip, then pound wildly, like it was about to leap out of her chest.
Lucas, on the other hand, froze, mouth hanging open.
"Your wife?" he echoed uncertainly.
Riley bent down, scooped up her lonely bunny from the floor, and smiled innocently.
"Bunny got fatter. I got fatter too!"
Then, hugging her bunny, she turned and skipped away—like nothing had happened.