As she opened her eyes, she was greeted by the sight of his chiseled and handsome face. A night of passion had left a hint of stubble on his firm jawline, adding to his already irresistible allure.

Emmeline reached out and softly stroked his sexy chin, savoring the feel of his rough whiskers against her fingertips.

Suddenly, Abel opened his eyes.

“There’s danger ahead,” he said in a low, husky voice. “Don’t tempt me, don’t you know it’s morning?”

“Ah!” Emmeline let out a small cry and pulled her hand back, ready to get up.

“Trying to escape?” Abel rolled over and pinned her down, holding her hands above her head.

“Last night you said,” Emmeline blushed, “that since we’re not married, you wouldn’t touch me.”

“What, you mean I can’t even touch you?” Abel teased. “I never said I wasn’t going to try.”

“You’re so annoying!” Emmeline blushed even more and hid her face in the crook of his arm.

“So you’re really hoping I’ll take it to the next level?” Abel chuckled. “Well, I guess I can’t disappoint you.”

“No, don’t!” Emmeline protested. “You don’t want to start a fight so early in the morning, do you?”

“Start a fight?” Abel’s mischievous eyes narrowed as he spoke in a low, husky voice. “What kind of fight are we talking about? I seem to remember you saying you’re quite skilled in martial arts.”

“Abel!” Emmeline was both embarrassed and indignant, her cheeks turning bright red. “Stop being so inappropriate.”

“I’m not inappropriate,” Abel protested. “I’m young and fun. And by the way, don’t call me Abel. It sounds so formal.”

“Well, what should I call you then?”

“Hubby, of course. How many times do I have to tell you?” Abel nibbled on her earlobe, sending shivers down her spine.

“Hu…” Emmeline hesitated, still unable to bring herself to say it.

Husband?

It sounded so cheesy.

“Call me what?” Abel teased, lightly kissing her, “Are you afraid that calling me ‘husband’ is a bit premature? Don’t want to jump the gun, do you?”

Emmeline hesitated, feeling the weight of the term on her tongue.

“Call me,” Abel nibbled on her ear, “Or do you want me to get serious? Don’t you feel how hard I am already?”

Emmeline shuddered, feeling his arousal press against her. She couldn’t deny the effect he had on her.

“Hubby!” she blurted out, not caring about how ridiculous it sounded.

But as soon as the words left her mouth, she slipped out of his embrace and scrambled out of bed.

Abel was quick to follow, leaping off the bed with a grin on his face.

Emmeline was trapped, with no place to escape as Abel had already caught her around the waist in his embrace.

“Don’t be afraid, let’s go wash up,” he said, smiling warmly at her.

Emmeline’s tense body finally relaxed in his hold.

They entered the bathroom and Abel placed her down before enveloping her in his arms from behind, standing in front of the mirror.

Emmeline looked at herself in the reflection, with the man behind her.

She felt her petite body snuggled against his broad and tall frame, feeling so safe and secure in his embrace.

Without even realizing it, she leaned into him even more.

Abel leaned down to kiss her hair, satisfied with her response.

“Kiss me,” he murmured hotly in her ear. “You haven’t taken the initiative yet.”

Emmeline hesitated, feeling a bit uncomfortable with the idea.

“Don’t make me punish you…” Abel’s dangerous tone made her heart race.

Quickly turning in his embrace, Emmeline wrapped her arms around his neck and lifted herself on tiptoe to offer him a sweet kiss.

“That’s more like it,” Abel said, caressing her small face.

The love bites had faded from her cheeks, and her lips were no longer swollen.

Emmeline’s lips were still slightly pouted.

Last night and this morning, Abel was very gentle and didn’t use too much force.

After washing up like this, Emmeline could “face the world” again.

“Good girl,” Abel pecked her pouty pink lips again.

“Hurry up and wash up,” Emmeline pushed him, “I still have to make breakfast for the kids downstairs.”

“Let’s make it together,” Abel said, “I’ll show you how much I’ve improved in my cooking skills, my dear wife.”

“Then hurry up,” Emmeline pouted and complained, “stop dragging your feet.”

Reluctantly, Abel finally released her soft little body.