"Why are you staring at me like that... Holy crap—" Lu Zhi felt his alertness spike under Shen Qi's gaze and was about to get up from his chair. But Shen Qi grabbed him and forced him to sit on his lap, facing him. His lower back was held tightly by an arm, rendering him unable to move, completely at Shen Qi's mercy.
"Weren't you laughing quite happily just now?" Shen Qi cupped Lu Zhi's chin, his thumb sensuously caressing the smooth, warm skin. His silver-gray eyes were half-closed in satisfaction, displaying a leisurely contentment akin to a cat playing with its prey.
Lu Zhi hadn't expected Shen Qi to be the type to "settle accounts later"; instead, he was the type to "avenge wrongs immediately." After being teased and mocked, he wanted immediate retribution.
"Let's… talk about this later when we're back. It's not good if people see us like this…" Lu Zhi thought he would seize an opportunity to escape as soon as they left the guild hall.
Unfortunately, his wish was not to be. Shen Qi seemed to have anticipated Lu Zhi's little scheme. The hand on Lu Zhi's lower back slowly and provocatively roamed through his clothes. "What's not good about it? Aren't we partners? You just declared my status to everyone. No one would dare to be so tactless as to interrupt us at a time like this. It's the perfect place to talk."
Lu Zhi's smile froze slightly.
Shen Qi's arm tightened, pressing Lu Zhi close to his chest. With a slight push from Shen Qi, Lu Zhi had to lower his head, bringing their faces closer. Shen Qi's scent was like a hook, stirring a ticklish sensation within Lu Zhi.
"I'm very hurt…" Shen Qi's nose brushed against Lu Zhi's, his silver-gray eyes gradually narrowing. "So, in your heart, I'm someone who can be snatched away at any time, hmm?"
Lu Zhi quickly recalled what he had said earlier and clicked his tongue. "Nonsense, when did I ever say something like that? You're slandering me!"
"Did you not?" Shen Qi chuckled, his chest vibrating slightly. "But you were just saying with regret how I refused the 'invitation' from the president of the Hua Rong guild and was ungrateful. You should have gotten entangled with them, and then… you would have had a reason to ref—use—me—"
The last three words, spoken unhurriedly, carried the dangerous signal of an impending storm.
Lu Zhi's soul shrieked, sounding an emergency warning light. His bright black eyes met Shen Qi's dangerous silver-gray ones. He cupped Shen Qi's face with both hands, not backing away but pressing even closer. His black eyes showed displeasure. "Shen Qi, what are you talking about? Although I agreed to try with you at first as a delaying tactic, I don't believe you didn't see that."
Shen Qi remained silent, his arm encircling Lu Zhi slowly tightening.
Lu Zhi clicked his tongue. "Why are you so lacking in confidence? You are a divine being. When we made our pact, I said I offered my soul and body to you. Can you not even sense if it's genuine or not? Although, admittedly, I did compromise more with you initially, but now…"
Lu Zhi took Shen Qi's other hand and pressed it tightly against his heart. His black eyes were serious and focused. "Can't you feel if I've developed real feelings for you? My dear divine being, are you not confident in your own charm?"
Human life is so fragile, the pulse of the heart so fervent. The connection of souls, so captivating.
How could Shen Qi not feel it? It wasn't the love he desired, but at least, Lu Zhi's soul was telling him at that moment that he liked him.
But it wasn't enough, still not enough. What he wanted was more than just liking.
Shen Qi's eyes darkened, a hint of madness flashing within them. He suddenly leaned down and captured Lu Zhi's lips.