Interstellar Beast World: All My Husbands Are Powerful and Rich!-Chapter 172: Scared

"Rory... I’m scared."

Vincent’s voice was hoarse, roughened beyond recognition. His arms tightened around her like iron bands, locking her against his chest.

"I’m always busy with work. My temperament isn’t exactly charming. I don’t receive your favoritism the way Jasper does. I’m not as good at coaxing you as Yuel. And I can’t revolve around you every day the way Nix can."

"I’m afraid that after we bond, I will fall even further behind them."

As he spoke, Vincent slowly loosened his hold—then lowered himself onto one knee before her.

"Rory, I’m not asking you to favor me the way you favor Jasper. I only ask that you don’t dislike me. After we bond... could you look at me a little more?"

"When you have time... could you spend a little more of it with me, too? Is that too much to ask?"

Rory froze.

Looking down at the man kneeling before her, her heart clenched as though seized by an invisible hand.

Vincent was the Second Prince of the Firebird Clan—revered by countless beasts, a cold and decisive war god on the battlefield.

And yet here he was, kneeling before her, voice low and unsteady, eyes softened with vulnerability—like he was afraid even a louder breath might disturb her.

How could she not be moved?

Slowly, Rory bent down and cupped his face in her hands.

Her hair fell forward, forming a soft curtain around them. Her fingertips brushed gently across the faint redness at the corner of his eyes before her lips touched his—warm, soft, and certain.

"You are my first bond. And the one I trust most. Vincent, I will never dislike you. I’ll make more time for you. I promise."

She helped him to his feet.

He was her first partner. In this household, aside from his own strength, her attitude toward him also defined his standing.

"Rory..."

Vincent kissed her again.

If he could, he would take her away and hide her somewhere no one else could reach—make her belong to him alone.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

Her back was pressed against the door when the sudden pounding startled her, sending a tremor up her spine.

But Vincent’s kiss only deepened, more urgent, more consuming.

His hand tightened at her waist, pinning her firmly against the door. The other cradled her face, thumb brushing her jaw as he tilted her head back, claiming her mouth again.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

Their lips tangled as the knocking continued relentlessly outside. Rory’s breath dissolved into disarray. Her fingers fisted in his uniform, heart racing wildly.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

"Rory? Are you asleep?" It was Yuel’s voice.

"Vincent..."

She pushed lightly at him. He seemed unwilling to hear the knocking at all.

At last, Vincent drew back, inhaled deeply, and lifted her into his arms.

"You just returned. You must be tired. Take a bath. Sleep properly. I won’t let anyone disturb you."

He set up the bath for her before reluctantly stepping out to open the door.

Outside—

Yuel arched a brow when he saw Vincent.

"Still in Rory’s room, Your Highness? I thought you would’ve left already."

"You came precisely because you knew I hadn’t." Vincent stepped out and closed the door behind him.

Before Jasper advanced in Rank, none of them could truly bond with Rory. There had been no point in competing too aggressively.

But now Jasper had advanced.

They could bond today.

Everyone would have a share in the first bonding––there was no need to fight for that.

But after that? Then it would depend on each man’s own ability.

"Your Highness misunderstands me," Yuel replied smoothly. "I heard from Xarion that Jasper was injured during his advancement. Rory fed him quite a few leaves. I was worried she might be running low, so I brought her some."

As he spoke, he retrieved a beautifully packaged box of leaves from his ring-space.

He really had come to deliver leaves.

Vincent glanced at the elegant box. "Rory’s bathing. Don’t disturb her. Give them later."

Then, he extended a hand. "Give me a pack as well."

Hearing she was bathing, Yuel didn’t push to enter. Instead, he pulled out a shabby-looking bag and tossed it to Vincent.

"That’s all I have left today. Take it."

Vincent stared at the ragged sack, clearly reused for something questionable in its past life.

His mouth twitched. "You’re unbelievably biased. Rory’s leaves get a luxury box. Mine get... this? These leaves fell off you too, didn’t they? Can’t you show a little consideration?"

Yuel looked innocent. "Your Highness, I still have subordinates to feed. I’m practically destitute. The fact that I found a bag at all is already generous. Besides, if you don’t like it, return it and find something better yourself."

Vincent frowned, silent.

He even wanted the torn bag back.

Unbelievable.

Without another word, Vincent stored it in his ring-space.

Inside the room, after soaking in the bath, Rory lay comfortably on her bed.

For once, no one was beside her. She opened her light-brain and resumed the video she hadn’t finished earlier.

Some things, she decided, really were worth learning in advance.

Better to stay in control.

As she watched, drowsiness overtook her. Half-asleep, she felt something coil around her calf.

Her eyes fluttered open.

Jasper’s handsome face filled her vision.

"Jasper!" Her voice was soft and syrupy from sleep, the rising tone like a kitten’s paw brushing his heart. "Come here. Hold me."

His gaze darkened instantly. His Adam’s apple bobbed.

"How would you like to be held?"

He leaned down, long fingers wrapping around her ankle. His thumb stroked slowly over her smooth skin, sliding upward along her calf and behind her knee.

She shivered, instinctively curling inward—only to find herself firmly restrained.

"Didn’t you ask for a hug?" His tone dropped, edged with something dangerous.

His other hand braced beside her, his tall frame caging her between himself and the bed.

Fully awake now, her breathing turned uneven. Her fingers gripped his collar.

"Are you going to hold me or not?"

He laughed softly. Then, with sudden strength, he lifted her entirely.

She gasped, legs instinctively wrapping around his waist, body suspended against him.

"Like this?" His voice was rough. His fingers traced the curve of her waist deliberately.

Heat rushed to her ears.

Pressed against his chest, she could feel the warmth of him—and the accelerating rhythm of his heartbeat.

He lowered his head, nose brushing her ear. His breath was hot against her neck.

"I made dinner. Would you like to eat first, or... should I be the first one to eat?"

The husky teasing in his voice made her whole body melt. Her fingers pressed into his shoulders, lips brushing his ear.

"You know the answer."

Who could think about dinner right now?

His eyes darkened further.

He turned, laying her back onto the bed, and kissed her. The kiss was deep, demanding, full of restrained hunger finally unleashed.

She trembled beneath him, fingers dragging down his back, leaving faint red trails.

He pulled back slightly, lips brushing her ear.

"Rory. Say my name."

"Jasper..."

Her voice was soft, melting.

"Again."

His fingers skimmed her waist, drawing another shiver from her.

"Jasper..."

This time, she kissed him first, her warm fingertips gliding slowly over the firm lines of his abdomen...