Saving the Heartthrob Frenemy-Chapter 496: "Was I too rough? "

He had never ridden a horse except when he was little and Nana Qie was holding the reins trying to get him excited for equestrian. Despite his lack of knowledge, he was determined not to embarrass himself thus he clumsily attempted to swing his leg over the horse’s back, but he lost his balance and stumbled. In a moment of panic, Luo Muchen’s reflexes kicked in, and he reached out to steady him. Unfortunately, his hand accidentally brushed against Qie Xieling’s backside, causing a startled gasp to escape Qie Xieling’s lips.

"Hey," he exclaimed and Qie Xieling’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he felt the weight of their gazes upon him. It seemed as if the world had conspired to turn this simple task into a spectacle.

Sensing Qie Xieling’s unease, Luo Muchen swiftly pulled him down from his failed attempt at mounting the horse. With a gentle yet firm grip, he guided him to stand in front of him, their bodies close but not touching. The warmth of Luo Muchen’s presence offered a sense of comfort that Qie Xieling hadn’t realised he still craved.

Luo Muchen skillfully mounted the stallion, his years of experience evident in the fluidity of his movements. Once settled, he extended a strong hand towards him, silently inviting him to join him on the horse. Despite the awkwardness of the situation, Qie Xieling couldn’t resist the magnetic pull between them.

Taking a deep breath, he reached out and grasped Luo Muchen’s hand, allowing himself to be lifted onto the horse. He settled in front of Luo Muchen, feeling the solid strength of his arms encircling him protectively. The familiarity of their closeness reignited memories he cherished, memories that Luo Muchen didn’t have.

"Let’s go," Luo Muchen’s voice was gentle yet commanding, as he took hold of the reins. The horse responded to his touch, its powerful muscles propelling them forward.

The group began to move again. Zi Mixen watched them ride together her eyes watery. Her cheek still felt hot further fuelling her anger. She had hit herself for nothing and pushed Qie Xieling right into Luo Muchen’s arms. As the carriage began to move again the maidservant brought out the ointment and tried to apply it to her red cheek but Zi Mixen roughly slapped her hand away.

"Why can’t he just die?" she whispered her feeling sour. If Bi Yu had heard her say that she would have told her she had tried before but Qie Xieling was like a cockroach, he was hard to kill.

***

Under a clear blue sky, Qie Xieling found himself riding a powerful steed his legs clenched around its torso. Its muscles rippled beneath him as they galloped across the landscape.

Behind him, Luo Muchen clung to his waist with one hand his fingers holding him with a gentle grip that carried a weight of unspoken emotions.

He had on a stern face but as the soft breeze swept past Qie Xieling it would carry with it a familiar irresistible scent that lingered in the air. His expression softened imperceptibly as he drew closer to Qie Xieling’s ear. His chin resting on Qie Xieling’s shoulder he sniffed deeply at the intoxicating scent of the heat and passion lurking beneath his skin fuelling his obsessive desires. It sent shivers down his spine and ignited a suppressed fire within him.

His other hand wrapped firmly around the reins, knuckles white from the force of his grip as he struggled to restrain himself. He didn’t know what it was about Qie Xieling that drew him in. He knew that Qie Xieling was poisonous and the more he drank it the greater the chance of death but he couldn’t help himself.

As if responding to some unheard call, Qie Xieling turned his head slightly, allowing their faces to brush against each other and their lips almost touching. Qie Xieling’s heart fluttered as he gazed into Luo Muchen’s dark eyes. He hurriedly looked away his entire body tense. Why was it like being stared at by a predator ready to pounce?

With a voice teased from hushed timidity, Luo Muchen asked, "Do you still hurt, after last night?" His words carry a curious mix of amusement. As he spoke Luo Muchen’s breath warm against Qie Xieling’s skin, gently brushed against his lobe making his spine tingle.

Qie Xieling opened his mouth and answered, "It...," but his voice died down when he realised how husky it sounded. He cleared his throat before continuing, "It hurts, but it’s manageable."

As he spoke, Luo Muchen’s eyes flashed back to the previous night, the memory of their intimate encounter resurfacing with a force that left him grasping for control. "Was I too rough?" he asked again, the uncertainty in his tone belying the strength of his spirit. The words hung between them like a silent accusation. Qie Xieling’s face turned a vivid shade of red recalling how rough they got down in other worlds. Last night was nowhere near what they used to do. The distant look on his face made Luo Muchen sour. Jealousy surged through his veins, the smell of vinegar intense. He tightened his grip on Qie Xieling’s waist. His touch, once tender and comforting, now held a hint of possessiveness.

Qie Xieling suddenly jolted back to reality sensing Luo Muchen’s intense stare. Confusion flickered across his face, searching for answers to the sudden tension between them. He sensed Luo Muchen’s grip tightening but it didn’t hurt.

"No, you weren’t. It was perfect," he said and Luo Muchen nodded his head. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

He knew they had an agreement to behave like husband and wife for the time being but the longer he stayed by Qie Xieling’s side the more his reluctance grew. He couldn’t imagine someone else seeing that face full of arousal that he had shown last night. Those who had seen it in the past had seen it but he couldn’t stand anyone else seeing it in the future. Just that thought alone was driving him insane.

It didn’t take long before the group reached the next town. It was much bigger and more boisterous than the previous one.