?Chapter 222:


    As she tilted her head down, her nose softly brushed his, and she murmured in a tender voice, “Such a pretty face. If only…”


    “If only what?” Brian yfully nudged her nose with his.


    “It tickles…” Rachel giggled, pulling back slightly.


    Brian gently set her down but swiftly drew her back into his embrace. Then, teasingly, he leaned in and grazed her face with his stubble. His unshaven face from two days of not shaving was evident; the bristly stubble was short and scratchy, causing a ticklish irritation on her skin.


    “Stop it,” Rachelughed, attempting to wriggle free. However, his embrace was firm, allowing no escape.


    “Ask nicely, and I might stop.”


    “Please.”


    Brian shook his head immediately after she spoke. His face conveyed dissatisfaction; her plea didn’t seem genuine enough.


    “Not sincere enough,” he said.


    “I traveled all this way just to see you. Isn’t that enough to show I’m sincere?” she joked with a yful pout.


    “That’s better,” Brian acknowledged with a nod. “Why didn’t you tell me beforehand so I could have picked you up?”


    Rachel’s eyes twinkled into a smile. “I wanted it to be a surprise!”


    “Rachel, I’m so d you came. It means a lot to me.”


    Suddenly, he changed her position, gently pressing her back against the railing. Before she could respond, he passionately kissed her. The lips she had longed for now imed hers deeply.


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    His kiss was intense and sincere. His breath surrounded her, nearly overwhelming her. At that moment, Rachel could only hold onto him tightly, surrendering to the kiss, lost in the moment.


    As they parted, Brian looked at her with a satisfied smile. Their breathing was still heavy.


    “Feeling shy?” he joked, noticing her cheeks blush a deep shade of pink, reminiscent of a stunning sunset.


    She nibbled on her lip, looking irresistibly cute.


    “Look to your left,” he instructed. She turned her head as he suggested. Her cheeks flushed even deeper. Around them, several couples were embracing passionately, some sharing kisses.


    “You did that on purpose!” she yfully scolded, puffing her cheeks and tapping his chest, pretending to be annoyed.


    He just gripped her hands more firmly. “Now, be good and look to your right. Take in the scene,” he said.


    She then realized there were indeed many couples engaged in disys of affection.


    “You adorable thing,” Brian said, kissing her hand repeatedly before looking into her eyes intently. “Do you know what’s most popr here?”


    “I don’t know,” Rachel said, shaking her head genuinely.


    His smile widened, his expression lit by the captivating glow of the sunset, making him look irresistibly charming. He leaned in and whispered something softly in her ear.


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