?<strong>Chapter 1369:</strong>


    Scarlette twisted away gracefully, her bodynguage a silent rebellion against Kenji’s advance. Her eyes lingered on his lips, studying them with deliberate intensity. “You’re so skilled at kissing and cursing. I bet you excel at everything else too, don’t you?”


    A shadow fell across Kenji’s features. The youth had made him proud, perhaps too proud. “Your ttery won’t sway me to your whim,” he replied, his voice sharp as winter frost.


    “But in the videos, everyone seems to enjoy it,” Scarlette countered.


    “It’s all an act for the camera.”


    “Why don’t you have a try?”


    Kenji recoiled internally at the mere suggestion. His forehead creased with disapproval. “If you’re that eager, find someone else.”


    “My back is killing me,” Scarlette whimpered, her lips forming a perfect pout. “I can barely move.”


    “Do you really want it tonight?”


    “Yes. When I want something, my parents never make me wait until morning. I always get what I want, immediately.”


    “I’m sleepy,” Kenji dered, shutting his eyes.


    But Scarlette wasn’t just bold in thought—she was daring in action. Fighting through her back pain, she mounted him swiftly, positioning herself directly over his face.


    Kenji’s eyes flew open toote. Instinctively, his hands shot to her waist, steadying her.


    Threading her fingers through his hair, Scarlette’s sweet voice carried a hint of steel. “Push me away, and you’ll live to regret it!”


    Though muffled, Kenji’s voice cut like ice. “What good are those eyes of yours? You’re sitting on my nose.”


    Scarlette let out a startled gasp. “Oh, sorry.”


    Her apology rang sincere, yet she remained unmoved. “Since you excel at everything, you must be fantastic at holding your breath too. That nose of yours seems quite useful—I could put it to good work.”


    Kenji was too stifled to speak. Perhaps desire finally overcame reason. After a brief hesitation, he surrendered to her outrageous demand. He found himself exploring with unexpected dedication.


    After their Christmas celebration, Kenji needed to return to Banta to rejoin his parents.


    Drawn to Banta’s vibrant energy, Scarlette decided to apany him for a few days.


    Before departing, Kenji made a point of visiting the Ward family’s vi, promising Caden and Alicia that he’d guard Scarlette’s wellbeing.


    Alicia imagined their rtionship was still in its innocent stages, limited to hand-holding. “Knowing Scarlette is in your care puts my mind at ease. When she’s had her fill of adventure, just call us, and her father and I wille to Banta to collect her.”


    “Please don’t trouble yourselves,” Kenji assured them. “I’ll personally escort Scarlette home.”


    “That works too.”


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