novelraw Chapter 427 - 429: The Night is Long
Chapter 427 - 429: The Night is Long
Naomi Kenway paused for a moment, then wrapped her arms around Ethan Shaw’s waist.
The air grew thick and heavy.
Feeling like she couldn’t breathe, Naomi frantically turned her head aside. She gasped for air, quickly pressing her hand against Ethan Shaw’s lips.
"Wait..."
Ethan Shaw’s eyes were filled with unfulfilled desire, but he stopped at Naomi’s resistance. His long, narrow eyes, however, still burned like fire.
"What is it, baby?"
Naomi hadn’t expected him to be so sappy. She couldn’t help but blush. "Don’t call me that."
"Why? Did Caleb Bishop never call you that?" he asked, his voice tight with jealousy.
Naomi knew his jealousy hadn’t subsided yet. Now that she’d come to terms with her own feelings, she didn’t want him to misunderstand any longer. "We weren’t as intimate as you think back then. The most we ever did was hold hands. I was young and naive, completely fooled by him, but that won’t happen again. You know I can’t stand him."
As she spoke, Naomi gave Ethan’s waist a light pinch. She tilted her head, threatening playfully, "And what about you? How many girlfriends have you had? Why do you always bring up my relationship history?"
’Naomi thought about what Ethan had said—that having relationship experience was normal. Does that mean he’s dated before? Maybe even several times!’
Naomi’s lips turned down into a pout, her unhappiness written all over her face.
"Only you."
"Really?" Naomi narrowed her eyes, clearly unconvinced.
Ethan nodded. "I knew I would end up in an arranged marriage, so dating would have been a waste of time. I’m lucky I met you..."
A smile crept onto Naomi’s lips, but she said stubbornly, "I’ll believe you, just this once."
"So..." Ethan’s eyelashes fluttered, his eyes growing deeper. "Can we continue what we were doing?"
"Wait, wait, wait..."
Naomi stopped the eager man once again. "I think..." She considered how to phrase it delicately. "I think your kissing technique is a little... lacking. You can’t just keep kissing like that. I can’t breathe."
"Then how should I kiss?"
"I’ll teach you."
"Where did you learn?"
Ethan’s eyes narrowed again, full of suspicion.
Naomi was exasperated. "I saw actors on my set do it this way for a scene. Let me show you." She beckoned with a finger, her beautiful face flushed crimson. "Come a little closer."
Ethan did as she asked, his Adam’s apple bobbing unconsciously.
Naomi’s eyelashes fluttered as she pressed her lips to his.
Her kiss was just as clumsy, but it was much gentler than Ethan’s plundering one.
The temperature around them continued to rise.
The night was long.
Naomi groggily opened her eyes. Her eyelids felt a little itchy, as if the house cat were licking her.
She lifted an arm to rub her eyes, her body feeling distinctly tired and sore.
When she opened her eyes, she was met with a handsome face just inches away. Some of Naomi’s sleepiness faded. She pressed her temples. "What time is it? It’s so dark in here. Are the curtains drawn?"
"Eight o’clock."
"It’s already eight?" Naomi pushed Ethan away and sat up in bed. "I can’t believe I slept for so long. No, I have to get up. I have a scene to film today, and I can’t be late."
"Don’t go. I’ll ask for a day off from the crew for you. You should get some rest."
"No, I can’t just miss a shoot for no reason. Besides, I’m fine. I don’t need to rest."
Naomi got out of bed. As she was fixing her hair, she saw several bright red marks on her arm.
A dreadful thought suddenly occurred to her. She rushed to the large mirror in the room. Sure enough, there were a few more on her neck and collarbone, all very conspicuous.
"How could you... I have to be on camera today."
Ethan walked over and helped tie her hair up. He looked at the obvious marks, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly. He touched one gently. "I wasn’t that forceful yesterday... Does it hurt?"
"It doesn’t hurt, but how am I supposed to film? I’ll just have to find something to cover them up."
Ethan had already retrieved the first-aid kit. He motioned for Naomi to sit next to him. "Come here, let me put some ointment on for you."
Naomi was a little surprised by his overreaction. "It’s fine, I’m not in pain. I don’t need any ointment."
"Come here. Listen to me," he said, his tone softening.
Ethan’s movements were very gentle, his voice laced with regret. "It’s my fault for being too rough. Let me put this ointment on for you. Tell me if it hurts."
Naomi said, "Okay."
He seemed to have learned from the last time he’d applied ointment for her. His movements were extremely gentle and didn’t cause her any discomfort.
She drew in a sharp breath.
Ethan immediately panicked. "What’s wrong?" he asked hurriedly.
Naomi turned her head. Seeing his face filled with worry, she couldn’t help but laugh. "It’s just a little cold, that’s all. Don’t be so nervous. I’m not made of glass. It’s not like I’ll shatter at the slightest touch, right?"
Ethan just smiled without a word, his touch becoming even more gentle.
Just as he finished applying the ointment, before she had a chance to cover the marks, there was a sudden knock on the door, followed by Ian’s clear, young voice:
"Mommy, are you awake? Ian brought you breakfast! I made the eggs all by myself. Nanny Warren said I did a great job! Can Ian come in?"
Naomi froze instantly, a look of panic on her face. "What do I do..."
Ian was a very polite child; he wouldn’t make a move without Naomi’s permission.
"Is Mommy still sleeping? But my teacher said skipping breakfast is bad for your health! You can go back to sleep after you eat, Mommy. Come try the fried eggs Ian made! Ian practiced making them for a long time. Ian tried some, and they’re really yummy! Don’t you want to try them, Mommy?" Ian’s voice was full of eager anticipation.
"Mommy, can Ian come in now?"
After a long moment with no response, Ian’s voice became puzzled and anxious.
Ethan patted Naomi’s shoulder and said, "You rest for a bit. I’ll go see him."
Naomi nodded. "Hurry. Don’t let him get anxious waiting. And make him go back to his room. That breakfast tray is too heavy for him to hold for so long."
"Okay."
Ethan pushed open the door and walked out.
"Daddy!" Ian was holding the tray, and the moment he saw Ethan, his big eyes filled with surprise and delight. He asked eagerly, "Daddy, you’re finally home! Are you done with your business trip? Ian missed you so much..."
Ethan took the tray from Ian’s hands and ruffled his hair. "Didn’t we just see each other yesterday?"
"It’s not the same," Ian said firmly. "When Daddy isn’t sleeping at home, Ian feels like you’re really far away from me and Mommy."
He then asked, "Why didn’t you call Mommy? Why is Mommy so unhappy? Did Daddy make Mommy mad again?"