“I want to know if that older woman drained you dry.”“I need to check whether there’s any grain left in the granary.”Alice’s cheeks flushed an even deeper shade as one delicate hand slipped beneath Joseph’s shirt, tracing the ridges of his abs with featherlight care.The touch of her soft, searching fingers sent heat surging through him. And seeing that shy, breathless look bloom on her face only stoked the fire.“How exactly are you planning to check?”After a long moment, Joseph finally managed to squeeze out a question.“Personally, of course.”She bit her lip, suppressing her shyness as she answered.“And how would you go about that?”He pressed.“Ugh, you know perfectly well.”She shot him a sidelong glare, half petulant, half flirtatious.“We can’t exactly do the inspection here.”He glanced around the room.“Then I’m hopping in the shower. I’m exhausted. Once I’m done, I’m going straight to bed.”Alice sat up briskly, already in motion.She could say she’d sleep, but Joseph k

Sensing Alice’s boldness, Joseph met her with fervor.Before long, the room bloomed with springtide warmth; tender, lilting sounds wove through the air, setting the blood aflame.After a bout of unrestrained tenderness, Alice finally ran out of strength and surrendered with a satisfied sigh, slipping into a deep sleep.She was a little puzzled, though. By all accounts, after those days with that older woman, her Joseph shouldn’t have been so… idle. So why was he still so inexhaustible?When she woke, the sun was already bright the next day. She cracked her eyes open, wincing at the sliver of sunlight sneaking through the curtains, and let out a soft murmur as she covered her eyes with her hand.A moment later, she rolled over and wrapped her arms around Joseph’s solid body. The instant her skin brushed his, a familiar, comforting sense of safety washed over her.Joseph’s build—those muscles—never failed to make her linger, unwilling to let go.“Awake?” Joseph asked.“Mhm. What time is

“I’m almost there, too.”Joseph saw Heidi’s message, sent a quick reply, and kept his focus on the road.At Meet-Up Grill in Nova City, Heidi and Fiona had already taken a table.“What do you want to drink, sis?” As soon as she sat, Heidi picked up the menu and started scanning it.“I’m easy. Order whatever you like,” Fiona said evenly.“Double up on the meat—brother-in-law’s got an appetite,” Heidi muttered without looking up.“Order as you see fit. You know him best. Lunch is on me today; go wild,” Fiona said, sipping hot tea with a calm nod.“Heh, don’t mind if I do,” Heidi grinned.She was used to eating out with Joseph; Fiona was often swamped, and the sisters didn’t get many chances to meet. Rare occasion: Fiona treating.Once she’d finished ordering, Heidi set the menu down with satisfaction. She took a sip of tea and placed the cup back on the table.Just then, her brows drew together. She flicked a glance to the side.A few tables over sat a bald man with ink-sleeved arms, f

"No rush. If they’re coming back, I’d rather talk to them—see what they’re really about."Joseph tended the grill with unhurried ease, as if the petty crooks weren’t worth a second thought."People like that—can you really talk to them?"Fiona hesitated."Sis, how do you not get what he means? He’s talking with his fists.""Beat them into listening—then you can talk."Heidi jumped in to clarify."I see…"Fiona blinked."Let’s finish eating. No need to hurry.""I read the first draft of your paper. Not bad—substantial, even. But there’s still plenty that needs tightening."Joseph shifted the subject."I honestly don’t know how well I’ve done, but it feels much smoother than before. At least now I have a direction.""If there’s anything off, say it straight. I’ll revise carefully. I never thought I’d nail it in one go.""It’s my master’s thesis—I want to do it properly, even if it takes time. I’ll be defending in front of a whole panel."Fiona added."I’ve marked all the issues in detai

“Why get involved? Enough rubbernecking. In the car—we’re going home.”Fiona shot a look at Heidi, who was clearly dying for drama, and spoke coolly.“What if he goes alone and something happens?”Heidi climbed in, still uneasy.At that, Fiona didn’t answer. She pulled out her phone and placed a call.It connected quickly.“Hello? Uncle Alvarez?”“Here’s the situation: we were out eating with my former brother-in-law and got into a run-in with the head punk on Rising Sun Street.”“Mr. Wilson just headed there alone. Take a few cars over now and check on things.”Fiona’s tone was crisp and efficient.“Got it, Miss. The head punk on Rising Sun Street is a guy named Mr. Donovan. He runs a card parlor there—Donovan Card Room. I dealt with them once before.”“That Donovan Card Room is basically his nest.”Uncle Alvarez’s voice came through the line.“Is he reasonable?”Fiona asked offhandedly.“Sure—why wouldn’t he be?”Alvarez sounded entirely confident.“Because he values honor? Because