'!'
Yu Xiang's eyes widened suddenly as she realized the kiss never came.
Her face hit his chest instead, lips pursed in anticipation that turned to bewilderment.
Eyes blank, she stared at nothing as the reality sank in—he had pulled back at the last second, leaving her suspended in expectation like a fool.
After that moment of shock, she understood he had done something she didn't expect again. He just hugged her, no kiss, his arms wrapping around her trembling form with that same maddening gentleness.
She tightly shut her eyes, clenching her fists against his chest as embarrassment and frustration crashed over her in waves.
'I've been fooled by him again,' she realized, her analytical mind screaming at her stupidity even as her heart hammered against her ribs.
His chuckle rumbled through his chest, vibrating against her cheek where it pressed against him.
