Zhi Li was already lying on the stone bed, his head pillowed on his arm. He turned his head to look at the moonlight outside the window. The agitation from the day settled in the cool summer night, and clearer thoughts began to emerge from the murk.
He… was coveting Xia Ming! It was a feeling any male could easily recognize. The frank excitement of his body made it impossible for him to lie to his own heart.
He sighed softly. 'Xia Ming is so wonderful… and what am I? A male with a broken contract, who already has children and grandchildren. What right do I have to covet her?'
He ran his hands through his hair in frustration. 'I should be content just being alive to see Xiao Le and the kids safe and sound. I shouldn't be asking for more.'
As he was tossing and turning, frustrated with himself for reasons he couldn't pinpoint and feeling as if a stone was pressing on his chest, he heard Xia Ming cry out. Without a second thought, he rushed out and pushed open the door to her room.
