Across the pale, bloodless skin lay an array of crimson kiss marks and purpled teeth impressions scattered from the collarbones all the way down to the lower abdomen. The most intimidating sight was on the tender inner thighs, where Dominic Vance's massive handprints were still clearly imprinted and flushed angry red. The small entrance at the back remained heavily swollen, though fortunately, it had been thoroughly cleansed beforehand, leaving no sticky or uncomfortable sensation behind.
Lucien extended a finger, apathetically pressing it against a blood-crusted bite mark on his shoulder. The piercing sting that shot through him caused his eyelashes to tremble slightly, yet the corners of his lips curled into an incredibly mocking, faint smile.
It truly ached. But... it was entirely bearable. It was still perfectly functional. To him right now, this body was no different from a flawless weapon designed to plunge straight into their most fatal weaknesses.
[Beep!]
The very moment Lucien put that thought to rest, a sharp, clear electronic chime abruptly rang out within his mind.
[Ding! System 000 is honored to return and serve the host. It has been a while, but your acting skills remain as phenomenal as ever. Tsk tsk, just look at the marks covering your body, the male lead truly shows no mercy and does not know how to cherish a delicate flower when making his move.]
The tone of 000 sounded remarkably more lively this time, completely stripping away the rigid, mechanical demeanor it had during their last communication.
Lucien narrowed his eyes slightly, uttering no word aloud but coldly replying in his mind: "Cut the nonsense. How is the situation?"
[The possessiveness level of the target Dominic towards you has skyrocketed, surging past the sixty percent threshold. The main quest is making exceptionally good progress.] 000 chuckled mischievously: [However, in order to cope with the stormy dinner that is soon approaching, the system requests permission to activate Branch Mission 2.]
A pale blue virtual notification panel immediately appeared before Lucien's eyes:
[Mission 2: Consolidate the target's sense of ownership
Deadline: Before dinner tonight.
Condition: Compel Dominic to publicly defend you or give you absolute priority in front of Miles and Mr. Sinclair.]
Lucien chose to accept the mission without the slightest hesitation.
[Confirmation successful! To assist the host in delving deeper into character, this system has decided to unlock the mature prop inventory for support. Recommended item: Aphrodisiac Essential Oil - this is a simulated pheromone effect frequently appearing in the ABO universe. It will heavily amplify the ambiguous, intimate scent lingering on your body, making your flesh thirty percent more sensitive, while simultaneously ensuring that the target, upon inhaling it, will be subconsciously driven by lust and erupt with overwhelming possessiveness.]
000's voice brimmed with suggestiveness: [Just helping you perform better. Naturally, there is no such thing as a free lunch. In exchange for this prop, you will be deducted fifty accumulated points. Abuse of this item will lead to side effects, mind you. Care to buy it?]
Lucien pondered for a fleeting moment before making his decision: "Make the exchange."
[Transaction successful. The prop has been fully integrated into your body.]
Instantly, Lucien felt a subtle, crawling wave of heat trace down his spine. His skin, which was already flushed from the lingering aftermath of lust, now burned even hotter. A fine sheen of sweat broke out across his forehead, carrying with it a strangely sweet, lingering fragrance. It did not assault the senses directly, but rather drifted faintly in the air, ephemeral and elusive, yet seductive to the absolute extreme.
Click.
The bathroom doorknob turned open. Dominic stepped out into the room. His bare upper half radiated a hazy, steaming mist, while water from his slicked-back raven hair continued to drip, sliding down the chiseled ridges of his abdominal muscles before disappearing beneath the towel hastily wrapped around his waist.
The very moment Dominic approached the bed, his footsteps abruptly faltered. The scent in the room seemed considerably sweeter than it had been a mere moment ago. It intertwined seamlessly with the musky aroma of their recent lovemaking still lingering in the air, rushing straight to his brain and violently tearing at the fragile layer of rationality that his cold shower had only just managed to suppress.
Lucien astutely captured the man's increasingly darkening gaze. He immediately reeled in his cold demeanor; his long eyelashes fluttered slightly as his eyes hazily drifted open, flawlessly executing the role of someone who had just been roused from his slumber.
"Dominic... Dominic..." Lucien's voice was hoarse and languidly soft, carrying a distinct trace of coquettish vulnerability.
He did not shrink back into his shell as he had done earlier. Instead, he propped himself up slightly on his arms, taking the initiative to lean forward. The silk blanket slipped down his frame, fully exposing a pale upper torso heavily painted with the glaring, vivid marks of their intimacy. Lucien's small, bloodless hand reached out, hesitating for a fraction of a second before boldly grasping two of Dominic's fingertips, giving them a gentle, pleading tug.
"Are you done showering..."
That single touch, as light and weightless as a feather, resonated with the wafting scent of the Aphrodisiac. In an instant, the primal lust roaring within Dominic's body ignited, much like a powder keg introduced to a blazing spark.
He let out a low, guttural groan from deep within his throat, immediately shifting his weight to forcefully pin Lucien back down onto the mattress. The man's scorching, still-damp physique completely enveloped his smaller frame.
"Mmph!" Lucien gasped in surprise, but before he could even muster a reaction, his lips were already fiercely and hungrily captured by Dominic.
While flawlessly maintaining his fragile and delicate facade, he secretly rejoiced at his own good fortune. It seemed that upon using the system's prop, his physical body had also received a slight measure of support. His waist no longer ached nearly as much as it had moments ago, and the lower entrance no longer throbbed with an overwhelming sense of swelling.
As for Dominic, he was already thoroughly bewitched by that intoxicating fragrance. His kiss was entirely drenched in raw lust. His tongue tyrannically pried open Lucien's jaw, wreaking absolute havoc within as he forcefully plundered every last trace of his oxygen.
Under the potent effects of the system's prop, Lucien felt his own body become maddeningly sensitive. The friction of his bare skin rubbing against Dominic's rock-hard chest transmitted a wave of numbing, electrifying pleasure. He unconsciously let out a series of broken, breathless sobs, obediently wrapping his arms tightly around the man's neck.
Dominic's breathing was as rugged and heavy as a ravenous beast. His rough hand slipped beneath the covers, crudely and forcefully kneading Lucien's plump buttocks. The massive entity hidden beneath the towel swelled significantly once more, turning impossibly stiff as it aggressively prodded right between Lucien's trembling thighs.