The Extent of Wickedness – Part 1
Thursday
When Anna woke and glanced at the clock, she realised they still had time before Hou Yi needed to leave for the office.
Today was going to be difficult. She would be helping Alecia face painful memories, and afterward, she wanted to spend what little time remained with her family before they returned home.
Because of that, she didn’t want to lie still and let the morning slip away.
Leaning closer, Anna began placing light kisses across Hou Yi’s face. It didn’t take long before he stirred, his eyes opening as he drew her into his arms.
Their closeness deepened naturally, but Hou Yi soon recognised where it might lead. He paused, pulling back slightly, though his gaze remained fixed on hers.
A hint of frustration crossed Anna’s expression.
“Why, Yi?”
Hou Yi took her hand gently, holding it between both of his.
“You know why,” he said softly. “You make it difficult to stop.”
Anna let out a quiet breath, caught between amusement and the same unspoken tension he felt. The connection between them was undeniable, even if they both knew they needed to be careful.
Still, she couldn’t help but lean into him again, her touch lingering just a moment longer than necessary.
The atmosphere between them shifted — not rushed, not reckless, but filled with a quiet intensity that neither of them wanted to break.
Eventually, the moment softened.
They rested together, foreheads touching, both of them calmer, though the feeling between them hadn’t disappeared.
“That was… nice,” Hou Yi murmured.
Anna smiled faintly.
“It was. Just… a little frustrating.”
Hou Yi let out a quiet laugh in response.
After a brief pause, Anna added with a playful tone,
“We still have time before we need to go. Maybe we can take a proper shower together?”
That was all the encouragement Hou Yi needed.
He carefully got out of bed and lifted Anna into his arms, carrying her toward the bathroom. Every movement was deliberate, making sure not to disturb her injury.
As he prepared the shower, Anna stayed close, her presence alone enough to make the quiet morning feel more meaningful.
Once inside, the warm water filled the room with steam, softening everything around them. What followed wasn’t hurried or overwhelming, but calm, unspoken closeness — the kind that came from trust rather than urgency.
They took their time, helping each other, occasionally pausing as if neither of them wanted the moment to end too soon.
Eventually, reality returned.
They finished getting ready, drying off and changing into their clothes.
Hou Yi helped Anna back toward the bed before gathering what they needed for the day ahead.
Soon after, they left the room together, heading down to join the family for breakfast.