I felt cozy, like I was wrapped in a soft, heavy blanket on a winter morning.
I drifted slightly, savoring the warmth until I felt something even better. Something soft and warm, pressing against me.
A breath tickled the side of my neck, sending delicious shivers through my body. An arm was wrapped around my waist, and when I tried to shift, it pulled me closer, embracing me with its heat, unwilling to let go.
I squeezed my eyes open slightly to see what was really going on.
Was I in heaven?
Even the blankets smelled amazing.
Slowly, I turned to my side to see who was sleeping beside me, and the first thing I noticed was black horns and red hair.
Definitely not heaven. Probably hell.
My gaze drifted down to the person’s face. It was Rose. She was snoring softly, her messy red hair all over her face.
I reached out and brushed a few strands from her face, gazing at her.
She was truly beautiful when she slept. Her soft snores melted my heart, and her gentle lips that were slightly parted tempted me to get a taste of them.
Smiling to myself, I leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. Even her hair smelled divine. She must have bathed before sleeping.
But to think she’d sleep beside me on her own, without me having to push for it—she must be keeping her word about the reward she promised.
For now, I just wanted to watch her sleep peacefully.
My body was still aching and in pains. I felt it when I shifted. Guess these were the downsides of using a demon sword.
Still, everything else seemed perfect. Though I was surprised to find mgself not wearing any shirt.
I hope they didn’t take off my trousers too.
Carefully, I lifted the blanket and peeked inside, my senses still sluggish. A sigh of relief escaped me when I saw I was at least wearing shorts.
But as I checked, my eyes couldn’t help but wander to the side, at Rose.
She was in nothing but a red lace lingerie set.
Her breasts rose and fell with each slow breath she took, barely concealed beneath the lace bra. And in between them, l noticed a brush of small hair that looked too sexy. Below, her toned stomach also carried faint traces of abs. No surprise there— she is always training so much.
I wanted to touch those abs and feel them beneath my fingers.
As I reached out, before I could even make contact, she shifted. The arm that had been draped over me moved away as she turned onto her side, her back now facing me.
And what a view it was.
Her curves were just as luscious as I remembered. One leg was slightly bent, the other straight, her waist slightly creased from her sleeping position.
My mind drifted to my past life. I used to admire my wife when she slept like this—only for her to betray me in the end.
But this was different.
Rose and the women I had met in this world were different. And thanks to my system, I had the power to conquer and tame them.
That way, I would never feel the sting of betrayal again.
And now, it was time for the proud, stubborn Rose to be tamed too.
I leaned in, embracing her warmth, then wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer.
After all, she did say I could do whatever I wanted with her after the battle.
My fingers brushed against her bare skin—it was even warmer than I imagined.
I leaned in and placed a kiss on her neck, my hand softly tracing the toned ridges of her stomach.
She let out a soft "hmm" before slowly turning back to face me, her crimson eyes slightly opening, still hazy with sleep.
With a gentle exhale, she murmured, "You’re awake, human?"
I smirked. "Yeah. I wouldn’t stay unconscious forever with a reward like this waiting for me, now, would I?"
She smiled, gazing into my eyes.
"Can I tell you something?" she asked softly.
"Sure. Go ahead."
Her cheeks tinged pink as she glanced down at my chest, avoiding eye contact.
"I’ve always... wanted to do it with you. Even back then, when you had that orgy with the succubus twins. But—" She hesitated.
"But what? Were you too shy?" I teased.
She shook her head. "No."
"Then what?"
She took a deep breath and, this time, held my gaze.
"It’s just... I have a weak heart. I fall too easily. And it’s because of that weakness that I fell for Draegonoth and got tricked, putting my people in danger."
"In other words, you have trust issues and you’re afraid to fall in love," I said.
She nodded, looking vulnerable—so unlike the fierce, confident woman I knew.
Without thinking, I pulled her into a tight embrace, kissing her neck.
"I understand," I murmured. "But I’m not like the former Demon Lord. I won’t break your heart."
I pulled back slightly, meeting her eyes.
"I love you, Rose."
Her crimson eyes glistened, and for a moment, I thought she might cry. Then, taking me by surprise, she pressed her lips to mine, kissing me softly.
I returned the kiss, slow and steady, savoring the moment.
When we finally pulled away, our lips were swollen. She gazed at me with shimmering eyes and said:
"I love you too, human."
I swallowed hard. What I had to say next could change everything.
Would she hate me? Would she kick me out of her castle?
No matter what, I had to tell her.
"Rose." I took a deep breath. "I love you. I really do. But—"
"I know." She cut me off. "I won’t be the only woman in your life, right?"
I blinked. "How did you—"
She smiled softly. "I’ve always known. With the kind of power you have and how you get it, I knew you had other women who helped you, Draegonoth’s sister included. But I don’t mind. I love you for who you are."
Her voice grew quiet. "Even if this is the last time we see each other, I want to make the most of it. I want us to create memories. Ones we’ll never forget."
My heart clenched. "Rose..."
She was making me fall for her even more.
"Then let’s make good memories together tonight," I said, rolling over her with smooches.
"I promise—I’ll make them sweet."
She giggled naughtily. "I’ve even shaved for you, you know."
"Then I’ll do my best to satisfy all your needs." I smiled.
TBC