Tension (2)

Yuan Shun would rather be anywhere else. Hell, he wished Shi Yen were here, even if she were to curse and insult him.

Her bantering would be a mercy, not misery. He suddenly thought about her: her foul mouth, her transparency and vulnerability. Shi Yen was good at hiding her feelings, but there were moments where she brutally and wholly opened.

It was brutal because he was seeing different sides of her, honest sides. He couldn't tell if it's what Shi Yen wanted. Her greatest scheme could be to make him want her in more ways than physical. And if she won, then she'd indeed be the one in power, having power over him.

Thinking of her powerful strength, he asked his grandfather, "Is there a reason you invited us over?"

His grandfather glared at him. "Can't I invite my family over?" he snapped.

"Not when you're acting like an old piece of shit."

His sister and mother widened their eyes.

His grandfather stared at him, but then his mouth curved upwards, and it looked very unsettling. But Yuan Shun didn't waver.

"It's about time you grew a pair," his grandfather said. "And yes, I wanted to speak about Shi Group."

"What about it?" Yuan Shun questioned.

"You've reestablished it, despite my disapproval. But the business has skyrocketed. I've…never been so impressed. You took something and dominated it. You made us look powerful," his grandfather said.

Yuan Shun was taken aback. It wasn't his proudest moment, but something had to be done during the time.

"And?" Yuan Shun questioned.

"And you should merge it with Yuan Bank now. We can get rid of Shi for good; it's not necessary to hold onto the name since it's been five years."

Yuan Shun widened his eyes. His grandfather was proud of what he had done, and yet, if he merged Shi Group with Yuan Bank, erasing the history behind it, it would destroy Shi Yen. He would cross the final line that would send her to declare war against him. It would be unforgivable.

She had other connections and forces, he knew it was secret, and she would use it against him if she wanted to, which is why he never underestimated her. He'd be stupid if he thought Shi Yen only ran a beauty company. There was something else.

Why did he even care? Weren't they supposed to dislike each other? Maybe he was still weak.

"I will consider it," he said.

His grandfather chuckled. "I don't know why you make it sound like it's a choice. Do it," he commanded. "Or I will."

Yuan Shun stood up abruptly. "I have the final say," he replied harshly. "I don't remember taking orders from anyone."

He was stupid. His grandfather was the root of Yuan Bank. Grandfather Yuan made it, and he could undo it.

"You would be making a mistake if you don't do as I say."

Yuan Shun gritted his teeth. "I said I would consider it. Nothing has to be decided today." He then straightened his suit jacket. He bowed to him, storming out of the house.

Yuan Shun arrived home within twenty minutes, releasing a deep sigh.

He was feeling really stressed. He went up the stairs, washing up and changing his clothes. He then decided to go to the yard to release some tension.

He slid the doors open, stepping out. He lit a cigarette, taking a deep drag.

"Can I have one?" Shi Yen asked from the bench swing.

It was dark, except for the faint porch light, and he almost didn't see her. She was swinging slightly, looking up at the moonlight. He passed her one, lighting it while she held it between her parted lips.

"What are you doing out here?" he questioned.

"Hm. I wanted to see the full moon," she said, looking up towards the stars. "Besides, the summer nights are my favourite. It's dark but warm, and it's as peaceful as day."

Yuan Shun looked at her astonishingly before taking a seat next to her.

"You look like you're in a bad mood," Shi Yen said to him. "What happened?"

He blew smoke in the air, billowing against the dry wind. "Why do you care?"

"Because it wasn't me that pissed you off, and it makes me feel agitated," she replied.

Yuan Shun smirked. "So competitive," he said.

Shi Yen smiled. She probably thought he wasn't able to see it. It was so rare and honest that Yuan Shun felt like he forgot to breathe. He had to look away. "My grandfather put me in a difficult position today. He said I don't have a choice on something that I will regret doing."

Shi Yen tipped the ashes of her cigarette. She then discarded it, though it was only half-done. She lifted her legs and wrapped her arms around them, looking at him.

"I'm sure you'll think of something, you calculative, arrogant bastard," she teased playfully, smiling.

Yuan Shun chuckled. He then discarded his cigarette, too, since he was over it.

Shi Yen then reached out, placing her palm over his hand. She looked at their entwined fingers. "Though you're a prick, I've never seen you lose. And I never want you to lose, unless it's to me."

Yuan Shun's chest hammered. "Yen," he breathed. "When you say stuff like that—it makes me want you."

Shi Yen's eyes widened, and she flushed. "I—what do you mean?"

Yuan Shun grinned. "Isn't that what you want to hear?" he whispered dangerously. "You want me to say that I want you?"

Shi Yen gaped as if she'd been seen through.

"I—I do. I do want you to want me because it would destroy you," Shi Yen said. "It's a dangerous game, Shun. I'm dangerous."

Indeed, he thought. Shi Yen was dangerous in every way. She was secretive, seductive, and lethal if she wanted to be. If he submitted to her, then she'd win.

"Have you ever considered that I might be dangerous, too?" he replied.

"I have," she said. "But, you don't understand Shun. I am more dangerous than you think, more than you can imagine."

He shifted towards her. "Is that supposed to scare me?"

"No," she replied. "But I'm just warning you."

"Then, I want to take the risk. Hurt me, Shi Yen," he countered, leaning over her. He grasped one of her wrists, holding it as he pressed his lips against the crook of her neck. Shi Yen shuddered.

She was melting, literally melting.

He sucked on the spot of her neck, driving her with a spark of pleasure. He moved away slightly, meeting her eyes directly. "I want to kiss you everywhere."

Shi Yen was breathless. She looked into his lustful eyes, biting down her lower lip.

With his fingers, he pressed her mouth. "I want to kiss you here."

His hand then moved down, over her clothed breast, "here."

His hand trailed down to her legs, sliding up her smooth skin underneath her sundress. He leaned over to her ear, whispering, "And here." His two fingers rubbed over her underwear, causing her to gasp.

She felt the slight pressure of his fingers over the fabric, generously teasing her pussy. She shivered and sighed. His fingers pressed and rubbed and moved up and down until she leaked through that thin piece of fabric.

Yuan Shun smirked and pulled away abruptly. He then stood up. "Goodnight, Yen." He turned away and left.

Shi Yen widened her eyes. She quickly pulled the skirt of her sundress down, realizing what he had done. And why did she let him?

She gritted her teeth.

Was this his revenge? He was teasing her!

She left him hot and bothered the other time, and now…

God. She was so aroused and left empty.

Flushed, she stood up and ran towards her bedroom, diving under the covers.

Shi Yen found her hand travelling south. Damn. She really hated Yuan Shun for this.