The Mercenary: A Sequel to Hwarang: The Saga of the Sooks Book #2

Chapter 25: A Vivid Imagination

Jin Heung gazed down longingly at his adoring bride.

"Are you ready to return to my chambers, my love? My bed has been terribly cold since you left it."

"Terribly?" she queried as a giggle bubbled up from deep within.

"Terribly," he grinned with zest as he beamed down at her. He bent and scooped her up into his arms. Across his back. As her mouth released a surprised squeak.

"Jijin! What are you doing?"

"Why, carrying my bride over the threshold, of course." He turned his head towards her. "You are all right with me proceeding into our chambers now, right?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" she asked in surprise. She felt like she'd waited an eternity to be with Jijin.

"I just wondered if perhaps you wanted to take a walk in the sunshine with me first."

"That sounds absolutely wonderful. And terribly romantic. Except that we'd be haunted by ten guards. And this bride wishes to be completely alone with her husband."

"Mmm. This husband has similar desires concerning his bride," he intoned seriously before ruining the effect with a wide smile. "Away we go then! The sunshine will have to greet us tomorrow morning."

"Are you going to keep me in bed that long?" she asked in surprise. They had cut their festivities short due to Jong Su's disposition. It was still early afternoon.

"I am going to keep you in my bed for the rest of my life," he murmured cheekily.

She giggled. "How ever will I see the sun again then?"

"I'll be your sun," he offered.

"You already are," she murmured sweetly.

"But, seriously, you're not leaving my bed till tomorrow morning. Then we'll seek the face of the sun together."

"That sounds absolutely...blissful," she breathed.

Though, truthfully, she was a bit nervous about her first night spent in his arms. With absolutely nothing separating her from him. Nothing had prepared her for this moment. And Sook Myeong had been no help in this realm. She was still a maiden too.

So it was that Eun Sook found her heart tripping along at an alarming rate as her husband deposited her in the middle of his bed before he crossed the room to shut the door. Firmly. She watched as he locked it too before he turned back towards the bed.

"Well, my Sookie, are you ready to have some fun with me?" he asked.

Breathless, she simply stared at him.

He instantly discerned her anxiety. He narrowed his gorgeous eyes at her. "Sookie...you're not afraid of me, are you?"

"Afraid?" she squeaked. She shook her head. "I'm not afraid of you, Jijin."

His face melted in kindness towards her. "Then tell me what you are afraid of."

"Have I ever mentioned that I abhor pain?"

"Hmm. I'm not sure that you've ever had an occasion to mention it before," he murmured as he approached her slowly.

His speed might rival that of a turtle, but the look in his eyes was raising her blood pressure.

She found herself crawling backwards, sliding away from him. Until her back hit the wall. Then there was nowhere else to which to flee.

"Um, Jijin?"

"Relax, Sookie. There's nothing to fear. I'll take it easy. I promise. I won't do anything that you don't want me to do."

"Really?" Her face relaxed. "You are wonderful to me, Jijin!"