As night deepened, Shen Niantang lay in the soft bedding, with Gu Tingchuan holding her tightly in his arms behind her. His arm rested across her waist, his grip neither too firm nor too light, yet enough to make it impossible for her to pull away. Shen Niantang shifted slightly, finding a more comfortable position. With her back pressed against his chest, she could clearly feel the steady, powerful rhythm of his heartbeat.
"Still hurting?"
Gu Tingchuan’s voice was low and gravelly. His warm breath brushed against her ear, sending a faint shiver down her spine.
Chapter 124