His jaw tensed, and he gulped before nodding.
âI accept.
â
Seeing his serious demeanor, as though bracing for a dire outcome, Lucinda suppressed her laughter, rose on her tiptoes, and whispered in his ear, âWhat if I insist the punishment be administered right now?â
âhat?â Nathan, typically calm and collected, was on the verge of losing his composure.
âRight now? Right here?â
Lucinda looked at him squarely, her expression earnest, giving no indication she was joking.
Nathan held his breath, scanning the empty cemetery, his usually deep eyes revealing a flicker of panic and helplessness.
Was he really about to be punished here?
It felt so surreal.
His attractive face grew pale, and he was caught in an internal struggle, his back rigid with tension.
Seeing that he was genuinely contemplating the punishment, Lucinda couldnât help but laugh.
âYouâre such a fool; letâs leave.
â
She lightly patted his head, took his hand, and started leading him away from Forden Cemetery.
Nathan cast his eyes downward, observing her delicate and soft hand firmly clasping his.
Realizing she had initiated the hand-holding, he sensed she was no longer upset and was just teasing him all along.
Suddenly, he bent down, and scooped her up securely in his arms.
Lucinda felt herself lifted off the ground, instinctively clasping her arms tightly around his neck for stability.
âWhat are you doing? Is it really okay to be so affectionate in front of all these tombstones?â
Nathan replied with earnestness, âThis isnât about flaunting our love.
Itâs simply part of our everyday life, darling.
I donât want you to tire your feet in high heels.
I need to carry you myself to demonstrate my genuine effort to make amends.
â
Lucinda flashed a playful smile, leaned in close to his ear, and whispered, âThis is too easy for you, given your strength.
It hardly shows the depth of your commitment to change.
â
As Nathan walked, he could sense her playful demeanor, which made him tense up slightly, anticipating another one of her playful schemes.
âLucinda, then what do you suggest I do?â
âPerhapsâ¦â Lucinda leaned in, her breath warm against his ear, and murmured a few very intimate suggestions.
Nathanâs ears turned red, and after wrestling with his thoughts, he queried with a rueful look, âMust we really go through with this?â
Lucinda pressed her lips together to hold back her laughter.
âAfter all this time as husband and wife, are you still shy?â
Nathan was at a loss for words.
He certainly still felt some embarrassment.
Throughout the ride back to the hotel, Nathanâs arms felt numb, and the thought of Lucindaâs playful order had his heart pounding.
Stepping into the hotel elevator, Lucinda playfully swatted his firm buttocks.