“It’s just… could Auntie take me out to play?”

Qin Qinxi spoke rapidly, as if afraid that even a single second’s delay would prevent her from finishing.

“I’ve always been really curious about the city of Dubai. I’d like to go out and have a look—even if I only had an hour to spend outside, that would be fine.”

“I’m cooped up in the villa every day, with no phone, and it gets kind of boring…”

Vio didn’t answer right away.

He just stared at her—those tense, vulnerable eyes, and how her eyelashes fluttered ever so slightly when she said “boring.”

In that instant, Vio understood something.

A faint curve formed at the corner of his lips.

“Of course you can,” he said.

Qin Qinxi’s eyes lit up.

“But—” Vio paused deliberately for a few seconds, “you’re only allowed to go to one place.”

Qin Qinxi froze, her brow furrowing slightly.

“You don’t even have a visa,” he said slowly. “If you can’t prove your nationality, the police will arrest you and throw you in jail. In many parts of this area, you need checkpoints and a travel permit.”

He looked at her, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “If you want to go, I’ll arrange everything for you in advance.”

Qin Qinxi hadn’t expected him to be so accommodating this time.

He was actually willing to pull some strings for her?

Her heart stirred with excitement, her eyes shining even brighter.

“Thank you, Mr. Mansero,” she blurted out almost without thinking. “I’d like to go to Jebel Ali.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than the man let out a low chuckle.

Qin Qinxi couldn’t understand why he was laughing.

This wasn’t the chilling, icy laugh he used to make before he lost it.

It was more playful, a bit wicked—making her both uneasy and strangely calm at the same time.

“Fine,” Vio said.

The little mouse wants to find her Uncle.

What would she feel if she knew her Uncle was already dead?

The more she thought about it, the more excited she became.

“Thank you, thank you so much!” Qin Qinxi kept repeating her gratitude.

“Then how about we play on the sofa today?” Vio interrupted her.

Qin Qinxi was taken aback.

Play on the sofa…?

She didn’t quite get what he meant.

“What—”

Before she could finish her sentence, the man yanked back the blanket and scooped her up in his arms, cradling her sideways.

Qin Qinxi felt dizzy as he lifted her.

In his arms, she was as light as a cat—practically weightless. He held her like a rag doll.

By the time she realized what was happening, he had already laid her down on the sofa.

He sat down on the sofa, lifted her legs, and positioned her facing him, sitting on his lap.

Qin Qinxi instinctively braced herself against his chest with both hands. His chest was rock-hard; even through her nightgown, she could feel the muscles beneath.

Vio smiled slyly, leaning down to look at her.

Those pale gray eyes held a teasing spark, his gaze sliding from her eyes to her lips and then back again.

His hand didn’t stay still—it slipped under the hem of her nightgown.

Qin Qinxi quickly pressed his hand down. “Mr. Mansero!”

But he didn’t stop. He lowered his head and kissed her neck, his lips brushing against her smooth, delicate skin.

Qin Qinxi shrank her shoulders, one hand pressing against his chest while the other tried to hold back the hand that had slipped inside.

The collar of her nightgown loosened and slid off one shoulder, exposing her fair collarbone and the edge of her underwear.

Vio nuzzled her soft cheek with his nose and rasped, “Call me Master.”

Qin Qinxi bit her lower lip tightly.

After a few seconds of silence, she lowered her gaze and whispered, “Master…”

The next second, his hand cupped the back of her head and pressed it firmly against his own.

His nose pressed against her face, his lips sealing hers and parting her teeth with an irresistible, commanding force.

Qin Qinxi squeezed her eyes shut.

This man must love drinking.

Every time they kiss, besides that cloying, electric sensation from their lips and tongues entwining, she can taste the alcohol he brings with him.

With one hand cradling the back of her head, Vio kissed her with intense, immersive passion.

Her scent seeped into his nostrils once more.

That sweet, grassy aroma, mingled with the shower gel and her own natural body odor—every time he smelled it, it made him lose a bit of control.

Her lips were truly soft. Kissing her felt like eating jelly: tender, bouncy, slippery, and oh-so-sweet.

He didn’t care for sweets, yet he was utterly addicted to her lips.

With his other hand, he caressed her back—sliding from her shoulder blades down along the hollow of her spine and then back up again.

Her nightgown had completely come loose.

The collar had slipped off her shoulder and lay softly in the crook of her arm.

Qin Qinxi’s entire back was exposed to the air, and the coolness made her shrug her shoulders, though there was nowhere to hide.

End of Chapter 34: Chapter 34