Suddenly, two large, warm hands slid along her shoulders from behind, kneading them gently. She gasped softly, her eyes fluttering open to meet the amused gaze of Lu Zhi Hao as he crouched behind her, shirtless, his trousers rolled slightly at the hem.
"You are so tense…" he murmured, his deep voice vibrating through her back as he pressed his thumbs into her stiff shoulders, drawing a breathy moan from her lips.
"I wonder why…" she retorted teasingly, turning slightly to glance up at him, her lips curling into a playful smile, "Maybe because of stress and tension."
He leaned down to brush his nose against her damp cheek, his warm breath fanning her skin, "If you're tired… why don't I join you to help you relax?"
Before she could protest, he slid off his trousers and stepped gracefully into the tub behind her, the water sloshing lightly over the rim. She squealed softly as he pulled her firmly into his lap, her back pressing against his broad chest.
"Zhi Hao!" she whispered, her cheeks glowing crimson as his arms wrapped securely around her growing waist.
"Shh…" he hummed lowly, kissing her bare shoulder softly, "Just relax..."
She wriggled lightly against him, feeling his warmth enveloping her completely.
One of his hands dipped into the water, scooping a handful of suds before blowing them gently against her neck, making her giggle.
"Stop… it tickles!" she laughed, squirming in his arms.
"Hmm?" he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief. He scooped more bubbles and smeared them across her cheeks, nose, and forehead like a child painting her face.
"Lu Zhi Hao!" she squeaked, slapping his hand away lightly as she burst into laughter, water splashing around them.
She turned quickly in his lap, facing him with flushed cheeks and dripping lashes, glaring at him with mock indignation.
He smiled faintly, leaning forward to kiss her foam-covered nose before pressing a soft, lingering kiss onto her lips.
The kiss deepened, it was slow and warm, their wet skin slipping lightly against each other as she sighed into his mouth, her fingers curling into his damp hair.
When they finally pulled away, breathless, he rested his forehead against hers, gazing into her sparkling eyes.
"Ruyi…" he whispered, brushing her lips again lightly, "If we keep doing this… dinner will get cold."
She giggled softly, her arms wrapping around his neck as she pressed another gentle kiss onto his lips, "Then let it get cold… just for a little while."
His deep chuckle vibrated against her chest as he held her tighter, the quiet bathroom echoing only with their laughter and the soft sloshing of rose-scented water.
After a while, Lu Zhi Hao pulled back slightly, his eyes darkening with concern as he noticed her wince when she shifted in his lap.
"Your back hurts again?" he asked softly, brushing wet strands of hair away from her flushed face.
Wan Ruyi let out a small breath, exhaling, "Just a bit sore, I guess the baby's been pressing down more lately, causing the pains!"
Without a word, he shifted her gently so that she was leaning back against his chest, his large hands sliding down to her lower back under the water. He began massaging slow, careful circles there, pressing his thumbs into the tense muscles.
"I'm sorry, the doctor said you should rest but I took you out into the garden!"
"Hehe, don't worry about the doctor's words! I do need to move around, I can't stay still, you know me!"
"Hehe..."