"Sir, how was your dining experience? Were you satisfied with the food and service?"
As Arden prepared to leave, the restaurant manager approached with a smile, speaking softly.
"Yeah, I'm satisfied. The seafood was delicious. The beef was a little heavy, but that's probably not the restaurant's fault—Wagyu's just naturally rich like that..."
"Then next time you should try our lamb chops. They're lighter than the Wagyu."
"Sure, I'll come back sometime."
It wasn't until Arden reached the register that he noticed the restaurant had a stored-value promotion: Add $700, get $85 free. Add $1,400, get $210 free. Add $2,800, get $560 free.
He asked the system—cashback confirmed.
He casually loaded $2,800 onto a membership card, and the system returned $8,400 in cashback.
Arden loved meat, and this place had all kinds of premium cuts he hadn't tried yet, so he'd definitely be back.
"You're getting addicted, huh? Didn't expect you to get a membership card," Scarlet teased.
"Not really. Won't take that many visits. If I bring a few more people to eat..." Arden glanced at her. "Next time I'll call you again. Eating alone's kind of boring."
"Oh come on, I can't keep freeloading off you—wouldn't that be taking advantage?"
"Easy fix. You just have to give me a little something in return."
"Oh? What kind of return does Arden want?"
At that moment, they were in the elevator.
It was peak lunch hour at the mall, so the elevator was packed. Arden and Scarlet stood in a corner, and another group of people had just gotten on.
Taking advantage of the crowded situation, Scarlet wrapped her arms around Arden's arm, pressing her ample chest against him, letting him experience a moment of soft, generous bliss.
Feeling Scarlet's warmth, Arden's hand wasn't idle either.
The texture of her stockings, combined with her curves, was simply exquisite.
Scarlet's body trembled slightly, her eyes glistening.
She hadn't expected Arden to make a move—and so boldly, in front of all these people...
They exited the elevator and arrived at the underground parking garage.
Scarlet continued walking arm-in-arm with Arden.
In a secluded corner, she suddenly reached out to feel something... then covered her mouth and giggled:
"So you're not completely stone-hearted after all."
"Nope." Arden felt a little helpless. Scarlet, you're like this—if I didn't react, wouldn't that be disrespectful?
The Sigma aura allowed Arden to maintain the upper hand when dealing with Scarlet, who loved to tease but wasn't actually that experienced.
But he couldn't keep up the aloof act forever. After all, deep down, Arden was absolutely willing to take things further with her.
Just like in a game—the whole point of poking and trading is to eventually go for the kill.
Arden felt they'd played around long enough. It was time to strike.
So he wrapped his arm around Scarlet's waist from behind.
Her waist was incredibly slender, forming a stark contrast with her full figure.
Scarlet was clearly flustered but didn't resist. Though her body stiffened a little, she obediently leaned into Arden's embrace.
She even looked up at him with a provocative glint and asked:
"So, how's my waist?"
"It's amazing," Arden said, looking into her eyes. "But waists are meant for moving. I'd like to experience what it's like when you really use it."
"...Smooth talker." Scarlet nervously averted her gaze. Ugh, I just can't out-flirt him. Arden's charm is way too much.
Arden, meanwhile, smirked inwardly. What a contradictory girl. So cute.
After getting in the car, Arden drove one-handed the whole way, his right hand constantly interacting with Scarlet.
Scarlet couldn't quite handle it, so she simply held Arden's hand to stop him from moving it around.
That was nice too. Scarlet's hand was soft—honestly, her whole body had that soft, supple feeling.
JW Marriott Hotel.
As soon as they entered the lobby, they drew attention from everyone around them.
A hot guy and a gorgeous girl always caught eyes.
What's more, the guy looked even younger than the woman, which was pretty uncommon in a hotel where even a standard room started at over $130 a night.
After checking in, they took the elevator to the twenty-seventh floor.
River View Executive Suite. The moment Arden swiped the keycard and opened the door, the luxurious, elegant interior made Scarlet's eyes light up. She quickly walked in, her heels clicking.
Standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, the vast cityscape stretched before her, making her feel a little dizzy for a moment.
Is this what it's like to be rich? ... God, it's amazing.
Looking at this gorgeous, luxurious room—if she worked a normal job, she might only be able to afford to stay here years from now, when she was old and past her prime!
And that was being optimistic. In the current job market, being able to land a full-time position after graduation and keep it without getting laid off was already pretty damn good.
While Scarlet was lost in thought, Arden closed the door.
The sound of the door shutting made Scarlet snap back to reality, and her face suddenly flushed as she said, "Um, Arden, I... I'll hang out with you and check out the room for a bit, but I have to get back to work this afternoon."
"Sure, no problem," Arden said with a faint smile, not pushing further.
A lot of girls, honestly, had zero resistance to high-end luxury, especially those who'd already entered the workforce—their material desires expanded way more than when they were still in school.
Arden could sense Scarlet wavering.
It was human nature.
Honestly, it was pretty remarkable that Scarlet had stayed "clean" until now.
A bombshell like her shouldn't lack suitors—especially rich ones.
So clearly, Scarlet and he had some kind of fate. Their wavelengths matched.
Otherwise, with Scarlet's emotional intelligence, she definitely wouldn't have agreed to come to a hotel alone with Arden.
They were both adults. What it meant for a guy and a girl to go to a hotel alone—there was no way she didn't understand.
Scarlet excitedly wandered around the room, touching this, examining that, taking tons of photos.
"Is it really that big a deal?" Arden asked, both amused and exasperated.
"It is! I could never afford to stay in such an expensive room. It's a rare visit—of course I have to savor it."
"That's not quite right. Actually, if you like it, you can come here all the time."
Arden approached Scarlet from behind, wrapping his arms around her and resting his hands on her stomach.
Her abdomen was flat, without a trace of excess fat.
He lowered his head and took a deep breath in her beautiful red hair.
A sweet, intoxicating scent mixed with Scarlet's unique, blood-stirring pheromones.
"Arden, what are you—mmph!"
Scarlet's heart pounded. She nervously turned her head to look at him, but Arden took the opportunity to cup her delicate face.
He leaned in for a kiss.
Instantly, Scarlet's mind went blank.
By the time she came to her senses, they'd already moved to the wide, plush sofa.
Slumped in Arden's arms, Scarlet bit her lip and murmured with complex emotions, "You might not believe this, but that was my first kiss."
"I believe you. Why wouldn't I?"
"Didn't you follow me on TikTok before? Haven't you seen the comments? Everyone says I've been with a thousand guys, ten thousand guys... and the rumors around campus—there's probably nothing good said about me either..."
"Those are other people's opinions. I have my own judgment." Arden reached out and squeezed her gently. "You're so shy—you've clearly never been with anyone."
"...Hmph."
A deep, sweet joy, like syrup, poured into Scarlet's heart.
She buried her face in Arden's chest.
"That's right. You're my first man. And my last." "Wait, hold on."
"We've barely started, and it's already 'first man, last man'? We just kissed, and you're acting like this? If something else happens, are we gonna fast-forward straight to 'till death do us part'?"
Arden couldn't help but laugh.
"What are you laughing at, you jerk?" Scarlet playfully swatted him, her movements soft and harmless.
"You're so innocent. Looks like you really have zero experience."
"Hmph..."
At this point, Scarlet no longer felt shy about admitting it. After all, it was serious. A lot of guys cared deeply about their partner's past. Scarlet didn't know if Arden would care, but just to be safe, she couldn't lie anymore for the sake of stupid pride.
"I like you like this."
With that, Arden cupped Scarlet's face again.
***
Arden's thumbs traced the curve of Scarlet's jawline. The pads of his fingers pressed into the soft skin beneath her ears. She shivered, her fox-like green eyes wide. Her lips parted—a silent gasp trapped between them.
"Relax," he murmured.
He closed the distance. Their lips met—a tentative brush at first. Hers were soft, yielding. He felt the hitch in her breath against his mouth. She froze. Her hands fluttered at her sides, lost.
Arden tilted his head, deepening the contact. Slow, deliberate pressure. He tasted the faint sweetness of her lip gloss—strawberries and something minty. Her eyelashes fluttered shut. A small, muffled sound escaped her throat.
He pulled back just enough to see her face. Her cheeks burned crimson. Her eyes blinked open, hazy.
"First time?"
She nodded, swallowing hard. "Was it... obvious?"
"Adorable." He grinned. "Like kissing a startled rabbit."
"Hey!"
He didn't let her protest. His mouth claimed hers again. Firmer this time. Hungrier. One hand slid into her red hair, fingers tangling in the silken strands. The other settled low on her back, pressing her against him.
Scarlet gasped. The sound was swallowed by his kiss. Her hands finally found purchase—fisting in the fabric of his shirt. Her knuckles whitened.
Arden traced the seam of her lips with his tongue. A question. She stiffened for a split second. Then, tentatively, she opened for him.
Her grip on his shirt tightened. A low moan vibrated in her chest. She melted into him, boneless. Her body molded against his athletic frame. Every nerve ending sparked. Her knees buckled.
Arden's arm locked around her waist, holding her up. He walked her backward. Her legs hit the edge of the plush king-sized bed. She tumbled onto the duvet, pulling him down with her.
He braced himself above her, elbows sinking into the mattress. His lips never left hers. The kiss turned demanding. Deeper. Wilder. His tongue explored her mouth with a possessiveness that stole her breath.
Scarlet's hands slid up his chest, over the hard planes of his shoulders. Her fingers threaded into the hair at his nape. She tugged. A low growl rumbled in his throat.
He shifted, settling his weight between her thighs. The thin fabric of her skirt rode up. His hips pressed down. She felt the hard ridge of his arousal through their clothes. A jolt of pure heat shot through her core.
Her back arched off the bed. A desperate sound tore from her throat—half gasp, half whimper.
Arden broke the kiss. His lips trailed fire down her jaw. Found the frantic pulse at the base of her throat. He sucked gently.
"Arden!" Her voice was a ragged whisper.
"Right here." His breath scorched her skin.
He licked the hollow of her collarbone. His teeth scraped. Light. Teasing. Her fingernails dug into his scalp.
He kissed his way back up her neck. Claimed her mouth again. Harder this time. Almost punishing. His hand slid from her waist. Up the curve of her ribcage. Skimmed the underside of her breast.
Scarlet jerked. A shockwave of sensation ripped through her. She tore her mouth from his, gasping for air. Her chest heaved. Her eyes were glazed, pupils blown wide. Her lips felt swollen, bruised.
"Too much?" His voice was rough, strained.
She shook her head frantically. Words failed her. She pulled his face back down.
He kissed her with a renewed intensity that scrambled her thoughts. His hand closed over her breast. Even through the layers of her blouse and bra, the pressure was electric. He palmed her, his thumb circling her nipple. It pebbled instantly, aching against the lace.
Scarlet cried out into his mouth. Her hips rolled upward, seeking friction.
His mouth left hers, trailing wet, open-mouthed kisses along her jaw, down her neck again. He nuzzled the collar of her blouse aside. His teeth grazed the swell of her breast above her lace cup.
She writhed beneath him. Sensation overloaded her. The scrape of his teeth. The heat of his hand. The hard press of his body. The scent of his skin—clean cotton and something uniquely male.
"Please..." The word was a broken sound. She didn't know what she was begging for. More? Less? She only knew she couldn't take it. Couldn't stop.
Arden lifted his head. His eyes, usually so detached, burned with a dark intensity. His chest rose and fell rapidly. He looked down at her—sprawled beneath him, red hair fanned across the white duvet, blouse half-unbuttoned, lips kiss-swollen and glistening. Her green eyes were dazed, unfocused.
He kissed her again. Softer now. Lingering. A slow, drugging exploration that made her whimper. His thumb brushed her cheekbone.
"Breathe, Scarlet," he murmured against her lips.
She sucked in a ragged breath. Her lungs burned. Her heart hammered against her ribs like a trapped bird. Thoughts swam, fragmented. His name. The feel of his hands. The taste of him. The dizzying sensation of falling.
He kissed the corner of her mouth. Her trembling lower lip. Her eyelids fluttered shut. She was floating. Untethered. Drunk on sensation.
He pulled back just enough to look at her face. Her breath hitched, shallow and quick. Her cheeks were flushed a deep rose. Her lips parted, still seeking his.
He didn't kiss her again. Not yet. He just watched her. Waited.
Scarlet blinked. The world swam back into focus slowly.The high ceiling. The feel of the soft duvet beneath her. The overwhelming presence of Arden above her. His weight. His heat. The hard proof of his desire pressed against her core.
She tried to speak. Her voice came out a husky rasp. "I..."
She couldn't finish. Her mind was blank. She stared up at him, breathless and hazy, lost in the aftermath.