Noticing her slight retreat, his large hand cupped the back of her head, pressing her against the stone pillar as his intense masculine aura surged over her.

She furrowed her brow slightly and pushed him instinctively, feeling the man's body stiffen slightly. Her eyes darkened, glimmering with a flicker of resolve, she suddenly lifted her chin, actively meeting his kiss.

Mason Nightshade's mind exploded with a boom!

But he wasn't stunned into inaction like an idiot; his fingers threaded through her hair, pulling her head closer.

They didn't know how long this went on.

Aurelia Shaw's teeth ached from the kiss, yet Mason showed no sign of stopping. She kicked his shin, but he didn't react at all, only wanting to taste more.

This guy was actually taking liberties!

Her slender high heels stepped on his foot.

Mason grunted, his eyes, deep like a whirlpool in the ocean, burning intensely as he gazed at her, wanting to devour her whole.

Aurelia knew exactly what the man was thinking.

Having tasted sweetness, he took advantage.

"Are you a dog? Do you even know how to kiss?"

She lifted her chin, her eyes burning with a defiant accusation, and Mason's gaze darkened briefly as he stared at her radiant expression.

"No more kissing." She said coolly, her tone not truly stern, yet with an undeniable authority, especially to Mason.

His lips tightened, pursed, and he nodded forcefully, issuing a low "Mm" from his throat.

Then he turned, walked a couple of steps down the mountain, noticing she hadn't moved, and stopped to wait for her to follow.

Aurelia chuckled softly; how could this man be so awkward? She never noticed this side of him before.

Once she caught up, he continued down the mountain, always keeping a three-step distance, not too far, not too close, fearing he might lose control over himself; his self-discipline always crumbled easily in her presence.

They returned to the old mansion as darkness fell.

Aurelia walked in, bright lights filling the room, with Grandpa Nightshade sitting on the sofa, who seemed ready to doze off but suddenly widened his eyes upon seeing them. He initially wanted to question the pair about where they had gone during the day, as they wandered despite his recent recovery, but his stern expression transformed into joy in an instant.

"You're back. Have you eaten? Should we get the kitchen to make something for you?" Kai Nightshade said with a smile, thinking, ah, Mason finally sees the light; after all these days, he finally glimpses hope, maybe a grandson is on the horizon.

Mason nodded, "Have the kitchen make something light. We'll go upstairs and change clothes."

"Alright, alright, you both go, change together, no need to hurry back down, take your time, the kitchen is slow to cook." Grandpa Nightshade said gleefully.

Aurelia glanced at him, understanding his intentions, and gave a wide-eyed, eyebrow-raising warning before going upstairs, "No sending anyone up! Or else we'll have dog stew tonight."