Jerlina watched Jeremy rehashing that day and seeing how immersed he was, made her heart warm.

All the while she was thinking that she had no one, there was this man who was treasuring the memory of her in his heart for years.

She didn't find the

"words of wisdom

" as he put it, that impressive. Those words he cherished were just some commonsense advice her grandpa gave her.

"It seems like I repeated my grandpa's advice to you,

" she said as they alighted the car when they reached home.

"Ah, I guessed that should be it after hearing about your grandpa from you, but you still remember them and apply them in your life and that makes you amazing,

" he smiled.

"Yeah, I am awesome, aren't I?

" she puffed her chest.

"You are,

" he placed his hand on her back as they walked inside the house.

"Jerlina,

" he held her hand.

"Back then, if I hadn't shaved my beard, would it have made a difference?

" he asked.

The more he enjoyed their time together, the more he regretted the past.

To think his sister is also one of the reasons behind it all... It hurt him.

Jerlina thought about it.

Would it? Probably...

Yes! She would have definitely tried to apologize to him for lying about her age even if she was scared of him.

He shaved his beard and the thought that he might be the guy she slept with, never crossed her mind. Because of Emma, she only saw him as Emma's brother, making her life miserable because she wronged Emma.

But she looked at his face filled with complex emotions. She didn't want to make him sad.

"No, I probably would have gotten more scared because I lied to you,

" she said in a jovial tone.

"Yeah, you would have,

" he petted her hair with a chuckle.

He could see from a mile that she is lying. She forgets that she is not a good liar.

The dogs were barking seeing their master return, but they kept a distance from Jerlina. Although she got used to the huskies, the German Shepards and Shepsky dogs still scared her a bit. They won't get close to her under the command of their Alpha.

As they got up the stairs, Jerlina's heart started to pound and she twirled the hair behind her ears with her finger.

How should we proceed now?

As they reached her room, his hand reached to the small of her back and she turned to look at him.

"Good night,

" she stood on her tiptoes and gave a peck on his lips.

She tried to pull back when he was stunned and run into her room, but he pulled her closer to him.

"Good night, Jerlina,

" he kissed her lips.

"Sweet dreams,

" he pressed his forehead on hers and traced his thumb over her lips.

"Dream a little dream of me,

" he sang in her ears. Kissing her cheek, he stood straight with a smile on his face.

He wanted to go further with her tonight, but he can go slower. Their first time was rushed, but he wanted their first time as a married couple to be more romantic and more passionate. He wanted it to be unforgettable for them both.

"Bye,

" Jerlina with a chuckle waved her hand and stepped inside her room. She closed the door and leaned on it. Her entire face was blushing and her lips where he placed his finger, still felt hot.

Holding her chest that was still racing, she looked up taking in a deep breath. A smile bloomed on her face.

Today was nice!

Ugh! Who am I kidding? It was much better than nice...

She took in a deep breath and her hands went to the chain lock, out of habit. But then she paused and stared at the door.

Hmm!

She shrugged and walked to the bathroom humming a song.

Jeremy smiled looking at her door. She didn't lock the door and she didn't even put on the chain lock.

That's right, Honeybuns... Get closer to me.

He walked to his room with his heart filled with happiness. It seems like he can walk inside her room if he wants in the future.

Jerlina took a nice bath and got dressed before getting to the bedroom. She expected Jeremy on her bed with a sly grin on his face and walked carefully. She knew that guy would have figured out that she left the door unlocked by now.

I should throw him out today!

She trod gently on the wooden floor to catch him by surprise and reached the bed area. But...

She got disappointed seeing the empty bed.

Well, he might be taking a long shower and will sneak in anytime soon. I'll catch him red-handed.

Jerlina covered herself inside the duvet and waited for him.

After talking for a long time, the silence was stifling and she started to feel unwell. She could feel pain in her lower back and her breasts. She figured her periods will start in a day or two. After her miscarriage, this would be her first period. The doctor told her to expect it to be a little rough.

She sighed and closed her eyes.

Stuff happened and she has to be strong to deal with it all.

As she was about to fall asleep, she heard the door unlocking and she opened her eyes. Her heart started to race as she eagerly waited to see the one entering.

But, she was disappointed once again.

"Earl, close the door,

" she told the curious dog that wanted to join her in bed and it returned back to close the door.

Jerlina buried her head in the pillow and chuckled.

Why did I turn silly like this? I was the one who wanted

"protection

" from him some weeks ago. Am I missing him already after all that happened some time ago?

Gah! He smelled so nice! And his hands, his tongue... Ahhhh!

And... is he employing the push and pull strategy? He didn't forget to shove his face in front of me every minute and now he's nowhere to be seen?

That guy... he really is talented!

I'm going to court you, he said! I was smug then but I am already like this... Ugh!

Hugging the furry dog, she fell asleep.

In the morning, she felt hotter and smothered as if she was sitting inside a furnace.

"Earl, get off,

" she tried to push him away but felt something was off.

Earl wouldn't wear clothes. And he certainly wouldn't smell like pine.

She winced as she felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen. And she felt sticky down there.

Aww, sh*t!

Bathroom!

"Let go,

" she opened her eyes and was met with a smug smirk.

"You, let go...

" she gritted her teeth.

"Why?

" Jeremy shrugged with a teasing smile.

"Let's stay like this for some more time,

" he hugged her close.

He wanted to sleep in his room, but he couldn't sleep knowing that her room is open.

And so he came here and joined her.

Why should he let her go?

"AAAAAAARRRRRRGH!!!

"

She screamed.