He chuckled quietly, a rare, deep sound that rumbled through his chest.
Obediently, he set the knife aside and turned off the flame beneath the pan.
Then he leaned slightly back into her hold, allowing himself to be held. Back hugs were only done by the trusted people and no one else
"You drank more than you were supposed to," he said, though there was no reprimand in his tone. He didn't mind indulging her for a while.
"Maybe." Her voice was small, playful, but steady. "Or maybe you pour too little."
He turned his head slightly, catching a glimpse of her through the corner of his eye, her hair brushing his shoulder, her lashes low, her warmth pressed lightly against his back.
"You're warm," she said softly, almost to herself. "I didn't realize how cold I was until now."
Huo Ting Cheng reached down, gently prying her fingers apart just enough to turn around in her embrace.
