Three Years Later, He Came Back Begging novel Chapter 397

They stood out like a fierce, stubborn display of life amidst the bleak winter landscape.

Bonnie gasped in pure delight. "They're still blooming in this weather?"

Lawrence picked up one of the blooms and tucked it gently behind her ear, his fingers grazing her hair. "I found them in a little hollow over there. Gemma told me there was one last patch blooming and said a brother should give them to his sister. Do you like them?"

Bonnie's cheeks grew unnaturally warm. She had received countless extravagant gifts and massive bouquets from him over the years, yet this simple gesture sent her heart soaring, fluttering wildly against her ribs like a captive bird breaking free into the sky.

She nodded, a wave of shyness washing over her. She buried her forehead against his chest, her voice muffled. "I like them a lot. But don't think that means you're forgiven yet."

Lawrence chuckled, wrapping his arms around her. "What if you put the ring on? Am I forgiven then? Or does Candie want me to put it on for her?"

With practiced ease, Bonnie delivered a solid thump to his chest. "You think a grass ring is enough to bribe me? Do I look that easy?"

He laughed, a deep rumble vibrating against her. "Of course not. That was just a little side project. Keep it for fun. I'll buy you a real diamond later."

"This one is just fine," she blurted out. Realizing how that sounded, she quickly scrambled to save face. "I mean, who says I want a ring from you at all? Don't push your luck!"

Lawrence laughed even louder. He pulled her flush against him, teasing, "Well, you let me hold you, and you accepted my flowers. Don't you know the local legend? If you accept Gentian flowers from your lover by The Seraphim River, it means you've accepted the blessing of the mountain spirits. You wouldn't dare defy the spirits, would you?"

Bonnie bristled slightly. Out here, one simply didn't tempt fate by disrespecting local beliefs. Taking his words as absolute truth, she grumbled awkwardly, "I never said I didn't want your flowers..."

Then, feeling his chest shudder as he tried to suppress his laughter, she looked up and caught the wicked, teasing glint in his eyes.

Their lips just barely touched, his hot breath fanning across her cheek, melting every last icy defense guarding her heart.

She melted against him, her hand sliding from his jaw down to the nape of his neck. She could feel his pulse hammering against her fingertips—so strong, so incredibly warm.

He didn't try to coax her lips apart, even though every fiber of his being was screaming to drag her into a desperate, all-consuming kiss.

But he refused to desecrate the sanctity of the moment.

Lingering against her mouth, he whispered softly, "Candie, stop being mad at me. Okay?"