Being hoisted to sit on the sink countertop, Lariette's legs dangled far above the floor. Her hands grasped Ruediger's shoulders loosely, the instinctive action she took when he suddenly lifted her just now.

Ruediger stood right before Lariette. He secured her waist with one hand while the other rested on the cool countertop. His gaze never strayed from her.

The hem of her nightgown slid up, revealing her soft inner thighs. The countertop was cold while his touch was warm, giving her a contrasting sensation.

Narrowing her eyes, Lariette's cheeks were still puffed out of annoyance. From this angle, she clearly saw the bite marks she accidentally left on Ruediger during her sleep.

The red spots were conspicuous under the bright lights above their heads. She inwardly scolded herself for enjoying such a huge feast in her dream.

Removing one hand from his shoulder, she deliberately squeezed his cheek.

"You're dead set to annoy me when it's still so early, huh? So annoying," she grumbled, a lovely rosy tint spread on her face down to her graceful neck.

He laughed, evidently pleased to hear her nagging. He leaned closer, presenting his devilishly handsome features to his beloved.

She held her breath, her eyes still glaring at the mischievous man. Once again, she squeezed his cheek, thinking it would feel better if his face were more fleshy.

"How can you say I'm annoying you? Since when have I ever done that?" Ruediger asked, wearing an innocent look, but the mischief glinting in his eyes was crystal clear.

Lariette rolled her eyes, only to receive more laughter from Ruediger. The merry sound echoed in the washroom, and seemingly amplified as the waves bounced off the walls.

She pushed him away, but he remained sturdy, "Ahem, aren't you supposed to make breakfast for Grandpa? It's getting late."

"It's fine," he tilted his head, smiling cockily, "Grandpa will understand. We're love birds."

Lariette exhaled a sigh, knowing that Ruediger wouldn't budge. He made no other move aside from trapping her in his arms, obviously waiting for her to take the next action.

"You want a morning kiss, huh?" she asked.

He grinned, "How about more than one?"

Humph!

Who's afraid of whom?

Since he pushed for it, she would take advantage of him!

Under Ruediger's smug look, Lariette cupped his face before pressing her soft lips on his. She deliberately bit the corner of his mouth, teasing him coquettishly. Then, she pushed him to part his lips.

And so he did.

She might be the initiator, but he swiftly dominated the kiss.

Ruediger secured the back of Lariette's neck, her silky locks entangling with his fingers. As he leaned forward, his other hand supported one of her thighs, dangling around his waist.

She whimpered when he began kissing her collarbones and chest, the sensual touch almost melted her into a puddle of honey. He even bit the space between her lush peaks.

How was this her taking advantage of him?

She was clearly on the losing end.

So unfair!

When they finally emerged from the washroom, Lariette kicked Ruediger's leg angrily, upset that it felt more like him taking advantage of her instead of the opposite.

Ruediger's hearty laughter echoed again. He hugged Lariette from behind as she headed to the walk-in wardrobe, still squirming to get out of his embrace.

"Let go! I wanna change," she elbowed his rib, the touch barely did anything to him, "Go and cook!"

Cackling, he smooched her flushed face, "My dear baby Lettie is so cute~"

"..."

Without thinking, Lariette grabbed Ruediger's arm and sank her teeth into his wrist. He simply grinned before she froze, only realizing how coquettish the action was.

"Get out!"

"Hahaha!"

Lariette finally managed to kick Ruediger out of the walk-in wardrobe. His laughter rang from behind the closed doors. She huffed again, thinking about how high her blood pressure was.

After changing into a turtleneck sweater and loose pants, Lariette made sure no traces of love bites were visible. Her cheeks were still red, but thankfully, the shade receded.

Once she walked out of the walk-in wardrobe, the pesky culprit was still standing nearby with the same smirk. She glared at him before rushing to grab her phone and run out of the bedroom.

His annoying laughter followed until she slammed the door shut.

Lariette walked down the hallway, going to the lounge nearby. She bumped into a few of the home staff along the way.

"Good morning, Lady Lariette."

"My lady, good morning."

Lariette smilingly returned the greeting. Then, she arrived at the lounge. Her feet brought her to the French doors that led to a balcony.

Once she opened them, the cold morning air bit into her skin. The passing breeze ruffled through her locks. She ran her fingers through her hair, and then tied it into a bun.

At this hour in the early winter days, Lariette barely saw the golden lights over the horizon. A tranquil silence blanketed the entire residential community.

The gardeners and other home staff had begun their day, busy with their daily tasks. The ones who had to work outdoors were all bundled in layers, including the bodyguards.

Leaning against the railing, Lariette cupped her face with her elbows resting on the bar edge. She still remembered what they planned to do after leaving her grandfather's home this morning.

Christmas tree shopping!

Grumbling under her breath, Lariette swore to swipe Ruediger's card as many times as she could. She would drag him to buy many cute items, and also let him pay for her food-hunting trip today.

'Should I buy pink pajamas with rabbits? How about a teddy bear shirt? Let him wear all that!'

Lariette wondered what else she should do to exact revenge on Ruediger. The man's ability to annoy her seemed to be on the rise recently.

Lariette wanted to consult Madeline, but certainly, her friend would vomit in disgust because the man in question was her own cousin.

Hmm...

Such a dilemma.