Chapter 173: Palpitations
Guan Lei could even hear his heart thumping in his chest, beating faster and faster, showing no signs of slowing down.
Was it just him, or was the room’s temperature rising? It was not until he felt the stirring in his loins that he realised what was going on: he was attracted to Shen Xi.
He was no prude. He knew about the things between men and women. Occasionally, some of his bawdy friends would boast of their dalliances or the romantic interests they indulged in from time to time.
He had even accompanied them on a few outings, but no woman had ever piqued his interest.
Guan Lei did not expect holding Shen Xi’s hand to provoke a physical reaction as strong as he felt. Previously, he had only stolen a kiss from Shen Xi in the library, and even then, his heart had not hammered away like it was now. Guan Lei could have sworn steam was spewing from his ears in his present state of complete mortification.
His mind churned in a maelstrom of complicated thoughts and emotions. Time continued its slow march, and eventually, his breathing slowed, losing the laboured edge that had tainted it following his nightmare. Peace. Sleep claimed him, drawing him into its gloaming depths.
Unlike Guan Lei, Shen Xi was suffering. She felt like her hand was trapped in a furnace, slowly broiled by the punishing heat. It was so hot that sweat coated her skin in a sticky film. The level of discomfort she experienced banished any hope of restful sleep.
To add insult to injury, Guan Lei’s breathing evened out, seeming like he had fallen asleep. It was a bitter pill to swallow. She had helped Guan Lei, yet now, here she was, unable to enjoy the same luxury.