Sleep had evaded Cao like a stealthy ninja. No way had his body been able to settle, not after how Ling had touched him. The slightest graze of her fingers had been sensual enough to force him to retreat from her.

Before she figured out the power she held over him, and his traitorous body. The demanding throbbing in his ballocks had haunted him all night. Even jacking off hadn’t eased his lust.

Because, dammit, he wanted her.

Her lips and hands on his cock.

Her pussy swallowing his cum.

And uninhibited desire for him in her silver eyes.

She slept later this morning, though he attempted not to count the extra minutes. Once she stumbled from the bedroom, arm braced over her face to stifle her yawn, the tension in him relaxed. Her hair was endearingly disheveled from sleep, and she wore a bulky beige sweater over dark blue yoga pants. As usual, she grabbed some fruit and toast, settling on a stool at the island.

Having someone else in his space was a new sensation. Because that person was Ling, he enjoyed it far more than he ever dreamed he would. She didn’t squelch his privacy or stomp on his solitude. Other than Ling sleeping in his bed, having her around hadn’t affected him like he’d envisioned.

He was growing far too comfortable with her presence. What would life be like after she left?

Empty. He sighed and concentrated on the monitor some more, struggling to appear busy.

“So, I should do laundry.” Ling hopped off the stool to wash her dishes. “I don’t mind washing your stuff, too. Plus, we should clean this place.”

“Oh, uhh. I can get the maid in, if you’d like?” He snatched his phone and scrolled for the cleaning service’s number.

“You’re kidding, right.” Ling rolled her eyes. “Did my nǎinai seem like someone opposed to hard labor? I got this.”

He chuckled while she gathered her long locks and twisted them into a high ponytail, then chucked off her baggy sweater, revealing a tight blue tank top underneath, and regarded him with determination.

After easing from his chair, he stalked to the stool where the sweater had landed and plucked it. “We really should have a talk about your wardrobe.” He wasn’t the patron of the arts for nothing. “Why do you hide…” His words hung in the air, because hell no could he say “hide your hot body” to her. Fuck it.

“I don’t hide.” She crossed her arms defensively, plumping those full breasts.

He circled closer, handing her the sweater. “Yeah, you do.” Steering away from her, he collected various cleaning supplies from the closet and deposited them on the island. “I’ll tackle the bathroom.” He swiped the appropriate bottles and cloths for his task.

Scrubbing the toilet, the shower, and the sink should have winded him, but the pent-up energy from being around his ward wouldn’t be so easily dismissed. He emerged from the bathroom, only to walk right into a glorious view of her toned ass shimmying to a silent tune as she plucked clothes from the washing machine.

“Oh, hey.” She straightened and beamed at him. Practically crushing his heart with such brilliance.

“Bathroom’s done.” He tipped his head to the aforementioned room, stating the obvious. Geez, what was wrong with him?

He had to get a grip, and not on Ling’s firm ass, either.

Before he blew his one chance for redemption.

* * *

Puzzled, Ling resumed stuffing the damp clothes into the dryer. Was Cao angry about doing housework? Nah, didn’t seem like it. He wiped the countertops, then continued with clearing out the fridge.

After starting the dryer, she grabbed the vacuum and plugged it in, then switched it on. Cao lifted his head, sent her a quick nod, and went back to his task.

She concentrated on cleaning the floors, propelled the vacuum around the living area, the entryway, and circled to the kitchen. He ducked into the fridge, rummaging.

Maneuvering the vacuum, she approached, planning to ease around him, but he jerked back and stumbled over the machine.

“Whoa.” Gracefully, he corrected his stance with expert footwork.

“Eek.” Screeching, she jumped out of his path, twisting her ankle in the cord, yanking it from the plug, and face-planted forward instead.

“Umph.” She crashed right into Cao, smacking into him. Gods, the man was as solid as a brick wall.

Her hands landed in all the inappropriate places—one curved around to his backside and the other right on top of his junk.

Ack. She clawed for something else to grasp, but it probably looked more like she was groping him.

Okay, she was a little.

His abs were as rock-hard as they appeared. How was that even possible? And, sweet Emperor, he smelled incredible. Like a cedar forest after a rainstorm.

“You finished yet?” His deep voice rumbled his pecs beneath her fingertips.

Wait. Had she been overtly sniffing him? Not her fault his scent was so intoxicating, even more so due to Sheep’s excellent sense of smell. Heat flooded her cheeks and she scrambled off him, tripping once again on the cord, and landing on her butt.

“Easy, love.” Cao swung the vacuum out of his path and crouched in front of her. “You okay?”

Wincing more from the humiliation than the pain in her rear end, Ling bobbed her head, burrowing her scowl into the floor like she could polish it with her glower.

His hand inched into her view. Patiently, he crooked his fingers, awaiting her acceptance.

Licking her lip, she set her fingers on top of his palm. Her breaths shook from his touch that sent blissful jolts cascading along her skin.

Deftly, he wrapped his fingers to clutch her hand and hauled them both to their feet, their bodies inches apart.

She swayed, drowning in the nearness of him. Cao blocked out her fears and trepidations. The steady rise and fall of his chest, paired with the rhythmic drumming of his heart, flowed through her with calm reassurance. Her entire being rested at peace. Even Sheep was utterly quiet, no panicking urge to flee. Being shielded in his large frame, enveloped by those brawny arms, it was like she’d finally found the perfect hiding place.

“Thanks.” Reluctantly, she disentangled herself from him, not daring to meet his gaze, and sauntered to plug the vacuum back in.

* * *

While Ling finalized the details of their trip to Dìyù, Cao did a hell of a lot of pacing. He’d never tried to contact Jingzhi before, partly because he’d deemed it impossible.

Partly, too, because the Jade Emperor and the higher powers of the world had punished his brother for a reason. Since so much time had passed, Jingzhi might be saved.

Perhaps, he’d keep his promise to his mum, after all.

Cao sighed and flipped through the massive pile of mail on his desk. Bills. Junk mail. Boring.

A glossy envelope slipped from the pile onto the floor. Frowning, he plucked it and stared at the fancy writing on the front. Huh.

“Oh, you got one, too?” Ling murmured from the desk.

He raised a brow and ripped open the envelope. You are cordially invited to attend… Shit. An invite. To Sheng and Lucy’s wedding. Hell, he’d almost forgotten about Li’s little descendant.

Tomorrow night. That had snuck up fast.

He scraped a hand across the back of his neck. This should be fun. Li would be there. Even some of his other Eight Immortal buddies. He didn’t often get together with them anymore. Even better, he had a super-hot date to show off. Sort of. “Do you have something to wear?”

She froze. “Crap. I used to. It’s now a pile of ashes.” She reclined in her chair and groaned.

“Lucky for you. Being renowned for theater arts doesn’t come without its perks.” He beckoned her with a crooking of his fingers.

Eyes narrowed, she rose and glided to his side. He gripped her hand and led her to the back storage closet hidden behind some panels in the training gym. After flipping on the light switch, he shifted to watch her.

Ling gasped at the rows upon rows of costumes. These weren’t cheap replicas, but actual designer pieces he’d hand sewn, some to match outfits his sister had once worn.

“Fit for an Empress.” He pressed his hand to the small of her back and gave her a nudge forward. “Pick whatever you like.”

She paused to gape at him over her shoulder before stepping forward and fingering the delicate materials. “These are breathtaking.” Spinning around, she wrung her fingers. “I couldn’t. I wouldn’t wish to outshine the bride.”

He chuckled. “Trust me, I designed her dress, so, you won’t.”

She arched a fine brow, but flipped through the gowns again.

“They’re so pretty.” She bit her lower lip. “I’m not sure.”

“Allow me.” He strode forward, determining which one would suit her best. “This.” Cao plucked the delicate rose silk gown from the hanger and flourished it in front of Ling. “You’d look lovely in this. My sister wore something similar once.”

She eyed him but her lips parted in appreciation and she skimmed her fingers across the skirt. “It’s gorgeous.”

It was. But mostly, he couldn’t wait to admire it on her, then off her.

“Let’s try it on.” She circled around, unzipping her tight blue dress. “Can you help me into it?”

He swallowed hard at the sexy strip of bare flesh along her spine. His balls tightened and his cock gave a rebellious throb. Yeah, he had to agree.

The professional aspect of this whole guardian gig was definitely overrated.

* * *

Ling held her breath, waiting for some kind of response from Cao. Was he going to help her or just stare forever?

A second ago, when she’d unzipped her dress, she hadn’t been self-conscious, but right now, she froze in awkwardness. Living with him this past while, she’d gotten comfortable. Too comfortable.

Enough to forget his hotness and his bad boy reputation.

Enough to view him as a friend and the impossibility of anything more.

Big mistake.

Whatever magnetism existed between them hadn’t gone anywhere. Just because the man had a talent for fashion design didn’t mean his sexuality was in any regard not targeted on her at the moment.

Gentle, warm fingers caressed across her shoulders, inching the fabric of her dress downward to pool at her feet. She might be in her bra and panties facing away from him, but she’d never been so exposed.

Naked, bare, and raw.

Desire pulsed through her, and she squeezed her toes, fighting it. The gown fluffed across her vision and obediently, she stepped into it.

Cao tenderly slid the costume upward, forming it to her body, the fit perfect. How had he known?

He slipped the buttons through their holes with his nimble fingers then tied the sash, lacing the ribbons of the bodice at the back. The gown was at once billowy and form-fitting. Long draping sleeves floated past her knees. The off-the-shoulder cut dipped to her breasts and shaped snugly around them. Voluminous skirts puffed as she twisted and then fell into graceful alignment. Gold embroidery enhanced every hemline and glinted against the pale rose hue.

“Let me see,” Cao murmured, stepping back from her.

Barely breathing, she twirled around, lifting her gaze to his.

He regarded her as though not observing her, cool assessment in his stoic features.

Disappointment fluttered through her insides. The man was a good actor. Good enough to hide whatever he didn’t want her viewing.

She swallowed her regret and whirled for him, then waved for him to help her undress. “Thank you, Cao,” she called over her shoulder.

“My pleasure, Ling,” he purred, fingers skimming over the ribbons and buttons.

The man had a gentle touch that sent shivers of delight coursing along her spine, shooting to her brain and down again to the tips of her curling toes.

“What are you going to wear?” Distracting herself, she observed the rows of masculine costumes. Cao would look badass in any number of them.

“That, love,” he intoned next to her ear, “will be a surprise.”

* * *

The wedding was tonight. Cao tugged on the collar of his robe, evaluating himself in the mirror. Bloody good. He had a reputation for being the best dressed Eight Immortal and wasn’t about to disappoint at such a well-attended event.

The heavy black robe fit snugly across his body, with long, tapered sleeves and a blue dragon pattern snaking across the shoulder. If need be, he could blend in, or fight.

Though he was certain the Matchmaker had taken every precaution, it was better to always be prepared. A shitload of people didn’t want any happy unions taking place. Tonight might be an event to celebrate peace, but they were at war.

From the bedroom doorway, Ling cleared her throat. He whipped around and gawked at the stunning sight. With her hair up, twisted into intricate braids, a few stray pieces left to fall around her face, which had been delicately painted with makeup, Ling left him stunned.

The gown she wore hugged her every curve—those mouthwatering glimpses of her femininity she kept so well-hidden. Nowhere for them to hide now.

He gulped and shook himself, nodding politely. “You look lovely.”

“Thanks,” she shot him a nervous smile, “so do you. Ah, handsome, that is.”

He quirked his lips at the bright bloom flushing her cheeks. “Thank you.”

She’d dropped the thick glasses, too, and without them, in that outfit, even her closest friends might not recognize her.

“Our ride’s waiting.” He offered his arm and she glided to his side, tucking her small hand into the crook of his elbow. Together, they took the stairs to the roof. She appeared so petite and delicate next to him, like this, but he’d learned better than to dismiss her as such. There was so much about Ling he didn’t know. So much she kept hidden.

Maybe someday there wouldn’t be.

Clinging to hope, he helped her into the waiting helicopter and settled in beside her in the back seat. The pilot already knew their destination. M wasn’t taking any chances, and she’d sent her own trusted aviators to bring everyone to the party.

Two hours later, after a long, silent ride, they arrived at a massive mountaintop courtyard. The helicopter landed on a helipad to one side, and he helped Ling out, leading her down a set of marble steps toward the gathered crowd.

“Sweet Emperor,” he rumbled. “There must be five or six hundred people.”

“At least.” Ling mirrored his gawking.

“Bride or groom?” an attendant questioned in front of the domed entryway.

“Bride,” Ling pronounced.

“Groom.” He winked at her and they split, each to sit alone.

Folding chairs decorated with flowers and silk had been arranged into two groupings, one long aisle dividing them. At the front, set across a breathtaking skyline backdrop, arched a wildflower arbor, and the groom and his groomsmen stood beneath it. The groom, Sheng, paced anxiously like the Chosen Tiger he was. Cao had met him and Lucy a handful of times, and had been impressed with both of the Chosen. The Matchmaker had a soft spot for the pair, as if this grand wedding wasn’t proof enough. M had confided in him this event was going to do so much more than unite two people. Basically, it was a middle finger stuck straight in their enemies’ faces.

Damn straight. Cao jolted as he caught Li Tieguai’s attention, and gave the immortal a nod. Li was present, with his girlfriend Wen, keeper of Cat.

Funny how that had worked out for them.

He scanned the crowd, but didn’t spot the other Eight Immortals. No doubt, they’d be getting together after the ceremony. They had a lot to catch up on.

After the bride glided down the aisle, strikingly beautiful, as expected, in a full-length gold gown, he settled into his seat and grinned at the beaming couple. The love pouring off both them was palpable. Lucky bastards.

Sheng and Lucy exchanged traditional vows, and after, Tiger cloaked Sheng, offering a spine-tingling roar, to which Rabbit cloaked Lucy and dipped its furry head in submission while the audience cheered.

He hedged a glance toward Ling. She watched the ceremony, tears rolling down her cheeks. Aw, softie. Too bad he was so fucking unlucky in love.

In another life, he could’ve fallen for her.

Hard.

* * *

Cao was ogling her again. Ling sniffled and swiped at her happy tears, hoping Cao hadn’t noticed them. Beside her, Liem and Jade were holding hands and going goo-goo-eyed at each other. Toward the back, the soft cry of an infant crossed her ears. Kadence and Lok had brought their new little bundle, Arsen. How sweet. The pairs of couples made her the odd woman out. Sheng and Lucy, of course. Nat and Kassian. Li and Wen. Naya and Ryden. Price and Daji. So many of her friends had been paired off.

Not me. Apparently, unearthing her soul mate wasn’t high on the Matchmaker’s to-do list. At least, Fang shuffled his feet, alone. She was surprised they’d gone ahead with the wedding, what with Mei missing, but they’d waited a long time for her to return. Sheng and Lucy powered through their vows, so eager and all over each other, even down to the magical kiss sealing their union. Sheng swept Lucy into his arms, deep-throat kissing her until his buddies slapped him on the back and put an end to their erotic display.

“Save it for the honeymoon, Tiger.” Kassian chuckled.

With adoration for each other in their eyes, the happy newlyweds strolled down the aisle together, hand in hand, waving politely at their audience.

As they passed, Ling sent them a smile and a small wave, which Lucy mirrored. Then she awkwardly lowered her hand because Cao was staring at her.

Before he could claim her attention any further, Jade linked arms with her and dragged her off to the dessert buffet.

“Okay, you owe me deets.” Jade shoved an offering of chocolate mousse into Ling’s hands.

Sighing, she accepted the chocolate bribe. “There’s nothing to tell.”

“Uh-huh. Ooo, where’d you get that gorgeous dress?”

“Cao.” She fingered the skirt. “He has a closet full of this stuff.”

“Right. Didn’t I catch him just now wishing he could help you out of it, instead of into it?”

“He didn’t… That’s not…” Ling’s cheeks lit on fire and she plopped a spoonful of mousse into her mouth to stop from answering.

“Well, you look fabulous.” Jade tucked away a strand of Ling’s loose hair. “You really do. I like seeing you without those nasty glasses.”

Ling flashed her gaze to her friend’s. Sincerity poured from Jade’s green depths.

“Silver. Huh. Why did I always think brown?”

She clamped her tongue against blaming the glasses. Because then Jade would demand to know why, and Ling wasn’t ready to share yet.

“I care about you and whether you’re okay. Don’t get me wrong, Cao is all kinds of crazy hot, but I remember how you feel about immortals, and—”

“It was a beautiful ceremony,” Ling bleated. “Any chance you and Liem…?” Her switch of conversation had the desired effect—a bright blooming across Jade’s cheeks.

“I’m not sure. He’s a dragon.” She toed the ground with her shoe. “They do things differently.”

“If he ever does propose, I call dibs on Maid of Honor. I would rock that shit, just so you know.”

“Yeah, you would.” Jade’s voice rang with laughter. She pointed at a man carrying a pair of champagne glasses. “Where’s the bar?”

“Over there.” Ling pointed to the far right corner. “You go ahead. I’m still trying to clear my head.”

“Okay, catch you later.” Jade waved at her and sauntered off in that direction.

Now, where was her stealthy admirer? As much as she’d enjoyed the ceremony, she wasn’t much in the mood for partying, and Cao was her ride home.

Ling nudged a path through the thick gathering of guests, scouring several alcoves, before spotting a familiar robe. Cao looked lethally hot in his form-fitting outfit. Like he was a ninja blending in with the shadows and ready to pounce at any moment.

Pasting on a confident expression, she marched toward the crowd gathered in a half-underground cavern. Wait, was that Li, the Eight Immortal, chatting with Cao?

A spiraling dread dropped into her stomach. Yep. Beside him, another of the Eight.

Her heels clacked on the stone floor and everyone in the chamber shifted toward her. One, two, three, four, five, six.

Seven.

Eight.

Him.

Oh, gods. It was him.