Chapter 23: Breaking His Barriers

                                    

                                          
In the dimly lit room, Tian Kuo's hot breath washed over Ruo Xuan's face, as his hands began to untie the silk sash around his waist. The remnants of Ruo Xuan's tunic slowly gave way, revealing his smooth chest.
Ruo Xuan's cheeks flushed as he felt the cool air caress his newly exposed skin. Even without sight, he could sense the intensity of Tian Kuo's gaze upon him. With a shaky hand, he reached out, his fingertips lightly trailing along Tian Kuo's jawline. 
A soft chuckle escaped Tian Kuo's lips as he felt Ruo Xuan's trembling touch. He captured Ruo Xuan's hand, pressing gentle kisses to his palm before moving to nibble on his fingertips. "Flustered, are we?"
"Merely... adjusting to the unexpected draft," Ruo Xuan replied, his voice barely above a whisper. His hands, however, betrayed his words, clinging to Tian Kuo's shoulders for support.
Tian Kuo's hands continued to roam, slowly pushing the rest of Ruo Xuan's tunic off his shoulders, baring his entire upper body. His touch was gentle yet firm, igniting sparks wherever he touched. "Then perhaps you should hold onto me tighter."
Instead of responding verbally, Ruo Xuan's hands obeyed, his fingers curling into the fabric of Tian Kuo's robes, pulling him closer. His body arched slightly, seeking more of Tian Kuo's warmth. His heart pounded in his chest, echoing in the otherwise silent room.
Tian Kuo took advantage of Ruo Xuan's arched posture to trail kisses down his neck, his lips and teeth grazing the sensitive skin. He lavished attention on Ruo Xuan's collarbone and the hollow of his throat, his hands mapping every dip and curve of his torso.
Ruo Xuan's head lolled back, exposing more of his neck to Tian Kuo's ardent kisses. A soft, breathy moan escaped his lips, his fingers tightening their grip on Tian Kuo's robes.
Tian Kuo's hands slid down to Ruo Xuan's hips, his thumbs hooking into the waistband of his pants. He looked up, his hazel eyes filled with desire as he asked, "May I?"
Ruo Xuan nodded almost imperceptibly, his breath coming in short, shallow gasps. His hands released their hold on Tian Kuo's robes to rest on his own chest, fingers splayed as if trying to feel his own racing heartbeat.
Tian Kuo slowly pulled Ruo Xuan's pants down his legs, his hands lingering on his calves, his ankles, and his feet before removing them entirely. He tossed the garments aside, his gaze roaming over Ruo Xuan's bare form, drinking in the sight of his refined beauty.
Ruo Xuan lay there, his chest heaving with each ragged breath, his skin flushed and warm to the touch. He reached out blindly, his hand grasping at the air until it connected with Tian Kuo's chest.
"You're... overdressed," Ruo Xuan murmured, his fingers slowly sliding down to begin untying the sash around Tian Kuo's waist.
Tian Kuo grinned wolfishly, his hands covering Ruo Xuan's as he guided them to the fastenings of his own robes. "Allow me to remedy that," he responded, his voice low and sultry.
Ruo Xuan's hands trembled as they unfastened Tian Kuo's robes, revealing the hard planes of his chest and abdomen.
As the last of his clothing hit the floor, Tian Kuo climbed back onto the bed, his body covering Ruo Xuan's.
Ruo Xuan's arms wrapped around Tian Kuo's neck, his fingers tangled in his hair as their bodies aligned. He could feel the heat radiating from Tian Kuo, the firmness of his muscles, the hardness pressing against his thigh.
Tian Kuo's hands roamed Ruo Xuan's body, caressing his shoulders, his arms, his sides, before slowly moving to his backside. He spread Ruo Xuan's cheeks, his touch gentle yet insistent, as he slowly prepared him, one finger at a time.