we never said it was over.

Chapter 18: A little more of you

Orm narrowed her eyes. "Extended...? What exactly do you have in mind?"

Instead of answering, Lingling grabbed her phone from the table. Orm watched, suspicious, as she tapped quickly and held it to her ear.

"Kate?" Lingling's voice was all charm. "Hi, love—are you free for a little adventure? Could you maybe take Darlene to the park for an hour or two? She's restless, and we just need to finish up our vows and some last-minute prep for tomorrow."

From Orm's arms, Darlene perked up at the word park. "Park! Bunny come too!"

Orm looked down at her daughter's excitement, then back at Lingling, narrowing her eyes even further. "Uh-huh. Vows, huh?"

Lingling ended the call with a triumphant grin. "Yes, vows."

Orm shifted Darlene onto the couch, crouching down to help her gather her things. "You know, Ling, when you say it like that... it doesn't sound like vows are the only thing you're planning."

Lingling leaned against the table, arms folded, grinning wide. "Smart wife. Always catching on. But don't worry... tomorrow I'll behave."

Orm gave her a long look, lips twitching at the corners. "You're sneaky."

Lingling tilted her head innocently. "Only with you."

Kate's knock on the door came a few minutes later. Darlene ran over excitedly, bunny in hand, already chanting, "Park! Park!"

Orm kissed her forehead. "Have fun, baby girl. We'll see you soon."

The soft click of the door faded behind them. With Darlene gone and the flat wrapped in silence, Lingling stepped forward slow.

Orm stood near the dining table, still a little suspicious. "You really tricked me with that whole 'vow prep' thing."

Lingling smirked as she circled behind her, brushing her fingertips along Orm's side. "I told you... we're going to finish our vows," she murmured—then pressed a kiss to the base of Orm's neck.

Orm exhaled sharply, shoulders relaxing. "Uh huh... sounds a lot like you're trying to distract me."

Lingling didn't answer. Instead, she buried her face against Orm's skin, breathing her in deeply. "I can't help it," she whispered hotly. "You smell like the woman I'm about to marry, and it's driving me insane."

Her hands slid to Orm's waist, gripping her tighter as she pressed her body flush against her from behind. Her lips returned to  Orm's neck, kissing slowly—then biting, just enough to make Orm gasp.

"Ling..." Orm warned, voice trembling.

Lingling's mouth reached Orm's ear. Her breath warm. Her words even warmer. "I need you. Right now. Right here."

Orm didn't have time to argue—not when Lingling turned her around and lifted her onto the edge of the dining table, lips crashing against hers with a hunger.

Their kiss was messy. Desperate. Lingling's hands roamed under Orm's shirt, fingertips dragging across skin she already knew too well. Orm responded instantly, legs spreading to pull Lingling in closer between them.

"Tell me what you want," Lingling whispered against her lips, eyes dark, voice low.

"You," Orm breathed. "Always you."

Lingling slid her hand beneath Orm's thighs, pulling her closer to the edge of the table. "Say it again."

Orm's breath hitched. "I want you. Take me—right here."