Chapter 17 Chapter Seventeen

Theon barely left their side for the next two weeks.Joseph grew rapidly and absorbed his mother's and Liz's milk well. But little Erin didn't grow up.Her appetite was so small it was almost non-existent.Her breathing would often become heavy, and her ruddy face would turn gray.Whenever this happened, day or night, Theon would massage her patiently until her circulation returned to normal.She seldom had enough energy to cry, and her voice was weak when she did.Theon and Jade made a pact that one of them would always hug her no matter the time of day.They believe in the magical power of hugs.

Jade gradually regained some strength, but Theon knew it would be at least a long time before she fully recovered.He took care of her with such patience and tenderness that he did not leave the Park Lane mansion until the third week. The cold January passed.With the arrival of February, the early spring sunshine streams into the windows, bathing the house in a golden warmth.The mood of the people in the room seemed to be happy too.So far, things are going well, and everyone is optimistic that things will get better. Theon came in with a large handful of narcissus, which he placed at the foot of the bed.Emerald was born on the pillow, hugging her daughter.Seeing this beautiful picture, Theon smiled warmly.

I know you have an uncommon love of flowers, and would be more than willing to accept it for yourself -- unlike jewelry, he added softly, sitting down on the edge of the bed.There is one more thing I hope you can accept.He took little Irene and handed a long envelope to Jade. She opened the envelope and found it was a deed to Park Road.She looked up at Theon.did you buy it He nodded.I know how much you love this house.I bought it in your name, not mine.I should have done this long ago. Thank you.You are so thoughtful, you are so kind to me. I love you, Emerald. Don't say that.She said calmly.

You haven't forgiven me after all, he thought.He totally understands.He didn't expect her to forgive, but there was still a glimmer of hope in his heart.He smiled at her, showing that he understood.He didn't give her enough time.He would give her all the time in the world, and during that time, he would prove his love by his deeds, by his devotion. Every night, Emerald sleeps in the same room with him and the child.Jade didn't object to the arrangement, he could tell she liked it.She let him feed her and bathe her every day until she was able to feed herself—clearly she had no objection to his touch.He thanked God for these small mercies.After all, Jade only refused his verbal love.

He chooses his words carefully.I don't want to rush you until you're ready, but I want you to think about going back to Gwystone. Seeing her eager expression, Theon breathed a sigh of relief. As long as you think little Irene's body can travel, I can, Theon. He squeezed her hand slightly.I will never lie to you again my love, I can't guarantee that she will survive. I know.she said softly. I will carry her all the way back to Ireland. The corners of her lips pursed.What about Joseph? Damn, he's old enough to ride a boat! It was so good to see her smile.Little did Theon know that her eagerness to go back to Ireland was to distance himself from the Mons.Every day she wondered when he would continue his revenge.He'd managed to keep his anger and hatred under control, but she knew it couldn't be forever.Now she and the baby are his number one priority, but who knows how long that will last?I don't know when, revenge will be his first priority again?

The next time Theon bathed her, he expressed his worries.Being in bed all the time is not good for your muscles.I think a daily massage should help you, you still have to stay in bed for at least 3 weeks. I began to feel that the longer I lay in bed, the weaker I became. Inactive muscles tend to atrophy, and we can't let that happen.I'll help you with some bed exercises. I daresay your bed movements are absolutely imaginative.she teased. Oh, you can already think of this aspect?That was inspiring. Jade is completely at his mercy.After bathing her, he rubbed sesame oil on his hands and began to massage every inch of her body.She closed her eyes happily, enjoying the touch.Feels great.She murmured, stretching like a cat in the sun.She looked at him from her eyelashes, and felt that he was extremely charming.

She looked down, wondering if he was aroused by what he was doing.The corners of her lips pursed in satisfaction.Really exhilarating.she whispered evilly. He deliberately answered with a straight face.This will be evocative. very good.Someone said anticipation was the best part, and rejection was good for the soul, she asked with the same serious expression as he did.Is it very hard? My Irish girl, you have no idea. Emerald reached out and held him. You are such a tease.Theon said lightly. Just to test it out.Muscles that lack exercise are prone to atrophy, and she glanced at him coquettishly.Would you like some verbal stimulation?

Theon's hand left between her legs and pushed her back on the pillow, looking deep into her teasing green eyes.Enjoy this wicked game and torture me so much.I suspect that the verbal stimulation you're referring to is kissing, even if you wish I'd thought of something else. She slapped him lightly.Don't read my mind, you demon. I'll kiss you when you're done with your workout, but not before. Their flirting was over, and Theon focused again on his massage work. After a while, Katie came in with a baby in each arm.The little guy has finished his bath and is ready to be hugged by his parents.

Theon winked at her.I'm ready to sacrifice myself, Katie. Be careful, Emerald said.Joseph has been very irritable lately. It must be because spring is here.Burke was in a bad mood all day long. They looked at Katie in disbelief.As soon as she left, the two burst out laughing together. We really should go back.The two of them spent too much time together. On her last night on Parkway, Theon carefully placed Erin in the bassinet with her sleeping twin brother. What are you doingEmerald whispered. I want to hold you for a while, you can hold her again later.He climbed into bed and lay down next to her.Then he stood up on his elbows and stared at her.He'd washed her hair earlier, and the fun still lingered.

Your hair is more beautiful than ever.It is softer and silkier than before.He picked up a strand of blue hair with his fingers and rubbed it on his cheek. It has something to do with having a baby. His hand moved across her peaks, his fingertips traversing her beautiful arc, and came to the deep valley.You are so plump and mature. The corners of her lips rose slightly.It's like forbidden fruit. Forbidden fruit indeed.It seemed like an eternity had passed since the last time we had sex.I know you're not strong enough to pamper me, but maybe you can play a little game already? What choice do I have?I'm your prisoner and I can't leave you, she teased.At least not yet.

Shall we play the game of master and captive?he asked shakily, the firm male against her thigh. That might pay off, at least until my leg heals. His lips brushed hers.He needs to savor her, yet enjoy their verbal foreplay.And after that? Then I'll run away, she swore.I will run to the ends of the earth, so that you can't even touch a shadow. I'll catch up to you, panting, hot and hard. Burning hard?Her hand slipped between his legs, gripping his cock.This describes you perfectly.Well, you're very tempting, but I'll run away anyway. Not tonight, my little captive, not tonight.His lips pressed to hers firmly, letting her know what he would do when he got his little captive.Jade became his willing captive, satisfying his desires in imaginative ways. This time Theon fell asleep before her.Lying in bed all the time gave Jade a lot of time to reflect on the past and conceive of the future.She belatedly understood that he had subtly warned her many times.He taught her to live in the present and not think about the future because he knew they would eventually be separated.When he made love to her for the first time, he warned: My heart is beyond redemption.Leave me before it's too late.He also insisted that she keep the jewels.You don't have money of your own, these diamonds can give you financial security. Jade lay silent in the dark, thinking about her plan.Her eyes wandered across his dark face.She would treat him equally -- she had clearly warned him that she would run from him. The Hellfire sails into Gwystone's port.Seeing Raymond hoisting the green and gold old Irish flag on the tower, Theon couldn't help but smile. Katie called all the servants in the house and asked if any would be trained to be babysitters to the twins, and eight young maids were more than happy.Katie chose two maids who were hardworking, clean, and from big families. Ellen and Jenny are equally young, hardworking, and obedient.Their first training is to wash the baby's clothes, sterilize and prepare feeding bottles.Katie sternly told them that once they mastered these basic skills, they could graduate and learn to rock babies to sleep and even bathe them. When the Fei family of Mammoth learned that Emerald and her twin children had returned, they almost poured out into Gwystone.Maggie assists Dana as housekeeper during Burke's trip to England.She prevented Lan'er from returning to Mammoth at the end of her pregnancy, and it turned out that this decision was correct.That afternoon, Laner began labor pains and gave birth to a boy for her husband.Luo Lin was overjoyed, and hugged his child everywhere asking everyone to praise him. Galway Stone is having a blast after having three more babies.Even Raymond has left his tower and moved back into the cozy main house for family fun. One afternoon, the two new dads were sitting together drinking.Luo Lin, I arrived just in time.When I arrived, my youngest daughter was dead and Jade was very ill.Thank you, it took a lot of courage to force me to go back and pick them up. You will go back without my urging.Luo Lin said. Yes, but maybe I'll hold off for a while.If you hadn't forced me to take action, I might have been a step too late. Emerald's complexion looks great--compared to the last time I saw her. Yes, she is recovering every day.In a week, she should be able to walk. Erin is still very petite.Do you think she's out of danger? I don't know, Luo Lin, I hope so.Her health is always bad.We must pay more attention to take care of her, never slack. Being a good father is a big responsibility.I've been thinking that if there are any spare horses at Mammoth Ranch, I'd like to rent them from you and try to breed them. I had the bigger cause in mind.Do you want to take over Mammoth for me?The barns, corrals, and pastures were large there.There were some Fei boys who helped run the stalls, but they had no sense of business.My grandfather used to breed the best racehorses in Guild.I think you can restore Mammoth's stable to its former glory. Luo Lin could hardly believe Theon's proposal.I'm afraid I'll be ashamed of it.He said slowly. This is what I owe you, Luo Lin.You did everything I asked, even though some of my requests really sucked.I ruined your father financially and left you penniless.You stood by me, and I swore I would never regret it, Theon handed him an envelope.Here's the deed to Portman House, and it should be yours.You deserve it, Theon's lips curled up sarcastically.Originally, another reward I arranged was Fei Laner. I can't help myself.Luo Lin explained. Instead, you damn well did a great job yourself!The two men laughed together. Theon stopped by the chapel before he went upstairs.He didn't come here to beg forgiveness.He had to pay for his sins, but he sincerely thanked God for giving him two children.He promised to protect them with his life, and humbly begged that little Irene could live well -- for Jade. Since this week, Sean has carried Jade to the balcony to bask in the spring sunshine every afternoon.The twins slept in a bassinet outside the glass windows, watched over by Katie and two nannies. Laner can already get up and walk around.She joins them with her beloved son in her arms.She had so much milk that she was able to feed Joseph as well as her own son. Laner, I really appreciate you very much. What words!My tits are so full it hurts. No, I mean Luo Lin.I have never seen him so happy.He's like a whole new man these days, and it's all because of you. He loved Fei's family, and they loved him.He really likes raising horses. He's always needed a family to change, and now he has it. Theon has also completely changed.I never thought he would be such a devoted father, Laner said.I saw him the day before yesterday with a baby in his arms, rocking them to sleep. He's the kind of guy who only treasures something when it's nearly lost.Emerald is an understatement. He loves you dearly, Emerald. Yes I know.But sometimes love isn't enough, Jade thought. The sun makes the shadows longer and longer.Theon also came to the balcony. Did you send a message to my mother? I give it, my love.I invited her to stay for a month - if she could bear being called grandma. I should have been able to walk when she came here. You have been waiting for this day.Are you sure you can do it?He carried her away from the chair, his lips gently brushing her forehead. I've never been so sure. I will miss walking around with you in my arms.he murmured. Oh, I'll still let you hold me -- at least for a while. Theon carried her upstairs, knowing that she wanted a little privacy when she tried to walk for the first time.But his heart seemed to hang in his throat, and his worry for her was on the verge of fear. He put her down on the bed, raised her skirt, and then untied the heavy bandages on her legs. Oh - it feels so good.she held her breath. Theon ran his hands up and down her legs.Well, you are absolutely right.he teased. Jade smiled, knowing he was using humor to mask his fear.She moved to the edge of the bed, let her feet hang down, and compared them carefully.The injured foot is paler and thinner, but she hopes to get back to normal with more exercise. Theon held out his hand, but Jade shook her head.I have to learn not to rely on you. Even if her words hurt him, he didn't show it. Jade stood up slowly, letting her legs support her weight.She stood for a full minute, waiting for the sharp pain to strike, but it didn't.Her courage magnified, and she tried to take a step forward.Suddenly, her changing legs felt strange, as if they were going limp.She wobbled and saw Theon had reached out to help her, but miraculously, she regained her footing.After taking three trembling steps, she clutched the back of the chair and gasped for breath. Will it hurt?Theon asked anxiously. She shook her head happily. try again.He encouraged, hope rising in his heart. Jade turned to face him, slowly moving one foot in front of the other until she was in front of him. Theon happily picked her up and spun her around.you did it!He kisses her loudly. Really great!I want to practice every day.I wish my feet were stronger than ever.Can you take me for a horse ride tomorrow? Take your time, Emerald.he warned. Oh, I don't want to take my time.I want to ride horses, swim, and do a lot of things!How long do you think it will take for my feet to be the same as before: The light on her face brought him great joy.As long as you practice daily and massage at night, it shouldn't take more than a month. I will do it in less time!She said firmly.I want you to teach me how to dance jig. Your ambitions seem a little high, Irish girl. never!I want to do anything!She leaned against him seductively, her voice rustling.I wish my legs were strong enough that I could do something special with them. He pulled her towards him, imagining her long legs wrapping around his back.tell me what you want to do. Oxion, I want to kick your ass all the way to Dublin - for the cruel things you've done! Theon laughed.He rolled onto the bed and took her with him.Hallelujah!I am no longer obstinate, capricious and desperate for you!I love your passion and anger: how long are you going to punish me? For a lifetime of course.Although she said lightly, he saw the flame flash in those green eyes, and suddenly all the anxiety came back.He is so vulnerable when it comes to things related to jade.If Jade wanted revenge, she could stab him hard. She bent over and scratched her injured leg.God, why did it suddenly become so itchy!I can't stand it! My prescription is to take a bath.he said, kissing the bridge of its nose. bath!How wonderful it sounds!I haven't enjoyed a bath for two months: Another pleasure you haven't had in two months! Emerald's fingers were entangled in his thick black hair, and the tip of her tongue flicked over his upper lip.Why not start with a shower and see what happens in the end? Theon held her in his arms.He could feel that Jade was hiding something from him.He figured she was going to fight fire with fire, and if he wanted it all, he'd have to be very convincing - and he did want it all! At the Bowman mansion, Roger is also learning to walk, but he is not as lucky as his wife.His fractures were complicated, and he had not been cared for lovingly and tenderly. During the months that Roger was bedridden, he gradually developed a deep hatred for William Meng, as deep as he hated William's two children.He cursed the day he was born into the Meng family! On the contrary, William regards Jack as a close friend, and has never noticed the hatred in his heart.Seeing Jack walking with a limp, he lent him the cane he used when he was suffering from gout. Here, Jack, you can use it when your foot is back to normal. Jack just wanted to bang the old guy on the head with it.Doesn't he know that his feet won't go back to normal and will walk with a limp forever? I'm glad you're already on your feet.Now we can get down to business. The only business I'm interested in is murder -- you and your goddamn son, my cheating wife and her goddamn lover. We now have only one wreck left.I took it to the coal mines and made a goddamn few pounds, and I was full of humiliation.It's time for us to fight back! I am listening!Jack growled. Oxion took everything that was mine.They stole my boat, my daughter, and my beautiful wife.They even instigated my son to betray me and join their camp! So your cowardly son has fled to Ireland, Jack thought. I think we should act and take back what is ours!William roared. Are you crazy, old man!I don't want to take it all back, I want to destroy it all: what's your plan?Jack asked: I thought maybe I could get some benefits from it. We only have one ship, but we have two crews with nothing to do.Since the Navy seized our ship, they have been out of production.With that much crew, we can launch a raid and retake our ship.We can sail to Angel Island and use it as our base.Leith Castle is only a few hours' flight from the island.We can keep an eye on them, and attack Oxion when he is least prepared! Those sailors are murderous characters.We have to buy them with money. You gather them first, and I'll try to get the money.William has made up his mind.Even if he sells all the furniture in the mansion, he still wants to facilitate this voyage!