Love Unspoken

Abigail noticed it too. She awkwardly got up and said, "Quinn, I gotta go. I'll catch you another time."

Then she bolted out of there.

Quinn gave Alexander an awkward smile. "When did you come down?"

Alexander replied, "Right around when you told Abigail to figure it out herself."

Quinn tried to explain, "I just meant she should get more exercise to recover faster."

Alexander raised an eyebrow, "Is that so?"

Quinn looked away, feeling guilty. "Yeah. Brandy and Sprout have been playing with Buddy all day. I'll take them out for a walk."

She picked up Sprout and turned to Brandy, "Brandy, wanna go for a walk?"

Brandy, hugging Liberty's neck, shook her head, clearly wanting to keep playing with the dog.

Quinn nodded and took Sprout out by herself.

She could feel Alexander's eyes on her as she walked away. She gritted her teeth and picked up the pace.

It was late afternoon, and the sun was setting. The weather was warmer, but there was still a chill in the evening air.

Quinn walked for a bit. Sprout was restless in her arms, always trying to get down, but he couldn't walk steadily. Quinn struggled to hold him as he squirmed. She finally put him down, holding his shoulders as he wobbled along.

He'd fall after a few steps.

Quinn sighed. Sprout was so full of energy; she knew he'd be a handful when he got older.

To avoid going back, she wandered around for a long time. It was dark by the time she thought about heading back.

Before she could decide, a long shadow appeared at her feet.

Quinn turned and her heart skipped a beat. Alexander had come looking for her.

He was wearing a loose black shirt. As he walked towards her, the streetlights made his face flicker between light and dark.

Quinn stared at him, momentarily dazed.

Alexander stopped in front of her and glanced at Sprout. Sprout was still struggling, trying to break free.

Alexander said, "It's dark. Aren't you heading back?"

Quinn snapped out of it, looking away and pretending to hold Sprout. "I was just about to. Sprout's being naughty and won't walk."

Alexander took Sprout from her, holding him firmly. In his hands, Sprout's struggles were pointless.

Alexander even had a free hand to hold Quinn's. "Let's go."novelbin

His hand was cool. Quinn silently followed him, the only sound being Sprout's fussing.

They got back just in time for dinner. After eating, Alexander didn't say much, which made Quinn sigh in relief. He probably didn't take it seriously. Quinn said, "I'll take them upstairs to wash up."

Alexander nodded.

Quinn carried Sprout, and Brandy wobbled behind her as they went upstairs.

Quinn washed their faces. The weather wasn't hot, so bathing every two or three days was enough.

Brandy was very obedient. After washing, she went to bed. Quinn placed Sprout beside her, giving him a toy car to play with.

Soon, the two kids fell asleep, and Quinn felt drowsy too. She leaned against the headboard and dozed off.

Suddenly, she felt a hand lifting her, startling her awake.

She asked, "What are you doing?"

Alexander gently laid her down. "You fell asleep. I wanted you to lie down properly."

Quinn rubbed her eyes. "I really did fall asleep. Every time I put Sprout to bed, I end up dozing off first.'

Alexander smiled and sat down next to her. "Then you should just lie down and get some rest."

Quinn said, "I'll take a shower first."

Alexander got up to let her go.

Quinn grabbed her pajamas from the closet and headed straight to the bathroom. She turned on the faucet, and soon the room was filled with steam. Halfway through her shower, the bathroom door suddenly opened, and a blurry figure walked in.

Quinn didn't notice until a hand grabbed her loofah, almost making her scream.

But a hand quickly covered her mouth.

Alexander whispered, "Don't wake them up."

Hearing his voice, Quinn relaxed but soon tensed up again. She pushed his hand away and whispered, "What are you doing in here?"

He took the loofah from her and started scrubbing her back. "Taking a shower."

Quinn said, "I'm almost done."

Alexander replied, "Let's wash again."

As he scrubbed, his hand moved to the front, wrapping around her waist. The shower was still running, and Alexander, still fully dressed, was getting soaked. She could feel his body heat through the wet fabric. It turned out his earlier calm demeanor was just an act. Now, his true colors were showing.

Maybe it was because of the high temperature in the bathroom, but Quinn's cheeks were burning. She pressed his hand. "Let's finish and talk outside."

Alexander agreed. "Okay, I'll help you wash."

Quinn felt a bit embarrassed. Before she could finish speaking, Alexander turned her around, lowered his head, and whispered, "I also want to ask for some advice." Alexander's hair was wet, dripping onto Quinn's face. She turned her head, pretending not to understand. "Advice on what?" Alexander replied, "Weren't you giving Abigail some tips? Share them with me too."

Quinn protested, "I was just making things up!"

Alexander said, "Then let's figure it out together first, and you can share with Abigail later."

Quinn smirked, realizing it was just an excuse.

Alexander lowered his head and kissed her, whispering, "Don't wake them up."

Quinn instinctively grabbed his arm. He held her, kissing her gently as the shower continued to rain down on them.

The steam in the bathroom grew thicker, and their figures became barely visible.

After nearly an hour, they were done, and Quinn was exhausted. Alexander carried her out and sneaked into the next room.

The room was dark. Quinn lay on the bed, just about to sleep when he slipped under the covers again.

Quinn asked, "Aren't you done yet?"

Alexander replied, "We're just getting started."

Quinn regretted speaking too quickly, and he had heard it. Earlier, Quinn had wondered if Alexander's long period of abstinence meant he was getting too old and losing his vigor. Now it was clear she had been completely wrong.

Alexander was rummaging through the drawer. Quinn lifted her head to look, but it was too dark to see clearly.

She asked, "What are you looking for?"

Alexander replied, "Tools."

Quinn paused, then realized he was looking for condoms, reminding her of when they had just gotten married. He always seemed to take precautions.

Quinn asked, "Why are you looking for those?"

Alexander replied, "Just in case."

Quinn hesitated, then asked, "Don't you want more kids?"

Alexander paused, then turned around, holding her in his arms, and softly said, "I don't want you to suffer again."

Quinn was stunned for a moment. She pressed her cheek against his chest, not saying a word.