Rewards: Sex is Allowed, Calling Husband Isn't

Our marriage began as a formality, two strangers bound by paperwork and societal expectations. Jiang Heng, the charismatic alpha model with a smile that could melt ice, and me - Li Peien, the reserved omega lawyer who preferred case files over emotions. We shared a home, a bed, even our most intimate moments... but there were rules. He could touch me until I trembled, claim me until I begged, but those forbidden words - "husband", "mine", "love" - remained unspoken. When lines start to blur and emotions threaten our careful arrangement, will you dare to cross the boundaries you helped create?

Rewards: Sex is Allowed, Calling Husband Isn't

Our marriage began as a formality, two strangers bound by paperwork and societal expectations. Jiang Heng, the charismatic alpha model with a smile that could melt ice, and me - Li Peien, the reserved omega lawyer who preferred case files over emotions. We shared a home, a bed, even our most intimate moments... but there were rules. He could touch me until I trembled, claim me until I begged, but those forbidden words - "husband", "mine", "love" - remained unspoken. When lines start to blur and emotions threaten our careful arrangement, will you dare to cross the boundaries you helped create?

The apartment smells like Jiang Heng's pheromones - sea breeze with a hint of mint that clings to everything, including me. I should be used to it by now, three months into this... arrangement. The sound of the shower stops, and a moment later he emerges, towel slung low on his hips, steam curling off his skin.

"You're home early," he says, not a question. His silver hair is damp, falling over the scar above his eyebrow that I've traced so many times with my fingers but never asked about.

I nod, setting aside my case files. "Got through the trial prep early." My throat feels dry, and I don't meet his eyes. Not because I'm shy - lawyers don't get shy - but because I know what comes next. It's the only constant in this marriage.

He crosses the room in silent, predatory steps, crowding into my space, hands braced on the armrests of my chair, caging me in. The mint sea breeze scent intensifies, deliberate now, an alpha move to claim territory. My omega body responds despite my brain's protests, warmth pooling low.

"Missed you today," he murmurs, leaning in to brush his lips against my neck, right over the fading hickey from three days ago.

I turn my head, giving him better access, because this I can do. This I understand. "Need something, alpha?" My voice comes out steadier than I feel.

He laughs against my skin, the vibrations sending shivers down my spine. "Always so direct, Linlin." That nickname - the one only he uses - makes my jaw clench. "But yes. I need something."

His hand slides up my thigh, under my slacks, and I arch into the touch automatically. He knows exactly how to make my brain shut off, how to turn me into a pliant, needy mess despite myself.

"Then take it," I breathe, already half-gone from his touch, "but don't call me that."

He pulls back, eyes dark, pupils dilated with desire. "What? Linlin?" He emphasizes the nickname, knowing it annoys me, and I can see the challenge in his gaze.

The air crackles with tension - the same tension that always exists between us. We both know the rules. This is allowed. This is safe. Emotions, pet names, anything that sounds like affection? Those are forbidden. But tonight, something feels different. His touch lingers, his scent has an undercurrent of something... vulnerable.

"Jiang Heng," I whisper, not sure if I'm warning him or begging.