Chapter 36: The Snow-White Little Bunny

The crisp scent lingered at Thunder's nose, making him a little dazed. And with the soft body in his arms barely covered by a towel, the spring-like view and tender touch were almost too much. Add to that Tifa's wet hair and those eyes staring into his soul—Thunder felt like his morality was teetering somewhere between man and beast.

"Master, am I heavy?" the little girl suddenly asked.

"No, not at all." As he started talking, Thunder's mind slowly calmed down.

"Do I look pretty, Master?" She was definitely doing this on purpose. Her sweet breath hit his senses, and her flushed face added an extra layer of charm.

"What are you thinking about?" Thunder glared down at Tifa, though he couldn't deny she was having an effect on him. This little brat had grown bold—like a mouse licking a cat's behind. Three days without discipline, and she'd be climbing rooftops.

Tifa giggled, her little feet wiggling restlessly, completely ignoring how her delicate skin kept brushing against Thunder.

He placed her gently on the bed, tucking her in. Still, the mischievous glint in her eyes remained as she blinked up at him.

"Master, it doesn't hurt at all," Tifa said softly, watching Thunder examine her ankle with concern. His care warmed her heart.

"Stay still!" Thunder scolded lightly. She wouldn't stop moving, making it hard for him to check her injury.

"Okay…" Tifa pulled the blanket over her eyes but left her bright orbs peeking out.

Fortunately, there was no swelling or redness—just a minor sprain.

"Rest for a while. I'll have lunch brought here."

"Don't go, Master," Tifa pleaded, grabbing his hand. "My foot hurts whenever you leave."

What kind of logic was that?

"I won't go, I won't go." With nothing else pressing, Thunder didn't have the heart to refuse this girl who'd worked so hard for their household.

"Haha." Tifa stuck out her tongue playfully.

"Master, tell me a story." After a moment of awkward silence, Tifa broke the tension. "You used to tell me stories when I was little. But after Father passed away…" Her voice trailed off, sadness creeping into her expression as memories of their changed lives flooded back.

Thunder didn't recall any of this, but seeing her pitiful face, he reached out and touched her cheek. It was warm and flushed; her eyes sparkled with mischief.

"There were three rabbits pooping one day," Thunder cleared his throat, catching Tifa's attention. "The first one pooped long ones. The second one pooped round ones. The third one pooped… star-shaped ones."

"Why?!" Tifa's curiosity peaked.

"The other two rabbits asked too. The third rabbit said, 'Because I shaped them with my hands.'"

"Eww, Master! That's gross!" Tifa burst into laughter, shaking uncontrollably as she playfully punched Thunder.

"And then there was another little bunny who hopped to a bakery and asked the owner, 'Do you have 100 small breads?' The baker said no. The next day, the bunny came again and asked, 'Do you have 100 small breads now?' Again, the answer was no. On the third day, when the bunny returned, the baker happily said, 'We finally have 100 small breads today!' The bunny replied, 'Great! Then I'll buy two.'"

Tifa tried to maintain her ladylike composure, but failed miserably. She rolled around on the bed, clutching the blanket, unable to catch her breath from laughing so hard.

"Master... why is this bunny so naughty?"

"Here's another one. A magician walked into a forest and saw some rabbits. He asked one, 'What do you do every day?' The rabbit replied, 'Eat, sleep, and beat DouDou.' Then he asked another rabbit, 'And what about you?' Same answer: 'Eat, sleep, and beat DouDou.' Finally, he asked a third rabbit, 'What do *you* do?' This rabbit answered, 'Eat and sleep.' Confused, the magician asked, 'Why don't you beat DouDou?' The rabbit shot him a glare and said, 'Are you stupid? I *am* DouDou!'"

"Master… hahaha… I can't breathe… Why are these bunnies so cute?" Tifa arched her back, convulsing with laughter but trying to stifle the noise.

"Because our Tifa is just like these bunnies—cute and mischievous!" Thunder affectionately smoothed out the wrinkles in the blanket.

Tifa immediately grew quiet, turning her head to gaze at Thunder. Her shimmering eyes brimmed with emotion.

"Master…" She buried her head in his lap, calling out softly. Soon, Thunder felt warmth soaking through his pants. When he gently lifted her face, tears streamed down her cheeks—but her lips curved into a smile.

"Why are you crying?" Thunder wiped away her tears.

"No reason." Tifa bit her lip, hiding her face again. "Master… will you ever abandon me?"

"Don't be silly!" Thunder stroked her hair tenderly. "After all we've been through, how could I possibly leave you?"

Slowly sitting up, her cheeks flushed, Tifa whispered, "Master, do you remember what you asked me to do two years ago?"

"What request?" Two years ago, Thunder wasn't even here yet.

Without answering, Tifa loosened the towel slightly, letting it slip off to reveal her youthful figure.

"I used to hate you, Master, but now… I don't anymore. You've changed so much." She kept her head bowed, speaking in a whisper.

Thunder swallowed hard. Now he understood what Colin must have asked of her two years ago. At only fifteen, Tifa already had curves that rivaled many older women—not quite as voluptuous as Maria's, but far surpassing Beatrice's. Her pinkish skin, flat stomach, and the tantalizing glimpses of forbidden territory made it impossible for any man to stay indifferent.

Thunder struggled internally. Could he really resist?

"No matter what happens, I'll always belong to you, Master. Just promise you won't abandon me." Tifa nearly buried her face in her chest.

Fighting back his urges, Thunder took a deep breath and covered her with the blanket. "You're still young. Let's wait a couple more years."

She was too young—still growing, still developing. Starting something like this now would harm her.

"Is it because you think I'm beneath you, Master?" Disappointment filled her voice.

"Of course not. I'm doing this for your own good."

"You're lying!" Pouting, Tifa defiantly threw off the blanket, exposing herself once more.

"If you keep this up, I'll… I'll take you right now!" Thunder growled threateningly.

But Tifa met his gaze fearlessly. In the end, Thunder looked away, defeated.

Will their bond survive the storm of emotions brewing between them? Or will temptation tear them apart?