My Younger Brother Is Salivating After Me - Chapter 4

“Is this truly what you want?”

Raising his eyes slowly, he asked. Yeohee’s lips moved but couldn’t form an answer immediately.

“…Yes. Isn’t it about time? I’m long past the usual age for marriage.”

In Hyeonho, most women were married between the ages of fifteen and eighteen. At twenty-six, Yeohee was already considered late.

“I didn’t know you wanted to marry. If I had known, I wouldn’t have let it drag on like this.”

Jaeyeon idly fiddled with the dress before picking it up.

“Try it on.”

“Now…?”

“Yes. I want to see what you look like in a wedding dress.”

Biting her lower lip, Yeohee looked at the gown he held.

“That’s… inappropriate. How can I wear a wedding dress in front of a man who isn’t my husband?”

The words escaped her throat, stiff and pained. But Jaeyeon merely smiled slightly and lifted the outer ceremonial robe, stepping closer.

Despite her instinct to back away, he reached out and draped it over her shoulders, gently pulling it into place.

“Even if you find it awkward, I want to see. After all, the sister who raised me should be the most beautiful bride in all of Hyeonho.”

As he lightly tugged the robe to settle it, their bodies drew nearer.

Calling to the waiting maids outside, Jaeyeon gave instructions.

“Assist her in dressing. You—bring what I asked Steward Go to prepare.”

The servants quickly moved into action.

Inside the screen that shielded them from Jaeyeon’s view, the maids helped Yeohee into the ceremonial dress. The flowing silk clung softly to her skin, beautiful against her body—but Yeohee’s heart was heavy.

“She is ready, my lord.”

After dressing her hair and finishing her adornments, the maids stepped back and drew aside the screen. They had not placed a bridal veil over her face, leaving her bare and vulnerable.

“Sit.”

Jaeyeon gestured toward the seat across from him. On the table lay exquisite golden hairpins, pearl jewelry—and a porcelain bottle of wine with a matching cup.

“Choose something you like.”

“Everything here is far too good for me,” she murmured.

“Not at all. After all the years you’ve stayed by my side, it’s only right.”

When Yeohee hesitated, Jaeyeon picked up one of the gold hairpins, turning it in his fingers before coming over and pinning it into her hair himself.

“You look even more beautiful than I imagined.”

He smiled in satisfaction, then picked up the wine bottle. The fragrant aroma of the liquor bloomed through the air as he poured a glass and set it before her.

“Drink it. It’s a toast to your marriage.”

Jaeyeon lifted his own cup and downed it in one shot.

Yeohee stared at the glimmering liquor for a long moment before finally raising it to her lips.
The wine was fragrant but harsh—hot, burning its way down her throat like molten iron.

When she grimaced, Jaeyeon laughed and refilled her glass.

“It’s too strong… I can’t drink more…”

“If not today, when would we ever share a drink like this again?”

His voice was gentle, but there was a hint of insistence. Reluctantly, Yeohee brought the cup to her lips again.

The bitter flavor stung her mouth, making her tremble as she swallowed it down. With no food to soften the blow, her face quickly flushed bright red.

“You look just like a shy bride,” Jaeyeon said, smiling deeply as he watched her from across the table.

Another cup, and then another—before long, there was no point in counting.

“Haa… I don’t think I can drink anymore,” Yeohee mumbled, shaking her head as Jaeyeon reached for the bottle again.

Her vision spun, and it felt as though even sitting upright was an impossible task. Her body, heavy as if weighed down with sandbags, slumped forward. She collapsed onto the table, her eyelids fluttering weakly.

Through the haze, she felt Jaeyeon stroking her hair. She tried to speak, but her tongue felt stiff and useless. As her consciousness faded, the last thing she saw was Jaeyeon smiling down at her.

* * *

Only the sound of soft, even breathing filled the quiet inner room.

Jaeyeon approached Yeohee and pressed the back of his hand lightly against her flushed cheek. Her skin was warm from the alcohol.

“You did wrong, Sister. You tried to leave me for another man.”

He had always known she was weak against alcohol, not being a drinker. But he hadn’t expected her to pass out so quickly.

Earlier that day, Jaeyeon had visited Lord Seo Munbaek’s house and confirmed what he feared: the Lady Dowager had schemed to marry Yeohee off to that family’s infamous second son—a brute known for his violence—arranging a remarriage that would take place in just seven days. She had even pocketed a considerable sum of money for it.

Had he not intervened, Yeohee would have been thrown to a beast in human skin.

Suppressing the curses that surged to his lips, Jaeyeon had told Lord Seo Munbaek that the marriage was off. Naturally, Lord Seo Munbaek raged at the insult, but Jaeyeon countered by offering to repay all the funds already exchanged, including the dowry, and coldly warned that if they pressed further, they might find their precious second son rotting in prison for life.

Even if Seo Munbaek protected his son every time he caused trouble, Jaeyeon, wielding the full power of the Jang family, could easily crush him if he chose.

Lifting Yeohee’s sleeping form into his arms, Jaeyeon held her gently. Her small, delicate frame fit perfectly against his chest. It was always Yeohee who had cradled him when he was young and frightened, but now, it was he who could shield her with his strength.

Looking down at her peaceful sleeping face, Jaeyeon felt an unfamiliar, bittersweet emotion well up inside him.

He carried her to Saerimwon.

When they arrived, Guard Yang, following silently behind like a shadow, opened the door to her chamber. Jaeyeon carefully laid Yeohee down on the bed, draped with soft, sheer curtains.

“Mmm…”

She shifted uncomfortably, restless in her layered ceremonial robes. Seeing her curl up like a sleeping child, Jaeyeon smiled faintly and leaned down, brushing her loose hair aside to press a kiss to her rounded forehead.

“Rest well, Sister.”

He opened a window to let in some cool night air, then quietly left the room.

Upon returning to his own quarters near Saerimwon, Jaeyeon spotted one of the Lady Dowager’s maids waiting near the courtyard, her hands neatly folded.

“What is it at this hour?” he asked.

“The Lady Dowager wishes to speak with you, my lord.”

“Tell her I’m busy. I’ll visit her after dawn.”

Jaeyeon dismissed her with a cold, indifferent tone and turned to climb the steps. The maid hesitated, then spoke up again.

“The Lady Dowager said it concerns Miss Yeohee.”

At the mention of Yeohee’s name, Jaeyeon halted and turned.

The maid bowed her head even lower, trying to avoid his sharp gaze. A mocking smile played on Jaeyeon’s lips.

“So she instructed you to use Yeohee’s name if I refused?”

Jaeyeon stepped closer and stopped in front of her.

“Fine. What exactly does she wish to say about Yeohee?”

“I only deliver the Lady Dowager’s message, my lord… I don’t know the details.”

“It’s not about the marriage proposal?”

The maid furtively glanced up at him, gauging his mood, but kept her mouth tightly shut.

“If it’s about that, tell her it’s already been settled. I’ve met with Lord Seo Munbaek. And tell her this—if she dares lay a hand on what is mine again, I will not stand idly by.”

At his voice, icy and cutting like a blade, the maid trembled. Without answering, she bowed deeply and hurriedly fled back toward the Lady Dowager’s residence.

Jaeyeon turned and went inside.

“Tonight, I’ll be staying at Saerimwon. Unless it’s urgent, no one is to disturb me. Keep everyone else away as well.”

Changing into a dark navy sleeping robe, Jaeyeon let Yang help him with the fastenings.

“Will the Lady Dowager simply back down, my lord?” Yang asked cautiously.

“If she were the type to back down, she would have left this house long ago. Assign more guards to watch her closely. Also, select a few to guard Yeohee at all times. Given her history of sneaking women into my chambers, I can’t guarantee she won’t attempt something even worse with Yeohee.”

The Lady Dowager was not a woman who hesitated to use any means necessary to achieve her goals. Just like how she had forced Jaeyeon’s father to take a concubine because she disliked his legitimate wife.

After summoning Steward Go and giving a few more instructions, Jaeyeon headed back toward Saerimwon.

The night breeze wrapped around his legs, billowing the thin robe he wore. He paused, glancing at the moon reflected in the pond, before turning his gaze back to the window of Yeohee’s room.

From the open window, a faint noise reached his ears.

Had she woken already?

Jaeyeon moved quickly, opening the door and stepping inside. The hinges creaked, and for a moment, he heard the sharp intake of a startled breath.

A sly smile curved his lips as he crossed the darkened room toward the bed.

He saw the outline of a woman hesitating, as if debating whether to flee. Stopping in front of her, Jaeyeon watched Yeohee turn her head to look at him.

His shadow loomed over her, swallowing her whole.

“Ja… no, my lord.”

Yeohee’s gaze swept over his body. Just as the act in the bathroom last time was etched in his mind, it must be etched in that small head of hers as well. Hearing Yeohee’s faintly trembling voice, his manhood, hidden by the sleeping gown, twitched with excitement.

“Why am I here…”

He grabbed Yeohee’s shoulder, who was flustered. As he pushed her, Yeohee’s body fell onto the golden silk bedding. Jaeyeon propped his arm next to Yeohee’s face, trapping her body. His large palm cupped her cheek.

“Why, because we’re going to consummate our marriage tonight.”

Yeohee’s surprised lips slightly parted. Jaeyeon pushed his thumb into her mouth. He touched her even teeth and pressed down on her small tongue, which was not even a handful. A low groan escaped from Yeohee’s mouth.

“Ah…”

The feeling of her soft tongue licking his finger was intoxicating. Yeohee was desperately grabbing his wrist, as if she was about to vomit. Jaeyeon scratched Yeohee’s tongue slightly with his fingernail. He pulled out his thumb, which was covered in her saliva, and sucked on it with a smack.

“It’s bitter, sweet, and fragrant.”

He rubbed the finger, which was mixed with both of their saliva, on Yeohee’s lower lip. Jaeyeon met the eyes of Yeohee, who was staring at him as if she was out of her mind. He untied the red belt and pushed his fingers into her cleavage, pulling her clothes down.

“W-wait a minute…”

At the sound of the fabric tearing, Yeohee grabbed the clothes in his hand and covered her body.

“Why am I consummating our marriage now…”

“Didn’t you wear a wedding dress and drink the nuptial wine in front of me, Sister?”

“Didn’t you say it was a congratulatory drink?”

“It also contained the meaning of congratulating your marriage, so it’s both a nuptial wine and a congratulatory drink.”

“T-that’s… it can’t be. I can’t consummate our marriage with you, my Lord…”

“Why? Is it because you’re scheduled to marry Seo Dae-in’s second son?”

“How did you…”

Yeohee’s eyes widened. Jaeyeon removed Yeohee’s hand, which was clutching his clothes, and even untied the cloth covering her chest.

“Don’t worry about that. Your marriage has already been called off.”

Thud. The cloths that had been covering her body fell to the floor.

“Didn’t I tell you before? The place my sister should be is by my side. Whether I get married or not.”

Small beads were forming on top of her pert breasts. Jaeyeon grasped the soft flesh of her breasts from below. He was satisfied with the volume filling his palm. As he teased the nipples between his fingers, a moan like a sob escaped Yeohee’s lips.