Chapter 96
Zarek didn’t budge
His dark, captivating eyes studied her silently []
Adeline couldn’t handle direct eye contact, quickly looking away whenever their gazes threatened to meet []
He watched her face []
She fixed her attention on his collarbone []
Their eyes playing an awkward game of tag]
Seconds crawled by in the silent room as she waited for him to make a move[]
Her discomfort mounted with each passing moment []
He couldn’t seriously expect her to undress him… could he?[]
Adeline glanced up, opened her mouth, then closed it, wanting to ask but not knowing how. Finally, unable to bear the tension another second, she blurted. Fine, I’ll just do it myself
It was only taking off a robe to treat a wound!]
Better to rip off the Band–Aid than drag this out!]
Without waiting for permission, she reached forward toward his chest.[]
Her subtle perfume drifted over him.[]
Her slender fingers pressed lightly against his chest.]
Time stood still.]
Thump–thump…]
The unexpected strength of his heartbeat made her eyes widen]
Her mind went blank.
Her hands froze in place.]
Shed planned to start with the slightly parted from of his robe and work backward, but the moment her fingertips connected with his warm, firm chest and she glimpsed the contours of muscle beneath the silk fabric, she completely short–circuited
“What exactly… do you think you’re doing?
His low voice, caught between confusion and suspicion, rumbled right by her ear, his warm breath ghosting across her cheek.[]
Il sent a shiver down her spine[]
Making something inside her turn liquid.]
Adeline yanked her hand back like she’d touched fire “I need to–different angle.“[]
Zarek raised an eyebrow. “You need a different angle?”
Adeline wanted to crawl under the bed and dir.That came out wrong.. I just meant I need to get your robe off!–]]
That sounded even worse!]
A lust of amusement crossed Zarek’s face. Maybe take a breath. You seem… enthusiastic
She was NOT enthusiastic!]
Her face burned so hat she could probably fry an egg on it.]
Zarek’s expression–halfway between resignation and amusement–seemed to confirm her supposedly inappropriate intentions []
Adeline started to explain, then realized any explanation would only dig her deeper Instead, she simply moved around to his back]
When she said “different angle, she meant positioning herself behind him!)
To help lam undress from behind Gud, even her head it sounded bad!]
Alter a moment of silent parus, she forced her brain back into professional mode
This was about treating a wound
Changing bandages
A completely oicent medical task()
Creung bebit me like that–planting my murder, Ms Page?)
Zarets vice held a leasing li
Adupe forced an awkward laugh then without further bosnation reached for his neck she slipped her hares inside has collar trying desperately not to touch his skin, though inevitably making contact with his neck, collarbune, shoulders, and and I want intentional junvalde []
The robe puid from lus upper body, revealing a vast landscape of tooth pale aku
als steers were unpossibly broad tapering to a narrow want and from her side view, she could see the defused muscle line running from bus abs down toward his hips… The proportions were almost unreal, like a classical aratue come to life, power rident even at test()
The trade with a warning label–hes brain helpfully supplied []
Dewte, Block, Move On Your Little Crybaby. Upgraded to Untouchable Queen
83.3%
Chapter 96
Now that she was behind him where he couldn’t see her face. Adeline felt less self conscious, even finding herself appreciating the view that had entered her field of vision []
Looking was one thing, but she didn’t allow herself to stare The task at hand took priority []
Kneeling on the bed, she carefully unwrapped the bandage around his waist []
Taking the medication, she meticulously applied it with a cotton swab. The ointment was wet and tacky, so she instinctively blew on it to speed up the drying process…]
Zarek went completely still
Every muscle in his back visibly tensed []
Once the medication looked dry enough, Adeline took fresh bandages and began wrapping them around him, her hands circling his waist repeatedly.
“Stop That’s enough“]
The words came out sharp and sudden.
His voice sounded like he’d swallowed gravel.[]
The veins in his neck and arms stood out prominently.[
Adeline froze mid–motion, confused, still holding the loose end of the bandage. Tm almost finished… Did I hurt you?“]
Zarek’s expression was unreadable but Intense]
He didn’t answer her question. Instead, he pushed her hands away. “Just–go. I’ll finish this myself.“]]
His voice was ice–cold.
His breathing noticeably uneven.[]
Adeline felt a spark of anger ignite.]
She had been so careful and considerate. She’d used the gentlest touch possible. What was his problem?
This man was absolutely impossible!
Being his assistant was a nightmare!]
Zarek seemed to register his harshness. He turned slightly, his tone softening. “Go make something to eat. I’m hungry.
Adeline had a resignation letter mentally drafted, but swallowed the words before they could escape.]
She climbed off the bed []
Her knees had gone numb from kneeling so long. When her feet hit the floor, her legs buckled, and she dropped to her knees with a soft thud.]
Zarek’s head whipped around in alarm Looking down at her kneeling with both hands braced on the floor, he asked, “What’s this? Begging for a promotion?]
Adeline glared up at him. “My legs fell asleep, genius!“]
She sat back on the carpet, rubbing circulation back into her knees before standing and stalking out.[]
Zarek remained motionless for a long moment
Slowly a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth []
In the kitchen
Adeline yanked open the refrigerator, seething with frustration]
Any hero who saved my life filter had completely shattered tonight!]
Figuring that even if she prepared a five–stad meal, that impossible man would find something to criticize, she spotted some fresh pasta and decided on the simplest option possible]]
She grabbed some garlic cloves and a wedge of Parmesan, throwing together a basic Garlic Parmesan Pasta with minimal effort.[]
When she carried it out, she found Zarek had emerged from his bedroom and was sitting in the living room.]
“Eating here?”
Adeline brought the pasta uver
Zarel stood up in the dining room“]
Adeline mentally screamed Then why were you sitting (IERE]
She bit her tongue and carried the pasta to the dung table, setting it down with slightly more force than necessary!]
Zarek sat down and stared at the simple posts with garlic and cheese After a long pause, he nodded “Not bad
“Threst you approve dette responded with artificial swerte ||
list are couldn’t have been more lake It was plastic, getule mentally she was rolling her eyes so hard they might get stuck
Being sarcastic, was he?]
Whatever
Latur war B. Exidant care less
Zavel glanced up. “This is too much for one person Get another bowl and join me
Aselines refinal was tunediate and hem!]
The last dung star warded was to share a seal with h
Chapter 96
She had come here genuinely concerned about his health, only to be mocked for supposedly having an inflated ego |
She had carefully tended his wound, only to be dismissed for being too rough ||
Now she’d cooked for him, and predictably, he was Binding fault again Did he think she was a doormat?]
Her barely contained frustration was clearly visible Zarek watched her for a moment, then said quietly, Tm sorry
Adeline blinked in surprise[]
That was unexpected []
Her anger cooled slightly If you can’t finish it, just leave 11“]
1 meant about earlier
Hm?
Earlier? Which “earlier” exactly?
But Zarek didn’t elaborate, just lowered his head and continued eating.
Adeline watched as he methodically finished the entire plate of pasta without another word. When he was done, he dabbed his mouth with a napkin and looked up. It was good. Really
Whatever
Adeline had given up trying to decode him. “If that’s all, I’ll head back downstairs.]
She waited for his dismissal.]
Instead, Zarek studied her for a long moment, making her wonder if she had sauce on her face or something.]
Just as she was about to break the silence, he finally spoke. “In the future, no matter where I am or who I’m with, don’t stay away. If you want to come in, come in. His eyes held hers with unexpected intensity “And for the record… even if there was something between us, I wouldn’t let it become gossip fodder.1]
His expression was completely serious, his gaze so penetrating it seemed to see right through her.
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Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy DaisyNovel. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.