CHAPTER 63: CHAPTER 63: SOOTHING AN ANGRY MAN WITH AN AWKWARD KISS

Zane Thorne’s face was ashen, the lines on his profile tense, and Natalie Vaughn could even see the muscles protruding when he clenched his jaw.

Thud, Natalie’s heart skipped a beat.

It’s over.

She’s really in trouble.

She’s completely pissed Zane Thorne off this time.

The man’s breathing was heavy, his voice hoarse and deep, through gritted teeth.

"Natalie!"

His physique was strong, and he was so powerful that the woman couldn’t possibly escape his grasp. And now, his anger was ignited.

Zane Thorne smiled, as if coming from hell. He didn’t tear Natalie’s clothes, but started to wander over her body through the fabric.

The fabric of the nightgown was already thin and translucent, and Natalie could clearly feel the man’s burning large palm, her body trembling uncontrollably.

She should think of a way, but the man’s scorching temperature made her unable to think.

Zane Thorne showed no mercy, the force of his hand considerable, landing on the spot he had touched yesterday, pinching fiercely.

His voice was like the sound from a battered window enduring a stormy night.

"Do I dare?"

Natalie said nothing.

"Remember well, I am your man!"

Natalie winced with pain.

"Behave, otherwise, you will be the one to suffer."

Natalie was forced to lift her chin, the man’s hand already slipping into her dress.

This must be stopped.

Breathing heavily, Natalie stared into Zane Thorne’s deep eyes, her nose against his, his breath was strong and domineering. Every breath seemed to invade her mind with his scent.

She dared not move recklessly.

Zane Thorne was evidently capable of anything now; he was fierce and ruthless, like a dragon crossing tribulations in a thunderstorm and rain.

In the past, he indulged her, allowing her some mischief, willing to play childish games with her, enjoying her wantonness.

But she had gone too far, attempting to climb over him, conquer him, dominate him.

He’s right, he’s no saint.

The rebellious pride of a favored son, meant to control others, how could he be a good person?

Zane Thorne lowered his head, biting and kissing the neck where marks were left last night.

His voice was gloomy.

"I’ve indulged you enough."

He didn’t want to spoil her, yet surprisingly, he always took a step back, indulging her.

She asked him to teach her archery, so he taught.

She threw a tantrum needing to be coaxed with milk, so he coaxed.

She wanted to show off her school bully moves, so he accompanied her in a fight.

She wanted to strip his clothes, so he let her take advantage.

She wanted to sit in the passenger seat of his racing car, so he broke his taboo and let her sit.

She acted wickedly in front of his brothers, so he played along.

After her bath, she didn’t dry her hair, his heart softened and he tidied it up for her.

He even rushed to her rescue after getting off a plane, stayed as she was hurt with a cold, wanting to keep an eye on her.

All because of this arranged marriage, feeling indebted to the girl. Even more so, that night she risked her life for him, indeed touched him.

But she’s taken it too far.

Called him a pervert, kicked him out of bed, now claiming he’s not her man.

How could this young girl be so naughty, so disobedient?

Natalie was trembling all over, deeply feeling Zane Thorne’s anger, if this continued, she really would face dire consequences.

Just as the man’s hand was moving down, Natalie used all her strength to place her hands on his neck, and kissed him actively.

For the first time in twenty-four years, she conceded.

"I was wrong."

The wise recognize the time for retreat; this time she had indeed gone too far in provoking.

A man like Zane Thorne, how could he tolerate being kicked out of bed? He was powerful and domineering; it was her own decision to accept the marriage proposal, proclaiming herself as the future Mrs. Thorne, enjoying all the privileges. How could he tolerate her saying those words?

Indeed, the moment the ring slipped on, in Zane Thorne’s belief, he became her man.

Natalie’s eyelashes trembled slightly; using an unpracticed kissing technique, she tried to soothe the angry man.

She’s too smart, knowing her advantages, unsure when her peach blossom eyes became moist.

The inexperienced kiss, emotional eyes, hands carefully placed on him, the pitiful posture.

She applied all her innocent tricks at this moment.

It certainly worked.

Zane Thorne was always unable to ignore Natalie’s pair of eyes.

The force in his hands eased, the kiss less harsh.

Natalie secretly breathed a sigh of relief, her hands reaching behind the man’s back, attempting to calm him completely with a touch. But unexpectedly, the man completely relaxed and collapsed down.

Motionless.

"..."

Natalie tilted her head to look at the man with closed eyes, uncertain of the current situation.

"Zane?"

The man didn’t respond.

Natalie hesitantly nudged the person above her; this time, she realized Zane’s temperature was alarmingly high. Quickly raised her hand to cover his forehead.

Now it was certain.

Zane Thorne had a fever.

No wonder his emotions were so erratic in the morning, so easily provoked.

Natalie was somewhat amused.

She had a cold and recovered after a sleep, why did Zane burn like this?

However, this time Natalie completely relaxed.

With Zane sick, he couldn’t do anything to her.

Just now...

She really thought, Zane was going to take action to become her real man.

It took quite a bit of effort for Natalie to crawl out from beneath Zane. Hands on her hips, she looked down at the man lying on the ground, gasping.

So arrogant and domineering, just to faint right after.

"Damn man."

Though cursing out loud, Natalie wasn’t ruthless enough to leave Zane lying on the floor.

It was impossible to move such a large unconscious man with just her strength alone. She found some rolling equipment from the gym and, after quite a bit of busy work, finally shifted the man to the carpet.

Brought over a blanket to cover him.

Mutters words.

"If it weren’t for you saving me yesterday, I wouldn’t be so kind."

But Natalie’s kindness didn’t stop there; she fetched cold water and a towel, placing it on Zane’s forehead, helping him cool down physically.

"With such a high fever, don’t burn your brain."

Changed the water, placed the towel on the forehead again.

"If you turn into an idiot, I won’t be your wife; I’ll kick you away."

After Zane’s forehead temperature wasn’t as high, Natalie started changing the dressings on her wounds.

"I’m still an injured person that has to take care of you; what do I owe you?"

Natalie muttered, naturally not noticing the sleeping man’s brow twitch slightly.

Feeling lazy, Natalie simply sat on the carpet, called the housekeeper to clean up the mess from last night and prepare lunch.

The injuries on her hands and feet weren’t serious; the most important issue was the injury on her face.

In two days, she had to get the marriage certificate; it wouldn’t do to have a swollen face on the ID.

So Natalie went downstairs again for ice, wrapped it in a scarf to apply to her face, sat next to Zane, and continued to familiarize herself with the script.

When her hand became too cold to bear, Natalie furrowed her brows and set her sights on the sleeping Zane Thorne.