Chapter 8

The sharp smell of antiseptic woke me up. I slowly opened my heavy eyelids to a stark white ceiling.

My bones felt like they had been run over by a truck. Every inch of me ached.

"You are finally awake." A nurse walked in, smiling warmly. "You took quite a fall. Mild concussion and some severe bruising. But do not worry, your husband stayed by your side all night. He just stepped out to get you some food."

Husband?

Hearing that word made me nauseous. Caspian was busy playing his amnesia game; there was no way he was here.

Before I could ask, the door opened.

It was Zane.

In his hand was a takeout bag from my favorite French bakery.

The nurse smiled and left, closing the door behind her.

We were alone. He strode over to the bed, his dark eyes scanning my face, hiding emotions I could not read.

Looking at this man—the apex predator of New York, the man even Caspian feared—a crazy idea sparked in my mind.

If Caspian could fake amnesia and parade his mistress around, why couldn't I?

I took a deep breath, forcing my eyes to look confused and innocent. Then, I gave him a weak, sweet smile.

"Darling, you are back."

Zane's massive frame went rigid. His hand froze mid-air. Absolute shock flashed through his cold eyes.

He narrowed his eyes, his voice low and dangerous. "What did you just call me?"

Fighting my racing heart, I blinked and used my softest voice. "Darling... my head hurts. Why are you looking at me like that? Are you mad at me?"

Zane stared at me for ten full seconds.

Then, he turned and slammed the call button. A team of top specialists rushed in and ran a series of tests on me.

Half an hour later, the head doctor stood respectfully before Zane. "Mr. Averin, the trauma to the patient's head has caused temporary memory displacement and cognitive impairment. Subconsciously, she has projected you as her closest person—her husband."

Zane did not say a word. He just waved the doctors out.

He walked back to the bed, gazing down at me. I thought he was going to expose me, or sneer and tell me to drop the act.

He did not.

He quietly opened the bag and took out a warm croissant.

I pushed my luck, whining softly. "Darling, the IV in my hand hurts. Can you feed me?"

Zane stiffened again. But he used his long fingers to tear off a piece of the pastry, awkwardly but gently bringing it to my lips.

I took a bite, intentionally letting my lips brush against his fingertips.

He pulled his hand back like he had been burned, his eyes instantly darkening.

"I am sorry, I did not mean to." I leaned forward, throwing my arms around his solid waist, burying my face in his chest. I tipped my head up and pressed a soft kiss to his jaw. "Do not be mad at me, baby."

I clearly saw the tips of his ears turn a suspicious shade of red.

He gently pushed me away, turning his back to me, his voice slightly raspy. "I... have an emergency meeting. I will come back later."

He practically fled the room.

Watching his retreating back, I called out sweetly, "Okay, baby! I will be waiting for you!"

A week later, I was discharged.

Zane took me straight to his oceanfront estate in Long Island. This was the property Caspian had drooled over for years, a symbol of ultimate power he could never get his hands on. Now, I was the lady of the house.

At sunset, the ocean looked like liquid gold.

I walked barefoot across the cashmere rug on the balcony, watching Zane smoke by the railing. The sea breeze caught his suit jacket, highlighting his broad shoulders and narrow waist.

I walked up, hugged him from behind, then stepped in front of him. I wrapped my arms around his neck, stood on my tiptoes, and kissed his lips.

This time, Zane did not push me away.

He crushed his cigarette, his large hand gripping the back of my head. He took control, kissing me back with aggressive, suffocating dominance.

His kiss was nothing like Caspian's. It was pure, raw possession and raging testosterone. I could barely breathe.

The kiss deepened, and he simply picked me up, wrapping my legs around his waist.

By the time my lips were numb, I felt myself being laid gently onto the bed.

He pulled back slightly, his heavy breathing hitting my neck, making me shiver.

That reaction seemed to trigger him. His burning hands gripped my waist, slowly sliding up, sadistically enjoying how I trembled under his touch.

Right then, his phone rang loudly.

Zane frowned, pulling away to check the screen. It was Caspian.

He answered the call.

A cold glint flashed in my eyes. I deliberately straddled his lap, wrapping my arms tight around him so he could not get up. I leaned close to the phone and moaned in my most breathy, seductive voice:

"Baby, ignore them..."