Chapter 185

Vivian exhaled sharply, turning toward Adrian with an unfinished sentence hanging between them. "Were you planning to—"

Her words dissolved as she found him studying her with an intensity that felt like a physical touch.

Normally, Vivian despised his loveless advances, yet now an unfamiliar heat unfurled in her core, awakening desires she'd never acknowledged.

She fidgeted, her cheeks flushing as embarrassment prickled her skin. This sudden craving confused her. Though her mind urged restraint, her body responded with undeniable hunger. Avoiding his gaze, she swallowed hard. "If you're not showering, I will. This heat is unbearable."

Her lips parted slightly, her voice softening unintentionally—almost like an invitation. Without warning, Adrian closed the distance, caging her against the sofa with his arms. His warm breath carried traces of whiskey, making her head spin as if she'd been drinking too. Every angle of his face—from the sharp jawline to those hypnotic eyes—was devastatingly perfect.

Her breath caught when she realized their lips were mere inches apart. Memories of their past rushed through her—none particularly tender, yet now the thought of his mouth on hers sent molten need through her veins. Logic screamed for retreat, but primal desire held her captive. The air between them crackled with tension, her pulse pounding so loudly it drowned all reason.

Almost unconsciously, she tilted her chin upward. Adrian abruptly straightened, his voice slicing through the haze. "Doesn't this seem odd to you?"

Vivian stiffened, his words dousing her like ice water.

Mortification burned her cheeks as arousal gave way to shame. She shrank into the sofa, wishing to vanish, yet the heat in her core refused to fade.

"The drink," Adrian rasped, his voice thick. "It was tampered with."

"What?" Her wide eyes met his, surprise mingling with lingering hunger in her gaze. The unspoken longing in her expression tested his crumbling control, igniting a matching fire within him.

Clenching his fists, he ground out, "Grandmother... she must've added something."

Even through the fog, Vivian understood. Her eyes darted to the empty soup bowl, disbelief flashing across her face. Of course. Someone like her—so guarded—wouldn't surrender to passion without cause. The realization eased some embarrassment.

She pressed trembling hands against Adrian's chest. "I know what to do."

Adrian frowned but stepped back, granting her space. He exhaled sharply. Grandmother meant no harm—he knew that. Whatever she'd used was likely meant to... bridge the gap between them.

Discomfort twisted his gut. Had it really come to this? Needing a spiked drink to connect with his own wife? Without explanation, Vivian grabbed his wrist and pulled him toward the bathroom. Under his questioning stare, she twisted the shower knob, releasing an icy torrent that cascaded instantly.