Chapter 187

"What kind of ridiculous assumption is that?" Adrian retorted, his dark eyebrows drawing together in visible irritation.

Despite the flicker of annoyance crossing his chiseled features, his skilled fingers didn't pause in their task, deftly locating the hidden zipper of her designer gown.

"For two entire years, you've barely glanced my way," Vivian began, her voice trembling with years of pent-up frustration. "You even threw away the silk lingerie I specially picked for you!" The long-buried hurt finally surfaced, raw and undeniable.

Her emerald eyes shimmered with unshed tears, making her delicate features appear even more heartbreakingly beautiful in the dim lighting.

Adrian froze momentarily, the memory flashing through his mind. His voice softened unexpectedly. "That afternoon, Mother was rummaging through our wardrobe. Did you really want her to find those?"

Vivian's anger faltered, replaced by stunned realization. She searched his face. "Two years of marriage without intimacy. If you're not completely uninterested... then is it because you're incapable?"

Adrian's jaw tightened visibly, caught off guard by her bold accusation. "I thought you needed time. We married without courtship - I didn't want our first time to feel like some mechanical obligation," he admitted gruffly, his deep voice dropping lower. "But—"

Vivian opened her mouth to protest further, but Adrian's patience had reached its limit. With one fluid motion, he unzipped her dress and swept her into his powerful arms. Before she could react, his lips captured hers in a searing kiss that stole both her breath and any remaining resistance.

Vivian melted against him, utterly powerless against the intoxicating heat of his kiss, drowning in the overwhelming sensations he evoked.

Just as she grew lightheaded from lack of air, he pulled back slightly, his lips curving into that infuriatingly confident smirk she knew too well. "We'll continue this discussion tomorrow. First, let's settle this question of my... capability."

Vivian's pulse raced wildly, the unfamiliar thrill of anticipation making her both nervous and exhilarated beyond measure.

Adrian carried her effortlessly to their king-sized bed, lowering her onto the silk sheets with surprising gentleness.

The delicate lace of her designer lingerie framed her curves to perfection, creating a vision of breathtaking femininity.

Her porcelain skin flushed pink, droplets from their earlier encounter tracing slow, tantalizing paths down her collarbone.

Under Adrian's scorching gaze, Vivian's blush deepened, instinctively grabbing a corner of the duvet to cover herself in sudden shyness.

Adrian shrugged off his soaked dress shirt with effortless grace, the defined muscles of his torso flexing with the movement. He leaned over her, his husky whisper sending shivers down her spine. "Vivian."

His lips found hers again, this time with deliberate slowness, savoring each touch as if she were the most precious treasure.

His skilled hands moved to the clasp of her bra, releasing it with practiced ease.

The garment fluttered to the floor as his fingertips traced featherlight patterns across her sensitive skin, leaving trails of fire in their wake.

Overwhelmed by the unfamiliar sensations, Vivian clutched at his broad shoulders, her nails digging slightly into his tanned skin.

Adrian's expression softened as he watched her long lashes flutter closed, casting delicate shadows across her flushed cheeks.