She envisioned his broad chest and abs, imagining how flawless and sexy they must feel. She felt her body wanting to clash with his, listening to the rhythm of his heartbeat and absorbing the heat emanating from him.
Her fingers tingled with anticipation, and a soft giggle escaped her lips as her cheeks flushed red at the thought of his intoxicating scent.
"You're here," Zane's cold voice cut through the air, interrupting her fantasy.
"Yes, Mr. Zane! I'm here," Selina responded instinctively.
Silence fell between them, heavy with the embarrassment that hung in the air, accompanied by Zane's incredulous raised eyebrow directed at her.
A subtle, forced grin settled on her lips as she glanced away, feeling her self-consciousness and pride shatter, leaving her ashamed and exposed under his intense gaze.
He hadn't noticed her reactions, had he?
"Are you all right?" Zane asked, eyeing her closely, and Selina nodded sheepishly. The hunger in her eyes from earlier was now replaced with embarrassment.
"Yes, I'm okay," Selina managed to say, trying to maintain her composure. "You were enjoying the night view, and I didn't want to interrupt you."
"I see. Your consideration for my serenity left you drooling," Zane pointed out, gesturing at the corner of her lips, which sent Selina's eyes widening in shock.
Letting out an awkward chuckle, she wiped the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand. "I can't be drooling while I'm awake. It was... It was...just a slip from the drink I had earlier," she stuttered, meeting his skeptical gaze.
How could she let her infatuation make her seem foolish?
The drooling! He should have pretended not to see it! That was too embarrassing; she scolded herself internally.
Zane wondered if this innocent girl was falling for his perfect physique. He doubted she was one of those bold-pervert girls who expertly undressed handsome men in their imagination.
With his curious eyes still fixed on her awkward response, Zane noticed her reddened cheeks, which he found surprisingly adorable, like a cute child.
His gaze dropped to her dress, and he noticed the stain was still there. "My invitation did put you into a humiliating situation earlier. I hope you're not dwelling in it."
"No, I'm not dwelling in it," Selina answered as she shook her head with a slight smile.
She walked past the low table that contained an alcohol bottle, drinking in half, as she was striding towards him. When she approached him, her small figure halted beside his towering frame as she gazed out of the window.
She noticed there was no enchantment outside, except darkness that clouded every corner of the mansion grounds.
"At least I was able to meet him after some months, and I had fun with him. Thank you," she added, allowing herself to be entangled in the intoxicating scent of the alcohol around him.
Zane wasn't surprised by Selina's words.
"It seems you owe me a favour for reuniting you and your father," said Zane.
The sudden comment made her freeze.
Selina's narrowed slightly. How did he know about her big secret?
He'd barely looked at her back at the pub… so how?
"How did you know it was my father I'm referring to?" She asked with a hint of unease simmering beneath her voice.
She noticed something thing sharp flickered in his eyes at her reply—an emotion she couldn't read before it vanished without a trace.
His expression darkened.
Zane rose slowly from his seat, every step deliberate as he closed the distance between them. Selina instinctively retreated.
"That's more intriguing," he murmured, a sinister smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, "and far more hellish than I imagined."
"Did you do a background check on me?" Selina asked, her voice revealing intense curiosity.
"I see you're trying to avoid the doom that awaits you for being Hudson's favourite daughter," his voice dripped with unwavering grudge and foreboding. "You don't understand how desperate I've been to see you in misery," he added.
The thought of the man she secretly admired thinking of such an outcome for her left her dumbstruck.
She didn't want to believe there was a reason behind the unwavering hatred in his eyes and words.
Crumbling under the weight of his intentions, Selina halted in her retreat as he drew closer. She swallowed her pride.
"But I haven't wronged you for you to torture me," she attempted to sound confident in the tense atmosphere.
"As long as your father hurt me, so did you. You will feel the pain of his retribution," he commented in his deep voice.
"How did my father hurt you? I can't pay for something I'm unsure of," Selina replied softly, dismissing his words, which felt false and accusing.
He paused.
"Disrobe." Zane commanded, his voice low and impatient.
Selina's eyes widened in disbelief. The imagination of having such a moment with him was more sudden than she had imagined even if she wanted it.
But not when he looked so cold, without any feeling for her yet.
Still, her body and mind betrayed her with curiosity about how it would feel to cross that line. To have that moment with him.
Gosh! She was about to go insane with what was unfolding as she closed her eyes tightly.
With a faint smile on her lips, Selina replied, "Fine then. Let's just have this moment. It might be out last night together."
Closing the gap between them, Selina slid her hands up to his neck, pulling him closer while their lips almost clashed.
"I wish Mr. Zane would go gentle with me," she whispered, her voice low and sultry.
Zane's brow narrowed at her bold touch. "Don't dare trick me," he warned, his voice tight, sharp with warning.
"I'm not tricking you," Her voice was soft as she slipped her fingers into his dark hair, massaging the scalp with deliberate tenderness. "I find this fiery side of you quite appealing. It makes you even more irresistible,"
She nibbled on her bottom lip in a silent allure.