The Rose He Showed Off Is Putting Down Roots in a Garden of Her Own novel Chapter 193

"Zane, you bastard..."

"Mmh..."

It was too late.

Zane gripped her waist tightly, his breathing heavy and ragged in her ear. "Hold onto me..."

Separated from the rest of the world by a single, solid door, Elara could hear the faint hum of voices from the hallway. Her heart hammered against her ribs, and she clamped her mouth shut, terrified to make even a single sound.

"Zane..."

"You bastard..."

Zane was entirely lost to the rush of adrenaline and desire, abandoning all restraint. He couldn't wait until they found a better place.

He took her with a desperate intensity, completely out of control.

When the storm finally passed, he reached out in the dark to flick on a small ambient light, heading to the vanity to grab some tissues.

Elara stood in heavy silence, holding the crumpled silk of her skirt. Zane knelt before her to clean her up, his dark eyes trailing up her long, elegant legs with lingering hunger.

The second he stood up, Elara's hand cracked across his face.

Zane didn't flinch. He just stood there, staring at her.

Elara slapped him again. Zane didn't even attempt to dodge; he took the blow without a word.

"What do you think I am? A common escort?!" she hissed, her voice trembling with fury and humiliation.

Zane caught her waist, pulling her fiercely against his chest. "I think of you as my wife!"

Elara shoved him backward with all her strength and slapped him a third time.

"Your wife is Jocelyn Yale! Or Nadia Neville! I am Julian Sterling's wife!"

Zane gently caught her hand and pressed her palm against his stinging cheek. "Is there truly nothing about me that you want?" he asked, his voice raw. "My face, my wealth, my devotion—none of it means anything to you? Look at me. Am I really that unlovable?"

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