CHAPTER 39: CHAPTER 39: IT’S NOT LOVE

Natalie Vaughn was no match for Zane Thorne; she was forced to tilt her head back to endure this punitive kiss.

Her nose was filled with Zane’s scent, an aggressive male pheromone mixed with a smoky aroma between medicinal and milky, intoxicating and addictive.

Natalie could only feel a sharp pain in her chin.

Zane’s hands were large, effortlessly grasping her chin; his palms were so hot they electrified her whole body.

Unable to resist, she raised her hand to grab the man’s hand, unsure whether to pull him away or cling for support. She could even feel the bulging veins on the back of his hand, pulsing, marking his heartbeat.

Strong, vigorous, sexy.

She was like a parched fish, yearning for rain, instinctively leaning in closer, unconsciously hooking up.

Zane’s actions paused; he raised his eyelids to deeply gaze at Natalie. Those almond eyes were moistened, reflecting his silhouette, with the corners lifted alluringly like a Persian cat, seductively captivating.

Uncertain if it was the long absence from racing sparking his excitement, he initially wanted to teach Natalie a lesson for her bold provocation.

However, not expecting Natalie to be so bewildered, even he began to lose grasp on the meaning of this kiss.

Zane lowered his eyes, choosing to ignore this vague emotion, responding to Natalie’s initiative, kissing deeper and harder until Natalie was left breathless, and only then did he release.

He raised a hand to touch Natalie’s lip, wounded by his bite, rough fingers stained with blood-red, eyes darkened.

Natalie raised her misty eyes to look at the man in front of her.

Turns out, it wasn’t just her emotions spiraling; even Zane’s eyes, usually apathetic and indifferent, were stained with desire.

Natalie thought, correctly guessed, Zane’s lung capacity is indeed impressive.

Kissing him was unbelievably exhilarating.

Though she had never done this before, was passive, she deeply comprehended what a kiss and a deep kiss truly meant.

Her heart racing erratically, Natalie hurriedly averted her gaze.

This Zane was dangerously sexy, her throat dry, yet the pain on her lips reminded her she couldn’t endure another deep kiss from this man.

Zane observed her rare shy panic, squeezing out a laugh, hoarsely asked.

"First kiss?"

Speaking, his hand continuously caressed Natalie’s lips, seemingly intent on wiping away the flowing blood.

Natalie’s eyelashes trembled slightly, denying.

"No."

Zane chuckled again, unsure if he believed or not. He withdrew his hand, lighting a cigarette.

"That’s what a kiss should be like, not just biting like a kitten and that’s it."

Natalie’s ears turned crimson, nearly bleeding, yet she remained defiant.

"I know, your technique isn’t great either."

Zane took a deep puff, squinting through smoke to gaze at Natalie, accustomed to her stubborn little nature, he didn’t argue.

Merely commented somewhat recklessly.

"Practice more?"

Natalie glared at him.

"Who wants to practice with you!"

Saying she harshly wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, re-opening the barely healed wound.

Vivid red dripped onto her fair skin.

Zane’s eyes darkened once more.

Only at this moment did Natalie not realize how enchanting and captivating she was. Yet it was precisely this unaware allure that stirred the beast within a man’s heart.

Zane raised his hand, wiping away the blood from her lips again.

"Don’t touch it anymore."

His voice grated like an old speaker tearing through silence.

Natalie thought for a moment, then resolutely bit Zane’s finger without hesitation, not holding back. But the man’s expression didn’t change, not even flinching, causing Natalie to release her hold.

Lips pursed, she tasted blood, couldn’t help but frown, complaining.

"Haven’t you kissed before? Even kissing so rough."

Natalie originally thought of using another word, as this man kissed so fiercely it seemed like he wanted to chew her up. Yet having just faced reckless consequences, she didn’t intend to provoke Zane at this juncture.

Zane glanced at her, saying nothing more.

While exchanging kisses, others had already reached the mountain top, waiting for quite a while.

Zane opened the car door, stepping out, Jay Sterling approached immediately.

"Mr. Thorne, you’re too absurd, leaving us way behind."

Zane furrowed his brows slightly, seizing the opportunity to scold.

"Five years I haven’t raced, yet you can’t even see my taillights. Seems like you’re not training enough regularly."

Jay immediately raised his hand to cover his face, wailing.

"Obviously you’re a freak! How could we possibly catch up to you! You’re God Thorne."

The prodigy admired and respected by all Cinnabar racers, whose every race captivated the entire racing community’s attention, the pinnacle of technique.

How dare they hope to catch up.

Dean Dempsey also stepped forward, he came second, next to Zane, yet the gap was far too wide. Don’t mention five years, a mere two months away from racing makes anyone rusty, but Zane isn’t affected.

Racing seems carved into his bones.

"Mr. Thorne, you were born for this track."

The words filled with regret.

Zane’s eyelids flickered slightly, then curved a smile, his eyes filled with myriad emotions, except regret.

Natalie finally stepped out of the car; after several minutes of effort, she hadn’t found a way to cover the marks on her lips. Her complexion was naturally pale, and those vibrant lips made her features even more brilliant and translucent.

Upon hearing her, Zane turned around, reaching out towards her as he did in the valley below.

Natalie didn’t disappoint him, she obediently stepped forward, and as he withdrew his hand, she placed hers into his palm, weaving her fingers through his, tightly interlocking.

The man raised his brows, looking at their joined hands. Just a moment ago, she was mad at him, now suddenly calmed? Didn’t have time to tease before feeling the cool, soft touch on the back of his hand.

Natalie touched the back of his hand.

Zane: ...

He forgot, Natalie seemed to quite like his hands.

Zane imperceptibly tightened his grip.

"Who is really more seductive, huh? Little flirt."

The man’s grip was strong, Natalie couldn’t move, let alone touch a few more times.

"Let go."

Zane’s lips retained a smile, the strength not easing a bit.

Natalie: ...

"It hurts."

Natalie remained composed, feigned seriousness, but Zane didn’t believe it, though Natalie’s eyes were sincerely endearing, persuading his grip to relax.

Natalie seized the opportunity to withdraw her hand, even taking the chance to again caress Zane’s hand back.

Zane: ....

A cheeky little with desires but cautious in action.

When Felix Langdon and the others arrived, they saw the two flirting while holding hands.

Phoebe Quinn, sharp-eyed, noticed Natalie’s ’taking advantage,’ and the bite mark on her lip.

She stepped forward, pulling Natalie aside, examining closely.

"That damn man kissed too harshly."

Damn man...

Phoebe smirked at Natalie’s nickname, somewhat awkwardly.

"Your relationship development with God Thorne is quite rapid huh."

Natalie shook her head.

"No, we’re just plainly lustful."

Phoebe: ...