CHAPTER 185: CHAPTER 185: STAYING CHASTE FOR HIM?

For some people, when they’re out of sight, the longing feels like a never-ending torture.

When they meet, a glance from the other is like a cold arrow to the chest.

Either way, it’s painful.

Not seeing them makes you want to die, seeing them makes you seek death.

Vera Sheridan is that kind of person to Ian Kane.

"Ian Kane, do you really want to go in for a second time? Don’t forget your promise to the Crowe Family!" Vera’s voice was icy as she looked at the man approaching her.

The last sentence was something Chloe told her.

Ian Kane stopped in front of her, towering above, looking down at her.

While undoing the metal clasp of his British-style suit, his lips curled into a mocking smile, "Using the Crowe Family against me?"

Once he finished speaking, he took off his suit jacket and tossed it onto the sofa nearby.

The dark suit waistcoat outlined his strong waist, and he leaned down with his tall body.

Vera immediately scooted back, her back pressed against the single sofa chair, with nowhere else to go, "What do you want?!"

Ian Kane placed his hands on either side of the sofa, looked her straight in the eyes, with an overwhelming pressure, his lips moved slightly, "For you, it’s definitely not worth going in a second time."

As he spoke, a fleeting shadow of pain flitted through the depths of his eyes.

Vera was taken aback.

As their eyes met, beneath the man’s handsome eyebrows, his deep black eyes were filled with mockery.

She averted her gaze, her tone indifferent, "Then hurry up and let me go."

It wasn’t him who had Justin kidnap her.

Ian Kane seemed oblivious, at such a close distance, his gaze boldly fixed on her unscathed face.

Under the light, he could clearly see the fine hairs on her skin, the faint capillaries beneath her cool white skin, her unique scent, also clear...

Feeling his overly naked gaze, Vera felt her skin where he looked heating up, her fists tightly pressed together.

Ian Kane’s Adam’s apple moved, speaking slowly, "My men at least saved you, and this is your attitude towards me?"

Vera froze, at a loss for words.

The atmosphere was subtle.

After a moment, she turned her face, still with an indifferent expression, forcing out two words: "Thank you."

Ian Kane’s long fingers reached to brush away the hair falling beside her cheek, Vera immediately moved back, yet he still dominantly touched it, lightly pushing it behind her ear, teasing, "Just an unwilling verbal thanks?"

Vera’s pupils trembled, she replied coldly, "He kidnapped me again, it evens out."

"Don’t touch me."

Ian Kane moved leisurely, tucked all her fallen hair behind her tender white ears, his voice hoarse, "He wants you to repay me."

Vera’s breath caught as she met his half-smiling, dangerous eyes, her whole body tense.

"If you dare to try anything—"

Before she could finish, Ian Kane dropped to one knee, crouching before her, now holding a Valdanian army knife, its sharp blade cutting the tape between her ankles.

With her feet free, she pushed hard to stand, Ian Kane grabbed her cold right ankle, "Don’t move."

He gently tore off the tape, pulling at her skin, the man’s brow furrowed, continually restraining his strength, with his thumb’s pad barely touching the scar.

It belonged to him, unbearable yet etched in his bones, an unresolved past.

When Vera tried to yank her head away, within the moment, she inadvertently glimpsed a white hair on the top of his head, looking closely, it was a patch of white roots.

Very short, newly grown, not yet dyed.

She quickly looked away, focusing on her own ankle, worrying that being bound for too long might affect blood circulation.

The area wrapped in tape was slightly red, her feet also cold.

Ian Kane tore off all the tape, his warm palm pressed against it, rubbing forcefully.

Vera resisted, struggling, her brows furrowed tightly, speaking in an icy tone, "Don’t touch me anymore!"

The man paid no heed, continuing to rub vigorously, lifting his chin, "If you won’t let me touch you, how will you repay me?"

"..."

He stood up and headed to the bathroom.

Vera exhaled a breath, rotating her ankles.

Her hands were still tied, leaving her feeling uneasy.

Also worried whether Ian Kane might lose control and go mad...

Ian Kane came out with a basin of 40-degree warm water, placing it by Vera’s feet.

Vera voluntarily placed both feet in, just over where she had been bound, aiding blood circulation.

"Untie my hands too," she raised her head, her voice calm.

Ian Kane glanced down, his gaze swept over the black tape, a soft huff escaping his nose, "What if I don’t?"

Vera’s brow furrowed, annoyed.

He walked towards the door.

...

Ian Kane had just reached the second-floor stairs when a minion looked up at him, "President Kane, Justin has instructed the kitchen to prepare meals. Shall we send it up for you?"

Flying from Valdania to the mainland takes at least 12 hours, plus the layover and all the hassle, it’s been 15 hours, Justin was very thoughtful.

Ian Kane went to the kitchen himself.

The chef warmly greeted him, "President Kane! These dishes were all prepared under Justin’s instructions to nourish your body, ha!"

Steamed oysters, braised bullwhip, turtle soup...

Ian Kane remained expressionless, "Leave."

The chef’s smile stiffened, "...Okay."

...

Upon Ian Kane’s return, several minions followed, placing the dishes on the coffee table before exiting single file.

The air filled with the aroma of food.

Only him remaining, he took a towel from the bathroom.

Vera urged him again, "Untie my hands!"

Ian Kane knelt on one knee, grasping her foot, in her struggle the water splashed on him, she coldly warned, "If you touch me again, I’ll report you!"

Her repeated resistance infuriated him!

Ian Kane’s chest tightened, his expression darkened.

He stared at her, the surrounding air seemingly solidified, the pressure alarmingly low, "Saving yourself for that Gu guy?"

Facing his suddenly gloomy and distorted face, Vera’s heart shrank rapidly, a chill running up her spine, but she forced herself to hold his gaze, "What do you think?"

"Ian Kane, I now have a new life!"

Ian Kane’s jaw clenched sharply, the next second, his rough thumb and fingers pinched her chin, his scrutinizing eyes locked on her.

"A new life..." he muttered, as if talking to himself.

She had long since started anew; only he was trapped in the past.

The overhead chandelier cast a shadow on his rugged, handsome face, Vera couldn’t make out his expression, but sensed a certain gloom.

Suddenly, Ian Kane loosened her chin, letting out a scoff, "I’m not that desperate!"

Implying her resistance was self-indulgent.

Vera’s chin was freed, and she immediately turned her head to avoid the lingering touch.

Ian Kane picked up the Valdanian knife, its cold light flashing as he cut through the bonds on her wrists.

Vera quickly tore off the tape, standing up, jamming her feet into her shoes, not even fully stepping down before hurrying towards the door.

Each step of her heels striking the ground was urgent yet steady.

After a few steps, Ian Kane extended his long arm, catching her forearm.

The man’s grip was so strong that he instantly pulled her back in place.

"Did I say you could leave?" Ian Kane said coldly.