Chapter 88

His lips burned against mine like molten lava.

Vivian's thoughts short-circuited. Her body surrendered completely, as if paralyzed by his touch.

This wasn't their first kiss, but never had Nathaniel been so... consuming.

So overwhelming that she found herself drowning in the sensation, helpless but to respond.

When she dared peek through her lashes, his sculpted features took her breath away.

Nathaniel's eyes were shut tight. Those long dark lashes, the sharp aristocratic nose, the perfect jawline - his face was lethal perfection.

Four years ago, this face had bewitched her.

Four years later, she still couldn't resist its power.

"Ahem!"

An awkward cough shattered the moment.

"Boss, you done making out? We've been standing here forever."

Liam's voice held a distinct note of disappointment.

"Shit!"

Vivian jerked back in panic, shoving Nathaniel away with too much force.

The venom had spread rapidly through Nathaniel's system. He collapsed like a felled tree.

"Mr. Blackwood!"

Reginald rushed forward, horror twisting his features. The implications were clear - if anything happened to the Blackwood Group CEO because of Miss Lockhart...

"He's been snakebit. Hospital. Now!"

All pretense forgotten, Vivian's only concern was Nathaniel's survival.

At Stanford Medical Center:

Thanks to quick treatment and antivenom, Nathaniel stabilized though remained unconscious.

"Thank God."

Vivian slid down the corridor wall, exhaustion hitting her.

Liam studied her with uncharacteristic solemnity. "Boss, shouldn't you be more worried about yourself? That's your almost-ex-husband in there."

"I know what I'm doing." Her voice was steel. "He saved me. I don't owe him anything."

Even if the idiot had provoked the snake trying to play hero...

"You're lying to yourself." Liam crossed his arms. "Was that life-saving CPR too? Because damn, boss - the man was poisoned and you were eating his face."

"Brat!" Vivian's palm connected with his head, her cheeks flaming.

The memory burned - how she'd devoured Nathaniel like a starving woman. Shameful.

Liam's teasing faded. "You're still in love with him. Why not tell him the truth?"

"Don't be ridiculous!" She shot him a warning glare. "That was... temporary insanity. His stupid handsome face. Won't happen again."

"Won't it?" Liam's smirk said he knew better.

Footsteps echoed down the hall, interrupting them.