Chapter 299: A Welcome Rain After a Long Drought
A searing heat pressed down, overwhelming her.
Adrian Lancaster’s kiss was scorching and all-consuming, an unstoppable blaze fueled by the desperation of a long drought.
The kiss was forceful and urgent, carrying all the longing, reluctance, guilt, and desire he had accumulated throughout the night. It crashed into Wren Sutton’s world—possessive yet tender.
Wren Sutton’s cheeks flushed a deep, burning red. Her heart hammered as if it would burst from her chest, and her breathing grew ragged, losing its rhythm to match his.
Adrian Lancaster freed one hand, pressing his palm reassuringly against her back.
Wren Sutton’s tense body slowly relaxed. The hand that had been resting lightly against his chest unconsciously tightened its grip on the front of his suit jacket.
She lifted her eyes, and her gaze crashed into his.
All traces of gentleness were gone, replaced by surging lust, intense longing, and a reckless, obsessive desire.
Like a long-dormant volcano, it had erupted at this very moment. Even his gaze was frighteningly hot.
Wren Sutton’s heart suddenly clenched, and a tingling shiver shot up her spine.
Her mind went instantly blank. All reason and restraint crumbled and dissolved in the depths of their lingering kiss.
The elevator fell silent, leaving only the intimate sounds of their kiss. Adrian Lancaster’s deep, heated breaths ghosted across Wren Sutton’s ear, making the tips burn with every exhale.
Wren Sutton shyly closed her eyes, tilting her head back slightly in silent acceptance.
Just then, a "DING—" sounded.
The elevator’s arrival chime suddenly rang.
The doors slid slowly apart, and the bright light of the hallway flooded in.
Adrian Lancaster’s body went rigid. He abruptly snapped back from his loss of control but was still unwilling to let her go.
He only pulled back a fraction, resting his forehead against Wren’s. His breathing was still hot and ragged, his eyes still swirling with lingering passion and an indulgent smile.
"Mrs. Lancaster, did you like that kiss?"
Wren Sutton’s eyelashes trembled. She opened her eyes, her face flushed red as she hurriedly averted her gaze.
She didn’t dare look at Adrian Lancaster or answer him. Even her breaths were tinged with a faint tremor.
Her heart was a chaotic, burning, tender mess, and deep down, there was a hint of surrender and craving she refused to admit even to herself.
She pressed her lips together tightly. Unable to withstand the suffocating intimacy a moment longer, she gave Adrian Lancaster a gentle push and hurried out of the elevator.
Amused by her hasty retreat, Adrian Lancaster let out a low, tender laugh, his voice magnetic.
’Looks like she liked it. She’s just too shy to admit it.’
He followed her out of the elevator.
"Mrs. Lancaster, you forgot something."
"..." Wren Sutton stopped in her tracks. She looked down and saw that her hands were empty.
Adrian Lancaster caught up in a few strides and handed her the bags, his fingers brushing her palm in a seemingly accidental touch.
His deep gaze fell upon her reddened lips before he quickly looked away, afraid that even a second’s glance might make him lose control again.
"This is as far as I’ll go. I won’t come inside."
"Make sure you eat well and get some sleep. Take care of yourself while you’re taking care of your friend."
"I’ll bring breakfast tomorrow morning at seven o’clock sharp."
Wren Sutton appreciated the thought. "I was planning to eat breakfast in the cafeteria. You don’t need to make a special trip."
"Cafeteria food is never as good as a home-cooked meal." Adrian Lancaster was determined, his tone leaving no room for refusal.
"I’m happy to make the trip. If there’s anything you’re craving, just text me before you go to sleep."
Wren Sutton knew she couldn’t win this argument, so she just murmured a soft, "Okay."
"I’m heading in, then. Drive safely."
Her face was still a little flushed, and she was too embarrassed to look at Adrian Lancaster. As soon as she finished speaking, she turned and walked away.
Adrian Lancaster stood in the hallway, gazing at the closed door, his fingertips seeming to still hold the fragrant warmth of her skin.
...
When Wren Sutton returned to the hospital room carrying two large bags, Isla Griffith was just waking up, her face still pale.
Wren Sutton hurried to the bedside. "Isla, you’re awake."
Isla Griffith nodded weakly.
Wren Sutton took out an insulated food container and set it on the bedside table.
"You’re awake just in time. Let’s get you something to eat. You must be starving."
As she spoke, she carefully helped Isla Griffith sit up, propping her against the headboard with a soft cushion behind her back.
"Is that comfortable?"
"It is."
"Hang on, let me just wash my hands, and then we can eat."
Isla Griffith saw the two elegant insulated containers and the stuffed tote bag, guessing they must have been from Adrian Lancaster.
Wren Sutton quickly returned after washing her hands. She then used a wet wipe to clean Isla Griffith’s hands as well.
She opened the container and ladled out a bowl of nourishing black chicken soup. The rich aroma filled the air, and it was the perfect temperature.
"Have some of the soup first, then the shrimp dumplings."
Wren Sutton patiently fed Isla Griffith, one spoonful at a time.
Isla Griffith was both touched and felt like she was being a burden.
"I can do it myself. You must be hungry, too. Go on and eat. Don’t starve yourself just to take care of me."
Wren Sutton wouldn’t hear of it, chiding her gently, "You’re weak right now, you need to be taken care of. I’m not a stranger, so don’t be so formal with me."
"You eat first. I’ll eat in a bit, it’s fine. I won’t waste away."
Isla Griffith’s eyes grew misty. "Wren, thank you."
Wren Sutton smiled. "If you really want to thank me, then eat a few more bites and get your strength back."
Isla Griffith nodded and took a few more bites.
Suddenly, she noticed that Wren Sutton’s lips looked different than usual—reddened and glistening, as if they had just been thoroughly kissed. There was even a lingering trace of intimacy in her expression.
Isla Griffith finally broke into a smile, happy for her friend.
"Adrian Lancaster was here. He didn’t just bring food, he kissed you, too. You two are getting closer and closer."
"Wren, I’m truly happy for you both."
"Adrian Lancaster really is different now. I believe he’s truly sorry for what happened."
"Give him a chance. Let him love you all over again."