Chapter 286

Hungry, Cassian murmured low.

Before Ana could react, his lips were on hers, swallowing her voice and stealing her breath. And wouldn’t help the soft sound that escaped her. “Mint…”

Like a feather brushing against his most sensitive nerves, Cassian’s self-control completely shattered. In one swift motion, he scooped Ana up and threw her over his shoulder.

Ana found herself draped over Cassian’s shoulder, feeling the raw power in his movements. When they reached his private rest area, Cassian kicked the door shut, walked to the bed, and gently set Ana down.

Ana felt herself sinking into the soft mattress. She tried to get up, but Cassian was already hovering over her, looking down at her flushed cheeks.

She was beautiful, like a camellia blooming in March, flowering in his heart.

Ana realized what was about to happen. Usually it was nighttime with the lights off, but doing this in broad daylight felt a little… She nervously swallowed and unconsciously licked her lips.

Cassian watched her intently, his eyes darkening as his voice came out low and rough: “You’re the one who seduced me first…”

“Huh?” Ana looked confused.

Before she could process what he meant, his kiss descended. As if she were the most delicious delicacy that needed to be savored slowly, Cassian was careful and thorough, not missing a single spot…

Cassian held Ana close, pressing her tight against him with no space between them. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he said slowly, “Now I understand why ancient emperors would rise late after spring nights, never holding court again.”

Ana raised her delicate hand, waving it in front of Cassian’s eyes before poking his chest. “You’re the one who started this.”

Cassian rolled over, once again looking down at Ana. “Want to go another round?”

Before Ana could stop him, she was pulled into another session. Though Cassian had initiated it, Ana was definitely enjoying herself too. By the time they finally stopped, Ana’s legs were weak and she could barely stand, her arms feeling like jelly.

Cassian personally helped Ana get dressed.

Ana shot him a look. “This is all your fault. How am I supposed to go back to work like this?”

Cassian smirked and carefully carried Ana to the couch outside. “Then don’t go back. I’ll have my assistant call Vincent and say you’re accompanying me in a business meeting.”

Ana wanted to refuse, but since she could barely walk, she had to agree.

Cassian gently stroked Ana’s head like he was comforting a child. “Just wait here for me. Once I finish up, we’ll head home early and pick up Grandma.”

Ana hummed in agreement.

“I’m so bored,” she said.

Cassian pointed to the wall of books behind him. “Feel free to read anything.”

Ana laughed. “Mr. Rhodes, these books aren’t just for show, are they?”

Cassian’s eyes flickered with amusement. “Maybe they are.”

Ana randomly picked up a book and started flipping through it. Suddenly, she froze.

The book had Cassian’s handwritten notes throughout. His writing was bold and sharp, with an edge to it. Just looking at the handwriting was like having Cassian standing before her, explaining his thoughts – rebellious with a touch of arrogance.

Ana glanced at the bookshelf, thinking maybe this book was just within easy reach, so Cassian had annotated it, but the others probably didn’t have notes. Ana stood up to grab a book from higher up.

But the book she wanted was too high. She jumped to reach it, and just as she grabbed it, she started falling backward. Just when she thought she was about to hit the ground, the expected pain never came. Instead, she found herself against a solid wall of muscle.

She turned to see Cassian. His brow was furrowed with concern. “Are you okay?”

Just then, a ray of evening sun hit Cassian’s face, splitting it into light and shadow. One half was in sunlight, showing his handsome features with a hint of severity. The other half was hidden in shadow, soft and gentle.

Ana stared at what looked like God’s most carefully crafted masterpiece, her heart fluttering. How could he be this gorgeous?!

Seeing her about to fall, his pupils had contracted in alarm. Thank God term fast or Android would’ve been seriously hurt.

“Okay, I won’t do anything, just get back to work,” Ana said.

Cassian walked back purposefully, all worried and occasionally glancing in Ana’s direction, shaking his head with a laugh, wondering when he started acting like he was babying a child.

Cassian finally finished his work and stood up, walking toward Ana. “Let’s go home.”

Ana quickly closed the book she was reading. “Yes, let’s go home.”

When Ana met her grandmother, the hack was already packed – just one small overnight bag.

Ana immediately understood that her grandmother's agreement to move in with them was just a temporary solution. She didn’t really want to.

“Grandma, why’d you pack so little?” Ana asked gently.

The grandmother’s eyes flickered. “I don’t need that much stuff, just grabbed a few changes of clothes.”

“Grandma, if you want to come back and stay that’s fine with us,” Ana said. She could see her grandmother’s attachment to this home. This was the home her grandmother had started with her grandfather for so many years. Of course she’d be reluctant to leave.

Her grandmother muttered, “Okay…”

Later that day at a restaurant, her grandmother suddenly said she needed to use the restroom. Since the private dining rooms didn’t have bathrooms, Ana accompanied her outside.

While waiting for her grandmother, Ana pulled out her phone to play a simple game, defeating Dr. Zomboss multiple times.

She preferred simple games that actually made her happy.

“Well, well, look who we have here,” a mocking voice said behind Ana.