Chapter 02

Adrian's POV

I scrolled through emails with half a mind, trying to drown out the news of Sophie's engagement flashing in my head. Three years since she walked out, and I hadn't let anyone close. Tonight, though, William dragged me to this bar, swearing I needed to "come alive." He was late, and I didn't have the energy to care.

Then I saw her. Dark hair spilling like ink, features so perfect she could've stepped out of a painting. But it wasn't her looks that made me look up—it was the quiet confidence rolling off her, slicing through the bar's clamor like a beam of light. A drunk staggered her way, and she shut him down cold, no plea for help, no flinch. That hit me square. Three years of keeping my own company, and here she was, her independence kicking up dust in the still waters of my chest. I set my phone down and walked over.

Up close, her eyes were sharp, fearless, crashing into mine like a dare. "Thanks, but I've got it," she said, voice steady, no frills. That bluntness threw my pulse off—a beat skipped—not just because she was stunning, but because she didn't need saving.

"Anna," she introduced herself. The name fit her—classic, solid. Our words sparked fast, hot, carrying a heat I couldn't pin down. She sized me up, bold as hell, like she was weighing me, testing me. I liked it, that raw edge cutting through me, sharp enough to sting, good enough to keep me hooked.

She leaned in, red lips brushing my ear, voice a low tease. "First time?" I stared at her—the curve of her neck, the glint in her eyes, the vibe pouring off her—sexy, commanding, more real than any softness I'd buried in memory. I swallowed hard, three years of nothing leaving me rusty to this pull.

"No," I said, throat tight, voice rougher than I meant. "But you might be the first I'd want to try."

She raised a brow. "What am I like?"

I edged closer, hand settling on her lower back. Her silk dress clung damp to her skin, radiating the scent of spilled liquor. "Dangerous. The kind that gets under your skin."

"Four Seasons is three blocks away," she said, eyes locked on mine, steady as steel. "Unless you've got somewhere better?"

I stood, signaling for the tab. "Presidential suite at the Fairmont. Mine whenever I want it."

Her gaze flickered—a crack in that cool mask, just for a second. I liked that. She thought she had the reins, and my curveball threw her off.

Inside the suite, I headed for the bar out of habit. "Want anything—"

"No." She was behind me already, hands slipping inside my jacket. "Foreplay's over."

I spun, catching her wrist. Her breath hitched. I leaned down, lips grazing her ear. "I'm grabbing a shower. Join me if you want."

She didn't. Through the frosted bathroom door, I saw her silhouette waiting, a puzzle I couldn't crack. I wrapped a towel around me, desire churning low, impossible to hide.

I stepped out quick. Anna wasn't in a rush. Water hissed, the blow dryer hummed. She emerged, face flushed from steam, lips soft and wet, lashes thick and heavy, like she'd just rolled out of a dream.

She sat at the vanity, brushing her hair. Our eyes met in the mirror. "Why aren't you moving?" she asked, a taunt in her tone.

"Hard not to," I said straight, eyes raking over her.

The towel tented high. She flicked a glance, then tied her hair up. Her cheeks pinked, but her stare didn't waver.

She stood, yanking the deep green curtains shut. Privacy locked in, like her heart.

I leaned against the bed, tracking her—not just the curves, but the way she moved, owning every step. "Last chance to bail," I warned. "If we do this, you might not keep up."

She killed the harsh lights, then flipped them back on. "You talk too much."

I snorted, impatience flaring. Dropping the towel, I closed the gap in two strides, hoisting her over my shoulder.

"Hey! Put me down!"

I smacked her ass through the towel, feeling it jiggle soft. "Nice shape. You like it from behind?"

Her face blazed red. "You're a damn pervert!"

We crashed onto the bed, tangled up. I cupped her chin, tilting her head. Her ears burned hot. She'd been bold as brass at the bar, but now a flicker of nerves danced in her eyes. The unknown lit her up—and scared her. I knew that edge, teetering between jumping and falling.

I kissed her hard, stealing her breath.

"Born pervert," she muttered, a shaky tease under her breath.

Our lips smashed together, clumsy at first. I meant to go soft, but her push ignited me. My tongue teased her lips, testing. She clenched her teeth, blocking me. Her hands gripped the pillow, shoving my shoulders.

"Lights off," she whispered.

I pulled back, pulse racing. "No. I want to see you."

I kissed her again. Her lips were sweet, pliant, like honeyed jelly. I couldn't stop, craving her warmth to thaw the frost in me.

She clawed my shoulders, nails digging in. The sting set me off.

A drop of spit slid from her mouth. I licked it off, tasting her.

My lips trailed to her jaw, sucking her neck. She bit her lip, stifling a moan.

I tore her robe open, pausing, breathless. "Goddamn, you're gorgeous."

Her skin glowed—pale, smooth, fragrant. Her breasts full, tempting, a living masterpiece. No numbers needed; her beauty breathed before me.

I pried her lips apart. "Look at me."

My hand slid from her waist to her chest, stroking gently. Her body answered under my palm, warm and real.

"Too perfect," I growled, voice hoarse.

"Mmm—"

She melted in my hands, moans spilling free, a whispered tune I couldn't resist.

Her sound lit me up. My need pressed against her through the robe, sheathed in rubber. "Spread your legs," I teased.

Her hair fanned over the pillow. "Undo the damn belt," she snapped, but the edge softened with want.

Her red lips begged for more. I gave in, smirking. "Never undressed a woman before. Cut me some slack."

I tugged the knot loose. The robe fell open. Her stomach flat, flawless, a canvas. My eyes devoured her. "You're a miracle," I muttered, need surging.

My hands roamed her chest, feeling her heat. She tensed, then eased. I sucked her neck, tongue grazing her skin. "So sweet."

"Easy, no biting," she murmured, breath uneven.

I nudged her entrance, ready. She grabbed me fast. "Wait! Girlfriend? Fiancée? I don't take lies."

I brushed her hand aside. My tip eased in. We gasped together. Tight.

I rubbed her spot. "Little late for that, isn't it?"

She held her breath, pushing. "Get out!"

I felt the barrier. Pinning her wrists overhead, I rasped, "Can't," and thrust deep.

"Ah!"

I filled her. Completely.

Her body locked up. I let her wrists go, kissing her soft. "No girlfriend. No fiancée," I whispered, a weight lifting.

She laughed against my lips, eyes sparking back to life. Her hands slid over my chest, nails scraping. I drove deeper, steady, her heat pulling me in. She matched me, breath quickening. "Harder," she ordered, voice firm like at the bar, steering me.

I did. The bed creaked. Her legs hooked me, urging me on. She gasped—fast, wild—tightening around me, pulsing. It broke me. I roared, letting go, fierce and raw.

We collapsed, tangled, slick with sweat. Her chest heaved against mine. I grinned, panting. "You're something else."

She chuckled warm, rolling to her side. Her eyes glittered in the dim light, sizing me up. "You're not bad either." Playful, but a shadow lurked behind her smile—a secret she wasn't spilling.

I reached out, tracing her hip. "Round two?"

She caught my hand, lips brushing my knuckles. "Tempting." She paused, staring. "But I don't do encores on night one."

I laughed, leaning in. "Night one? So there's a two?"

Her smile tightened, just a flash. "Depends how you play it." She slipped free, sitting up. Hair tumbled over her shoulders as she grabbed her robe. "Water. You?"

"No." I watched her sway to the bar, pouring a glass. Silence stretched—easy, but laced with something unspoken.

She took a sip, glancing back. "Don't get cocky, Adrian. This was fun." Her voice light, teasing, but her eyes hooked me like a lure.

"Fun?" I propped up, smirking. "Guess I'll aim for 'perfect' next time."

She huffed, turning away, clinking the glass down sharp. "Goodnight, champ." She slid back into bed, facing the wall, her back a quiet taunt.

I stared at her, pulse still thudding. She'd owned tonight—owned me—and left me buzzing. A puzzle I hadn't solved, but damn, tonight was enough. I chuckled low. "Next time, I won't let you off so easy."

I lay back, close but not touching. Her breathing slowed, steady. I shut my eyes, a grin lingering. Sleep crept in, her rhythm like a tide, pulling me under.