Chapter 16
Adrien
C oming back to a lively apartment is strange.
I’ve grown accustomed to the solace of my own company, where everything is orderly and quiet. Now, the sound of laughter and chatter fills the air, blending with upbeat music playing from the speakers. It’s a drastic change from the isolated life I’ve been living, and it instantly lifts my dark mood.
Tiffany is in the kitchen, her back turned to me as she stirs a pot on the stove and chats with Luis.
“Your taste is terrible,” she tells him, shaking her head as she looks at the steaming pot. “I don’t understand how you’re still alive with all the junk food you eat.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Luis says dryly, wiping his hands on a towel.
The scene feels so domestic, so unlike anything I’ve experienced in years, and for a moment, I just stand there, watching.
Tiffany turns, catching sight of me lingering in the doorway. Her face lights up with a smile that feels like it could melt the coldest parts of me. “Adrien! You’re back. Dinner’s almost ready.”
Luis glances over his shoulder, raising an eyebrow. “Hope you’re hungry. Tiffany’s been in here for hours, trying to outdo herself.”
“Smells amazing,” I say, leaning against the counter. “What are we having?”
“Homemade pasta. Luis was supposed to help, but he’s been more of a hindrance.”
He shrugs, unbothered. “Hey, I chopped those onions. That counts for something.”
Tiffany laughs, the sound warm and genuine, and it pulls at something deep inside me. She’s so effortlessly radiant, even in the simplest moments. I watch as she moves around the kitchen with ease, her blonde hair catching the light as she lifts the pot of pasta to drain it in the sink. She’s wearing one of my old shirts again, the fabric loose on her frame but somehow making her look even more alluring.
“You’re staring,” Luis says under his breath, smirking.
“Shut up,” I mutter, though I don’t deny it. There’s something about Tiffany that makes it impossible to look away. She’s a force of nature—vulnerable yet fiercely determined, kind yet unyielding. And she’s here, in my space, making it feel like a home for the first time in years.
“I’ll let you two finish up here,” Luis says, his smirk widening as he grabs a beer from the fridge. He claps me on the shoulder as he passes, adding in a low voice, “Don’t mess this up.”
I roll my eyes but say nothing, my attention already back on Tiffany. She’s plating the pasta now, her movements precise and graceful. The scent of garlic and herbs fills the air, mingling with the warmth of her presence. I move closer to her, wrapping my arms around her waist from behind and pressing a kiss to her neck.
“I’ve missed you, angel.”
She melts in my embrace. “You were gone for five hours. You couldn’t have missed me that much. Who knew Adrien Leroy could be so needy?”
“I must have been experiencing withdrawal. And you’re the only cure.”
Tiffany sighs and reaches up to caress my cheek. “You’re such a sap.”
“You love it,” I say before capturing her bottom lip between my teeth, tugging on it gently. It’s a slow kiss, meant to tease and tantalize. Her response tells me she’s just as eager as I am.
“I definitely do,” she breathes out as I pull back.
I reluctantly release her, knowing if I don’t stop now, dinner will be forgotten entirely. “So what culinary masterpiece have you whipped up for us tonight?”
Tiffany turns back to the stove, stirring the pot. “It’s just a simple pasta dish. Nothing fancy.”
“It smells amazing.” I peer over her shoulder. “I didn’t even know I had ingredients for cooking in this kitchen.”
She laughs. “You didn’t. I had Luis take me grocery shopping. Your kitchen was woefully understocked.”
“You went out? I asked you to stay here.”
“About that...” She bites her lip, looking up at me with those big blue eyes. “I may have gone out for a bit...”
I exhale sharply. “You know it’s not safe out there right now. Not with everything that’s happening.”
“I know, I know. But I had something important I needed to take care of. Luis went with me, so I was perfectly safe.”
My jaw clenches. “What was so important that you risked your safety?”
Tiffany’s gaze drops to the floor. “I needed to talk to Lucas. To end things with him properly.”
I freeze, my grip on her waist tightening involuntarily. “You broke up with him?”
Tiffany nods, her eyes lifting to meet mine again. “Yes. It wasn’t fair to him, Adrien. I needed to do it in person, not over the phone or through a text. He deserved that much.”
“I thought he was your Prince Charming,” I say the words with a bite, unable to keep the edge out of my voice. Tiffany’s expression softens, and she steps closer, her hand resting on my chest.
“Lucas is... kind. Safe. But he’s not you,” she says quietly. “Apparently, I have a thing for dark, brooding, and complicated men who make me question my sanity every day.”
Her words catch me off guard, and a low laugh escapes me despite the tension still coiling in my chest. I shake my head, my hand coming up to cup her cheek. “You’re going to be the death of me, angel.”
“And you’re going to be the death of my patience,” she shoots back, but there’s no real heat in her voice. Her fingers trace the edge of my jaw, her touch feather-light yet grounding. “But I’m here, Adrien. I chose you. Even when it doesn’t make sense, even when it scares me. You’re the one I want.”
I pull her closer, my lips brushing against hers in a kiss that’s equal parts desperation and reverence. She responds in kind, her hands gripping the front of my shirt as if she’s afraid I’ll disappear.
When we finally break apart, Tiffany rests her forehead against mine, her eyes closed.
“I’ve always been selfish, but you’re making it worse, angel. With you, I want everything.”
She smiles softly. “Then be selfish. I want you to be selfish.”
“Don’t say that if you don’t mean it,” I warn her. “Because if you tell me to be selfish, I’ll never let you go.”
Tiffany’s lips brush against mine as she says, “Good.”
My hands tighten on her waist, pulling her closer until there’s no space left between us. Her breath hitches, and I can feel the rapid beat of her heart against my chest. She’s as affected by this as I am, and it only fuels the fire coursing through me.
“You don’t know what you’re asking for,” I murmur, my voice low and rough. “If I take what I want, there’s no turning back.”
Her eyes meet mine, steady and unwavering. “I’m not asking for a way out, Adrien. I’m asking for you .”
It’s the last thread of restraint snapping. I press her against the counter as our kiss deepens, my hands trailing down her sides before settling on her hips. Tiffany’s fingers thread through my hair, pulling me closer, her body melding perfectly with mine.
I lean in, capturing her lips in a searing kiss that threatens to consume us both. The taste of her, the feel of her in my arms—it’s like coming home after a long journey through the darkest of nights. Tiffany responds with equal fervor, her hands running through my hair as if trying to anchor herself to this moment, to me.
Every touch, every kiss ignites a fire within me, blazing hotter with each passing second. Tiffany’s fingers trace the contours of my face, her touch setting my skin ablaze.
I break the kiss to trail hot, open-mouthed kisses along her jawline, down her neck, feeling her pulse quicken beneath my lips. The desire between us crackles in the air, drawing us closer like magnets. I lift her onto the kitchen counter, never breaking our intense gaze.
“Adrien,” she whispers, a plea and a promise all wrapped into one word.
“I can’t wait to taste my dessert.”
Tiffany’s breath hitches as I step between her legs, pushing her oversized shirt up and tracing the seam of her lacy pink thong with my thumb.
My fingers brush against the sensitive skin just above her thighs. “Are you wet for me, baby?”
Tiffany nods, her legs parting, inviting me in.
“So wet.” I grin, slipping my fingers beneath the edge of her thong and sliding them into her heat. She’s so ready for me, slick and swollen, and it only fuels my desire. “You’re always soaked for me, aren’t you, my little temptress?”
“Yes. Only for you.”
I chuckle darkly, nuzzling my face against her neck, inhaling her scent as I slide my fingers in and out of her. Her hips buck against me, seeking more, and I oblige, driving my fingers in deeper, curling them to increase the friction.
“Please.”
I pull my fingers from her wet core and bring them to my mouth, sucking them clean and savoring her taste. “God, you’re so fucking delicious. I could spend all night tasting every inch of you.”
“Then stop teasing.” Tiffany leans back on the counter, lifting one leg up and spreading herself open for me. “And start tasting.”
Before continuing, I take a moment to turn off the stove. Then I position Tiffany with her ass perched on the edge and her legs draped over my shoulders.
Without wasting any more of my time, I lower myself between her legs and brush my lips against her sensitive folds, teasing her with gentle kisses.
I press my tongue firmly against her swollen clit, eliciting a whimper from her. My tongue flicks back and forth, nibbling at the sensitive bud as I slide two fingers inside her wetness.
Tiffany’s nails dig into my neck as she bucks against me. “Don’t stop.”
I grunt in response, my focus singularly on pleasing her. I sink two fingers deeper, them inside her, curling them to rub against her G-spot. Her response is immediate, her muscles clenching around my fingers and her body trembling.
My tongue swirls around Tiffany’s clit, paying special attention to the little nub. Her moans grow louder as I work to bring her to the edge.
Just when I think she’s about to come, I pull back, leaving her wanting more.
“You’re driving me crazy.”
I smirk, loving the sight of her writhing on the counter, begging for my touch.
“You know how much I enjoy hearing you beg,” I say, diving back between her parted legs. My tongue returns to her sensitive clit, causing Tiffany’s hips to buck and her moans to fill the air. Her body trembles with anticipation as I continue to tease and pleasure her.
I increase the pressure of my tongue against her clit, flicking it in a steady rhythm while simultaneously thrusting my fingers inside her with more force. Tiffany gasps and grips the counter, her knuckles turning white.
My desire to please her is relentless, my tongue exploring every inch of her depths as I suck and lick, driving her closer and closer to release.
“Please,” she begs, her greedy pussy slick and wet with need against my tongue. “I’ll die if you stop.”
“Trust me, baby, I won’t stop until you’re screaming my name.” My tongue darts out to swipe at her clit, while my fingers continue to abuse her g-spot.
Her body grows tighter, the muscles of her inner walls gripping my fingers like a vice. Her moans become more frantic, her hips bucking against my face as I work her over.
I can tell that she’s about to break, her body trembling uncontrollably. With one last flick of my tongue on her clit, she explodes.
Tiffany’s entire body convulses as her orgasm washes over her, her moans turning to screams as her pleasure peaks. Her juices flow freely now, coating my face and neck as I continue to lap at her sensitive flesh.
When her orgasm subsides, she slumps back onto the counter, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. I kiss her inner thigh before I rise to my feet and step back, admiring the mess I’ve made of her.
“You taste amazing, baby.”
“You’re the devil, Adrien Leroy,” Tiffany whispers, her voice still shaky from her orgasm.
I adjust my throbbing erection. “Only if you’re my angel.”
“Always.”
I step between Tiffany’s legs again, pull her into my arms, and hold her close, letting her catch her breath.
“Now it’s your turn.” She reaches for my trousers, her fingers tracing the outline of my bulging erection.
I take her hand and press a kiss to her fingertips. “It was just for you. I can wait all night if I have to. But first, let’s clean you up,” I suggest, earning a sleepy smile from Tiffany. “Then we can enjoy the delicious meal you prepared while it’s still warm.”
“This is delicious.” I savor the homemade pasta sauce. It reminds me of my childhood when my mom made us homemade pasta every Sunday. “I didn’t know you could cook like this.”
After a quick shower, we brought the dinner to the dining room with an amazing view of the city skyline.
I can’t remember the last time I was this relaxed.
Tiffany smiles and takes my hand, our fingers intertwining. “I don’t know if that’s a compliment or an insult.”
“It’s definitely a compliment,” I assure her, lifting her hand to my lips and kissing the back of it.
“I’m glad you like it. I needed a break from going through Dean’s notes all day.”
“Did you find anything promising?”
She sighs and takes a sip of her wine. “Nothing ground-breaking. Most of the notes were about trivial administrative stuff or his daily schedule. However, there were a few names I did not recognize and could not find in the company’s system. You should take a look at the list later. Maybe you can figure out their significance.”
“My team will look into it.”
Tiffany finishes her meal and then climbs onto my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck.
“I haven’t properly thanked you yet.” She rests her head on my shoulder. “For helping me with my uncle’s mess. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
“It’s too soon to thank me, love. We still have some loose ends to tie up, although we are making progress with the new shipment.”
“Talking about loose ends, the basement at the manor—”
“I took care of it,” I interject.
“You did?” Tiffany lifts her head. “When?”
“During Dean’s funeral.”
Her eyes widen, her lips parting in surprise. “During the funeral? Adrien, that was risky. What if someone had seen you?”
I smirk, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. “No one saw us. I made sure of it. Besides, everyone was too busy mourning Dean to notice.”
She exhales softly, her fingers tracing idle patterns on my chest. “What did you find?”
I tighten my arms around her waist, feeling the warmth of her body against mine. “Nothing you need to worry about,” I say, my voice steady. “The basement was cleared out—old files, equipment, everything. Whatever your uncle was hiding down there, it’s gone now.”
“You’re always one step ahead, aren’t you?”
“When it comes to you? Always. I won’t let anything—or anyone—hurt you. Not again.”
Tiffany’s eyes soften, and she leans in, her lips brushing against mine in a tender kiss that makes my chest tighten. “I trust you.”
Her words hit me harder than I expect, burrowing deep into my chest. I pull her closer, one hand cradling the back of her head as I deepen the kiss, pouring everything I can’t say into it—my fear, my need, and my love.
When we break apart, she’s breathless, her cheeks flushed, and her lips slightly swollen. I press my forehead to hers, our breaths mingling. “You don’t have to be scared. Not with me.”
She smiles faintly, but there’s a shadow in her eyes that tells me she’s still haunted by everything she’s uncovered—her uncle’s betrayal, the threats looming over us, the danger that seems to lurk around every corner. I hate I can’t erase it all for her, that I can’t promise her a life free of fear and uncertainty. But I can promise her this—I’ll fight for her, protect her, and stand by her side no matter what.
We sit in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying each other’s presence and taking in the stunning view before us. The stars twinkle above us as the city shimmers in the moonlight. I’m struck by how natural this feels—sharing a meal and talking about our day. It’s a level of domesticity I never thought I’d want, let alone enjoy.
Tiffany breaks the silence. “Did you make any progress on figuring out what my uncle was involved in?”
I hesitate for a moment, weighing how much to tell her. The truth is sharp, jagged, and I don’t want to cut her with it—not yet. But she deserves honesty. “We’re getting closer,” I say carefully, my fingers tracing absent circles on her thigh. “There are some connections we’re still untangling, but it’s not looking good. It seems Dean was mixed up with some very dangerous people.”
“How dangerous are we talking?”
“Have you ever heard of Rafael Silva?”
Tiffany shakes her head. “I think I saw this name in the list of names I mentioned earlier, but I’m not familiar with him. Who is he?”
“Rafael Silva is the kind of man who makes your uncle’s shady dealings look like child’s play. He’s a kingpin in the underground world—arms trafficking, money laundering, and worse. If Dean was involved with him, it’s no wonder things spiraled out of control.”
Tiffany’s face pales, her fingers tightening around mine. “You think my uncle was working with him?”
“The evidence is pointing that way,” I admit grimly. “People like Silva are experts at blackmail and coercion. It’s possible Dean got in over his head and couldn’t find a way out.”
“If Silva is as dangerous as you say, what does that mean for us? For Carter Corporation?”
I cup her face in my hands, forcing her to meet my gaze. “It means we tread carefully. Silva doesn’t take kindly to interference, and if he thinks you’re a threat or an asset, he’ll come for you without hesitation. That’s why we need to stay one step ahead and figure out what Dean owes Silva. I promise you, I’ll do everything in my power to protect you and your company’s reputation.”
Tiffany’s breath hitches, her eyes searching mine for reassurance. “And what if Silva comes after you? I can’t lose you, Adrien.”
I press a kiss to her forehead, my voice low and steady. “He won’t get close enough to try. I’ve dealt with men like him before. They’re predictable—greedy, arrogant, and reckless. The moment they think they’re untouchable is when they make their biggest mistakes. I’ll use that to our advantage.”
“Adrien...”
I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “Let’s not worry about all of this tonight.”
Tiffany nods, but the tension in her shoulders doesn’t fully ease. She rests her head against my chest, her fingers curling into the fabric of my shirt. “I just wish it were simpler.”
“It never is.” I stand up, lifting Tiffany into my arms. She lets out a surprised squeak, wrapping her arms around my neck. “But I can distract you tonight.” I carry her through the penthouse, the soft glow of the city lights filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Her laughter is light, a sound I’ve grown to crave, and it eases some of the weight pressing on my chest.
I lay her on the bed, taking a moment to appreciate the sight of her sprawled out before me. Her hair fans out on the pillow, her cheeks flushed with anticipation. She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
“You’re staring.”
I smile, crawling onto the bed to hover over her. “Can you blame me? You’re breathtaking.”
I capture her lips in a deep, passionate kiss, pouring all of my emotions into it. Tiffany responds, her hands roaming over my back.
We take our time undressing each other, savoring every touch, every kiss. When we’re finally skin-to-skin, I can’t help but marvel at how perfectly we fit together.
I worship every inch of Tiffany’s body with my hands and mouth, relishing in her soft sighs and breathy moans. My lips trail down her neck, across her collarbone, and down to her breasts. I take one nipple into my mouth, swirling my tongue around the sensitive bud as my hand kneads her other breast.
Tiffany arches into my touch. “Adrien, please...”
I smile against her skin, loving the way she responds to me. “Please, what, angel? Tell me what you want.”
“I want you,” she breathes. “All of you. Now.”
I groan at her words, my desire reaching a fever pitch. I position myself, the tip of my cock brushing against her wet folds.
Slowly, I push into her, both of us moaning at the sensation. She’s tight and wet and perfect, and it takes all of my self-control not to lose myself immediately.
I start to move, setting a slow, deep rhythm. Tiffany meets me thrust for thrust, her nails digging into my back as she pulls me closer.
“God, you are amazing,” I groan, burying my face in her neck. The scent of her skin, the softness of her body beneath me—it’s intoxicating.
Tiffany moans, her legs wrapping around my waist to pull me in deeper. “Harder,” she gasps. “Please, Adrien.”
I oblige, increasing my pace and the force of my thrusts. The room fills with the sounds of our lovemaking—skin against skin, breathless moans, and whispered words of passion.
Tiffany is getting closer, her inner walls fluttering around me. I slip a hand between us, my fingers finding her sensitive clit and rubbing tight circles.
“Come for me, angel. Let go. I’ve got you.”
With a cry of ecstasy, Tiffany comes undone beneath me. The sight and feel of her orgasm push me over the edge, and I follow her into blissful oblivion, spilling myself deep inside her.
We lay tangled together afterward, our bodies slick with sweat and satisfaction. I press gentle kisses to Tiffany’s face—her forehead, her cheeks, the tip of her nose.
I couldn’t live without her , I think, running my fingers lightly over Tiffany’s soft skin. This connection, this intimacy—it runs deeper than mere desire. It’s something I never knew I needed, but now that I have it, I can’t imagine my life without her.
I’m Tiffany’s, every inch of me.