Chapter twelve
~ELANA~
His touch vanished as quickly as it arrived, leaving my skin tingling in its wake.
The memory of Adrian’s hand lingers on my skin, a sensation I can’t shake off, especially where his touch lingered a moment longer on my hand…
and thigh. The electric current from my belly down to the place between my legs prompts me to press them together instinctively.
Adrian’s eyes flicker briefly to my legs before returning to the vacant space he’s been staring at for over a minute now.
I observe him as he squeezes his eyes shut and then opens them again.
He’s affected. The way he touched me, the intensity in his gaze, it’s undeniable that he must be experiencing the same electric pull as I am.
So why isn’t he acting on it? What’s holding him back?
I glance down at my hands, unsure what to say or do next. I’m tempted to ask why he withdrew his hand, why he stopped, but deep down, I already know the answer. I’m not stupid; I understand his promise to Ethan.
While I wasn’t certain if he felt the same attraction towards me, his touch and his reaction when I revealed the harassing messages I’d been receiving were telling. It’s clear he’s not indifferent.
A small voice in my head whispers that it’s solely because of the promise he made to my brother, but another voice reminds me of how he touched my leg and the look in his eyes. No, this goes beyond mere obligation to Ethan.
I’ll admit, a part of me hoped for a reaction from Adrian when I slipped into the dress.
As I looked at my reflection, the only question that echoed in my mind was whether Adrian would find it fitting, and he did.
Initially, it thrilled me to see his eyes roam over my body in the dress.
Yet, there’s a stark reality I’ve overlooked.
Perhaps it’s because all my past love interests were just boys—boys whose only concerns revolved around graduation and securing a job.
But now, as I glance at Adrian beside me, reality hits me like a ton of bricks.
This is no boy. This is a man; a man of significant power and responsibility far beyond my grasp.
He’s not a college student who will take me to the movies, hoping to make out with me.
It’s like transitioning from serving imaginary tea to your parents with little plastic teapots to brewing real tea in an actual pot, where the risk of burning yourself is all too real.
I’m used to being surrounded by rabbits, and now I’m sitting next to a wolf.
Realization hits me, causing me to sink back into my seat and fold my arms around myself.
He’ll never take me seriously.
As Adrian helps me out of the car, I take a moment to take in the scene. Huge lights illuminate the entrance, casting a warm glow on the well-dressed crowd gathered outside.
“Good evening, Mr. Mogan,” a gentleman in a tailored suit greets us with a warm smile. “Right this way, sir.”
Adrian shoots me a quick, reassuring look before stepping out of the way to let me in first. The foyer is adorned with chandeliers and the atmosphere is buzzing as guests chat with champagne flutes in hand.
“Adrian!” A woman suddenly approaches us, her dark hair perfectly styled and piercing blue eyes gleaming.
She’s dressed in a sleek black dress, her lips painted a bold shade of red.
She called him Adrian. Are they close? She plants swift air kisses on Adrian’s cheeks, and just as swiftly, I already dislike her.
“Victoria,” Adrian responds with a curt nod and turns to me. “Elana, this is my COO. Victoria, this is Elana—”
“Ah, our new intern you were telling me about. Isn’t she sweet?” Victoria’s high-pitched voice cuts through my ears. “Pleasure to meet you.” She extends her hand towards me.
“Hello.” I force a smile and take her cold, bony hand in mine. She retracts her hand before I can even shake it properly and turns back to Adrian.
“Adrian, Father is dying to see you. He says he has a proposal you won’t be able to refuse.” She wraps an arm around his, and I feel a pang of relief when I see him subtly slip away from her touch. He doesn’t like this.
“Should I wait here?” The image of me standing awkwardly while Adrian talks to Victoria and her father about business is enough to make me stay where I am.
“Yes, I think it’s better for you to stay here.” Victoria’s chuckle sends a wave of unease through me. It makes me feel like an intruder—like a kid invited to a birthday party, only knowing the friend who invited them, unsure of where to go.
“I’ll just wait here.” Just as I’m about to step back, I feel Adrian’s hand slip around my waist. It takes all I have to keep still and not react to his touch. I look up at him, but his eyes don’t meet mine.
“She goes where I go.” His voice is firm yet calm. His simple statement fills me with comfort. He wants me next to him.
“Very well, then.” Victoria purses her lips in a way that tells me it’s far from ‘very well’, but Adrian’s reassuring hand on my waist brings a small smile to my lips. She goes where I go. With his touch and silent reassurance anchoring me, I follow him into the heart of the event.
As the evening wears on, the discomfort in my feet becomes unbearable.
I’ve never been one for wearing heels, and standing for so long in them is taking its toll.
I shift awkwardly, trying to ease the pressure on my aching feet, but it’s no use.
I’ve stood by Adrian’s side, feeling more like a lost puppy than anything else.
“Do you need to use the bathroom?” Adrian asks quietly.
“No, why?” His question catches me by surprise.
“You’re shifting from foot to foot.” It seems that Adrian has noticed my discomfort.
I’m hesitant to admit it, feeling a twinge of embarrassment, but I finally confess, “These shoes are killing me. I need to sit down for a bit.”
Adrian looks down at my feet and then back up at me. “I’ll take you to the bar where you can sit down.”
“Adrian!” Before we can move, a man approaches. They’re coming in waves, all asking to speak to him while I stand and stare. “Oh, it’s wonderful to see you here.” The older gentleman smiles, and wrinkles form around his warm eyes.
“Likewise.” Adrian smiles back at him and extends a hand. This might be the first time I’ve seen him smile at someone at this event.
When he’s done shaking Adrian’s hand, the man turns to me. “Good evening, miss.” He’s also the first person who’s acknowledged me without Adrian introducing me.
“Good evening.” My smile is genuine as I extend my hand, which he takes and brings to his lips.
“Adrian, my boy, could I trouble you for a moment?” He turns to Adrian after releasing my hand. I’m about to reassure Adrian that I’ll be fine on my own when he shakes his head.
“Actually, Mr. Larson, could it wait? Elana needs to sit down, and I was on my way to accompany her to the bar.”
“Of course, son! I’m sure we can find another time to talk. Make sure the young lady is well.” Mr. Larson gives us both an assuring nod.
“It’s okay,” I interject. “It’s no trouble at all. I just need five minutes. Please, don’t let me inconvenience you.”
“I’m not leaving you alone.” Adrian shakes his head once more, and I take a step towards him.
“I’ll be fine, I promise. I’ll just find a seat and rest for a bit. I won’t run away. I couldn’t, even if I wanted to.” I point to my feet with a laugh.
Adrian leans in, his voice soft but firm. “The bar is to the left. Stay there and don’t move. I’ll come find you soon.” His tone leaves no room for argument.
“I won’t. I promise.” I nod and turn to Mr. Larson. “It was nice meeting you, sir.”
“You, too. I’m sorry for stealing him away.” He pats Adrian on the back before taking my hand and shaking it.
Adrian takes a step towards me. “Wait for me until I come find you.” I suck in a breath and nod.
I make my way to the bar area, relieved to find a place to rest my feet, even for a little.
I see a group of women standing in the center of the bar, two of them sitting and three of them standing, forming a small circle.
Their glasses are raised high, ready for a toast. There’s an empty seat right next to them, and I immediately head towards it.
The plush barstools are built like tall armchairs, and I sink into one with a sigh of relief as the weight is lifted off my aching feet. I fight the urge to take my heels off, reminding myself that this is neither the time nor the place. How the hell are people wearing heels all night?
“Good evening!” The bartender, a young-looking man with a pearly-white smile, approaches me. “Can I get you anything, miss?”
“I—actually, I’m not too sure what I should get.” I’m not a big drinker, not a drinker at all when I think about it.
“Ah, I see. Allow me to surprise you, then?” He offers another toothy smile. “I promise, nothing strong. I’ll make it sweet and tasty.”
“I can’t refuse anything sweet and tasty.” I laugh and lean back into the chair, curious about what he’ll come up with.
“Coming right up.” He gives me a wink and walks off.
As I wait for my mystery drink, it’s not hard to overhear the conversation between the group of women sitting next to me. It’s hard to ignore it.
“Did you see Adrian Morgan tonight?” one of them asks, her tone tinged with excitement, and my ears perk up at the mention of his name.
“Yeah,” another one moans. “I feel like he looks better each time he shows up to an event.”
“He rarely shows up to these things, but when he does, I hear he always takes a girl home.” A third woman giggles. My heart sinks at her words. Always takes a girl home?
“I should know,” the brunette next to me says, leaning back in her chair.
“What?” One of the women’s high-pitched voice slices through my ears. “When?”
“All I’m going to say is that,” I see her lean into the small circle they’ve created with the corner of my eye, “he’s no man. He’s a beast. I’m surprised the bite marks didn’t last longer.” She leans back with a dramatic sigh. “I felt sore for days. But it was so worth it.”
Jealousy and sadness crash into my chest like a wrecking ball.
The heavy feeling is unfamiliar and unwelcome.
I throw a quick glance towards the brunette, who takes a sip from her cup while the other women giggle and ask questions.
I feel sick. I need to get out of here. The voice in my head tries to rationalize.
Adrian is a thirty-two-year-old man, and, unlike me, he’s definitely slept with people before.
But despite the logical voice in my head, the larger part of me feels hurt, the feeling so heavy that my chest feels tight.
I glance down at my hands, suddenly feeling self-conscious, inexperienced, and foolish. What could I possibly offer Adrian that he hasn’t already experienced with someone else? The thought gnaws at me.
“Strawberry daiquiri for the lady.” The bartender returns with a glass full of pink liquid. He places a napkin in front of me and the glass on top of it.
“Thank you.” I force a smile as I pinch the glass between three fingers.
“Well, go on.” The bartender gestures towards the glass. “Try it.”
I lift the glass to my lips and take a small sip. Sweet and tasty, just like he promised.
“That’s nice.” I nod with another small, forced smile. “Sweet and tasty,” I repeat the words, but my mind is elsewhere, consumed by strange feelings of jealousy, sadness, and insecurity. And I can’t seem to escape.
As I sit at the bar, sipping on whatever’s left of my drink, a man takes the seat next to mine. He’s dressed in a dark navy suit, his styled brown hair shining from the gel.
“Mind if I join you for a drink?” He smiles at me, wide and confident.
“Uh, sure.” I give him a polite nod, feeling a little wary of his sudden appearance.
“Seems like we’re both looking for a quieter place.” He raises a hand to the bartender. “That Glenlivet looks good. Bring me a glass.” The glen-what looks good? “I’m Daniel.” He extends a hand, and I take it.
“Elana.” Conversation with a stranger is at the bottom of the list of things I want. I’m not sure how to excuse myself without appearing rude. And I certainly don’t want to put my feet through more hell.
“So, what brings a beautiful woman like you to an event like this?” he asks, his tone smooth.
I offer a slight smile in response, not entirely comfortable with his forwardness. “Oh, just tagging along with… I came with someone.”
Daniel leans in closer, his gaze lingering on me. “And where is that someone, and how could they leave such a beautiful young lady all by herself?”
“I just needed to sit down for a bit,” I murmur, feeling awkward under his gaze.
“Well, I’m glad you did. I wouldn’t have found you otherwise.” He flashes me a smile as the bartender brings his drink.
“Cheers. To unexpected encounters.” He raises his glass and dings it into mine. He takes a sip, his throat bobbing as he swallows. Daniel continues to ask me questions about myself, his flattery becoming more pronounced with each passing moment.
I take sip after sip to make time pass between each of his questions and attempts at compliments. Before I know it, I’ve finished my drink.
“Would you like another one?” Daniel signals the bartender for another round.
“No, I think I’m done,” I protest.
“Oh, come on. It’s early, and whatever has gotten you down can’t be fixed with a single margarita or whatever it is you’re drinking.” He nods to the bartender, who looks at me. I shake my head at him, and the corners of his lips curl up slightly before he gives me a reassuring nod.
“So, it doesn’t seem like whoever you came with is showing up.” Daniel leans in closer, attempting to put his hand on my thigh. I tense up and instinctively move away as his hand brushes past my thigh and makes contact with the cushion beneath it instead.
I feel someone’s eyes on me, and the hair at the back of my neck rises. I don’t need to turn around to know he’s here. Nevertheless, I turn and immediately spot him, towering above everyone else, wrath radiating from him with each predatory stride towards me.