Ariana’s POV
I didn’t like her.
Not even a little.
The way she looked at me…
It wasn’t normal curiosity.
It wasn’t even suspicion.
It was calculation.
Like she had already decided something about me…
And was just waiting to prove it.
⸻
“Stay.”
Damien’s voice was low as Adrianne moved toward the door.
She paused.
Then slowly turned back, one brow slightly raised.
“Oh?” she said lightly. “You want me to stay?”
“Yes.”
Simple.
Direct.
Controlled.
Her lips curved into a small, amused smile.
“Now I’m interested.”
My stomach tightened.
Of course she was.
⸻
Minutes later—
We were seated in the private lounge.
The space was quiet, elegant… suffocating.
Adrianne sat across from me, legs crossed, posture relaxed like she owned the room.
Like she owned the situation.
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