Ice Vs Temptation: Training My Stepbrother

Chapter 4

Chloe POV

I noticed a change in his character from the night before. He was distant, cold, and different.

“How's your preparation for your date?” His tone was hard, his eyes not sparing me a glance.

I didn't know how to respond. The only reason I was going was because he permitted me to; why did I have to pay for his actions? He moved his wheelchair towards the exit and stopped.

“I believed I asked a question.”

I sighed. “I've not made any preparations yet. I don't plan to—”

He hummed. “You shouldn't stand James up. He's a good hockey player. Girls want to be around him all the time.”

I hummed. All girls expect me. I hated the fact that I had to be in this situation because he put me in it.

“I wish you the best.” He finally left me alone to ponder on what he had just said.

James arrived later that day, but Adrian refused to come out.

“Mr. Adrian asked me to stand in his place. He asks that she's brought back exactly two hours from now.” The butler said.

James nodded. “I will do that.” Then he took my hand as he walked me outside the mansion.

We strolled towards where his car was parked, and he helped me open the door for me to go in.

As I tried to get in, I locked eyes with Adrian's window, and I watched how he glared at me from there.

I swallowed. How was this my fault? The fact that he pushed me into this and still got vexed by my action got me worried.

“You don't need to worry. I will make sure you have a good time.”

James finally spoke, making me tear my eyes away from the window.

“Where would you like to go?”

I didn't know what I should have picked, so I let him pick.

“What do you recommend?”

He smirked. “It's a surprise.”

I didn't mind, but I wasn't able to focus, and this was because I couldn't stop thinking about Adrian. That face, that dark stare.

I just knew I wasn't supposed to be on this date with James.

James and I arrived at the venue, he had picked out a five-star restaurant.

“How about here?” He asked, turning off his car.

“This is nice. Thank you.”

He didn't say much, helping me out of the car before leading me into the restaurant.

I didn't say a word, and at this point, I wanted to have fun, but each time I thought about it, my boss’ words popped up.

It was only a matter of time before we ordered things, and I zoned out but totally caught what James was saying.

“You're really good. I admire your dreams to pursue hockey.”

He nodded, taking another bite from his meal.

“Are you alright? You seem wo—”

“It's almost two hours. Adrian wouldn't be happy if I returned late.”

He chuckled. “Adrian? You really care about what he has to say; come on. You should know him by now. He's not the kind of person that gets annoyed. You're just his—”

I nodded. “I get it, I’m his trainer. Can I go back home now?”

He raised one of his brows. “Do you know how many ladies would die to have a seat with me? Why do you have to act like this?”

“I'm sorry, but you made a promise to my boss, and you have to fulfill it. You said you're friends with him, but you don't even know him a bit.”

He exhaled. “Fine, you want to go back to him so bad, then I guess I don't have a choice.”

He flashed a smile, but I knew that smile wasn't a genuine one. I hurt his feelings by ending the date so fast.

“Thank you.”

He dropped me off at the gate and exhaled, watching how I hopped out of the car and rushed towards the gate.

I had two minutes to get into the house.

“Look, I'm sorry for how today turned out. Hopefully, we can do this some other time, right?”

I pressed my lips tightly. My eyes darted between the man and the gate.

“Yes, yes, we can.”

I tried to force a smile, but deep down I was scared, worried about what would happen the moment I stepped into the mansion.

The moment I walked into the mansion, it was already 3 minutes past the two-hour mark he gave.

I swallowed, rushing towards his room. I guessed he would be there, but the moment I opened it, there was no one there.

My eyes scanned the room to make sure my mind wasn't playing tricks on me.

“Adrian?” I called, wrinkles forming on my forehead. I was worried about him.

I exhaled, itching my head before finally drawing the door closed.

I made my way to my room. Maybe I was worried for nothing.

I exhaled and opened my door, dragging my foot into the dark room. I still struggled to turn on the lights when I jolted.

“Ahhh!” I screamed, my hands palming against my chest.

“You're late. Five minutes late. What happened? Were you having so much fun? It seems like you're forgetting you have me to worry about.”

I swallowed, turning on the light so I could get a glimpse of his face. My chest still hammered hard, and I finally began to explain.

“James was a handful, but I—”

“He kissed you, didn't he?”

I shook my head to debunk whatever he accused me of.

“I just met him. Is that what you think of me?”

“Girls normally like guys like us. We have money, and we—”

“Hold up.” My face twisted into a frown. Was he trying to get to me? Because I recalled he was practically the one who made me go with James.

“I didn't want to go on this date. Remember?” I asked with raised brows, and he scoffed.

“Still doesn't give you the right to return later than the—”

“Five minutes. It was literally five minutes.” I made hand gestures. “I'm not a kid, you know, you don't necessarily have to—”

“You’re right, you're not a kid.”

He finally agreed with what I had to say.

“As long as you work here, you answer to me.”