Chapter5
1117 Words
Adrian POV
Being unsettled wasn’t something I allowed—not in business, not in my life. I never lost control.
But when it came to Amera Hart? I didn’t know how I felt.
She looked me in the eye without flinching. She spoke to me with anger, defiance even. Who did she think she was?
She was too different. Too unbelievable. No job. No money. No house or car. She had nothing to her name, yet she walked into my home and had the audacity to challenge a billionaire.
It was unbelievable.
“I see you’ve never been loved at home.”
I couldn’t get those words out of my head. Too rude. No fear in her eyes. She didn’t bow or scramble like everyone around me. She didn’t throw herself at me like other women did.
That amazed me. And I hated her for it.
People like her were dangerous—because you couldn’t buy them off.
“Mr. Adrian?” Margaret, my cook, pulled me from my thoughts. “Do you need anything, sir?”
“No, I’m fine for now. I’ll call if I need something later.”
When Margaret left, silence filled the room again. I sat there, staring out at the garden through the window.
Everything would go back to normal soon. It was just for a year. I could manage her.
Why did Grandfather have those thoughts about Paulinah? I didn’t have anything with her—nothing more serious than friendship. But I couldn’t go against Grandfather’s will.
After a few minutes, I walked into my library to keep myself occupied.
And there she was.
Amera. Sitting in my chair. Wearing black shorts, barefoot—not even socks—giving off the ultimate “I don’t care” energy.
“You’re sitting in my chair,” I said.
“Excuse you?” she replied, irritation dripping from her voice.
I calmed myself and used the commanding tone that made everyone around me fall in line.
“That’s my chair. I’d like you to stand up.”
She didn’t even blink. She looked me dead in the eye. “Stand up for you? I can’t.”
“You can’t? That’s my chair. You know that, right?”
She looked around the chair, as if searching for something. Then she smirked. “I don’t see your name on it.”
Was she serious? I felt disrespected. “I hope you haven’t forgotten that I own this house.”
“Of course, Mr. Adrian. I know this is your house, your world. But you don’t get to order me around. I’m not one of your staff. I. Am. Me.”
She packed up her things and started to leave. Then, as she reached the door, she added, “Enjoy your chair.”
For a few seconds, I just stared after her in disbelief. Then something snapped.
I grabbed her arm and pinned her against the wall. She was breathing hard. I stared down at her, and the urge to touch her face was overwhelming.
“Leave me alone, you asshole,” she said through gritted teeth.
“And why should I?” I leaned in close, my voice a whisper against her ear. “Know your place in this house. Don’t you ever disrespect me again.”
“Then stop ordering me around,” she shot back, trying to push me away.
I hesitated for a moment. Then, without thinking, I kissed her.
Her lips were soft. Warm. She stared into my eyes but didn’t push me away.
I pulled back the moment I felt my body react. Heat. Desire. My jaw tightened.
“If you ever touch me again, I promise I’ll kill you,” she said, her voice cold and steady.
I could tell she meant it.
She walked out, leaving me standing there alone in the library.
I couldn’t stay in the library after that. I headed back to my room, but Paulinah intercepted me in the hallway.
“Hey.”
“What’s up? What brought you here?” I asked.
“My door broke. Can I stay here until it’s fixed?”
“Of course. You’re always welcome.”
I was almost to my room when I saw Amera coming back downstairs.
“Your grandfather just called,” Paulinah said.
“Hi, Amera. How are you doing?” she greeted her.
Amera looked at her without responding, then turned her gaze to me.
“He said you both need to come over to his place right now,” Paulinah finished.
I turned to Paulinah. “Make yourself at home. I’ll be back soon.”
I called for my driver. “Luke?”
Luke appeared immediately. “Yes, boss.”
“Prepare the car. My wife and I are heading to my grandfather’s house.”
“Yes, boss.”
Amera went upstairs to change, then came back down. “I’ll be in the car,” she said, walking past me without a glance.
“Adrian, is your wife mad at me? Maybe it’s best if I leave,” Paulinah said quietly.
“No, she’s not mad. I’ll be back soon.”
“Alright, Adrian.”
Amera was already in the car when I got outside. I slid in beside her, and we left in silence.
When we arrived at Grandfather’s house, she stepped out and adjusted her dress carefully—like someone preparing to meet royalty.
“Hey, my beautiful daughter!” Grandfather greeted her warmly, pulling her into a hug.
“Good evening, Papa.”
“Hey, Adrian.” He ruffled my hair affectionately.
“You called us over? Is everything alright?”
“No problem at all. I just missed you both. I wanted you and your wife to spend the evening with me.”
I nodded. “That’s good.”
“Let’s head inside. Dinner’s ready.” He took Amera’s hand and led her toward the dining room.
As we sat down, my phone vibrated. A message. I was about to check it when—
“No phones at the dining table,” Grandfather scolded.
I immediately put it away.
A moment later, my phone vibrated again. Both of them heard it. Grandfather stared at me.
“Excuse me. I need to check this,” I said.
I opened the messages. They were from Paulinah.
Paulinah: Hey Adrian
Paulinah: When will you be back?
Paulinah: I’m hungry. I’ll wait for you so we can eat together.
Paulinah: Why didn’t you reply to my messages? Are you that busy?
Adrian: Don’t wait for me. Margaret will take care of you.
Adrian: I’ll talk to you later.
I put the phone on silent and slipped it back into my pocket.
- Writer
