The ride back to Adrian’s villa was cloaked in silence, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Alina kept stealing glances at him as he drove, his sharp jawline set and his gray eyes focused on the road ahead. His calm composure after the confrontation with Jake left her both impressed and curious.
When they reached the villa, Adrian gestured for her to follow him into his study, a space she hadn’t yet explored. The room was as refined as the rest of the house—dark wood furniture, leather chairs, and walls lined with bookshelves that gave it an air of sophistication.
“Sit,” he said, motioning toward one of the chairs across from his desk.
She hesitated but complied, watching as he leaned against the edge of the desk, his arms crossed.
“Why didn’t you tell me Jake might cause trouble?” he asked,
