Chapter 3
798 Words
I didn’t realize when I began to fall for Adrian.
There was no single moment i could point to, no clear line where everything shifted. It happened quietly in the spaces, between things. The way he looked at me was different. He would stare at me for a while longer than usual when he thought I wasn’t looking, in the way my name sounded different when he said it– soft and gentle as if it meant something to him.
"You are staring again " I said, my arms crossed as we stood on the balcony of my fathers estate.
He smiled softly. “You're beautiful…”
I paused and stared at him for some seconds. “Thank you…”. I said quietly.
There was silence The air felt heavy
He took a step closer, so close that I could perceive his cologne. He smelled so good.
"What is it I did that made you never like me as a kid?"
I laughed nervously,. "You were really annoying. You put frogs in my schoolbag one time."
“You screamed for help and I was really proud of myself. I thought it was a success that you screamed.” Adrian said, smiling.
He looked so gorgeous like a king in the moonlight.
I should have rolled my eyes but…My chest got all tight like I've been waiting for this my whole life.
“You really have changed.” I said, softly.
He turned to me with a serious expression. "I had to". He said, while brushing his fingers against mine.
“Why?” I asked.
“For you.” He replied, his gaze sincere, promising.
I paused, unsure of what to say.
There was something in the way he spoke that made my heart ache.Before I could say anything, a familiar voice interrupted.
“Natalie.”
I turned around to see Noah. He stood a few feet away from me, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. His eyes,carrying something dark,looking over at Adrian and back to me.
“Your dad wants you”
"I can walk her,” Adrian said, his voice steady.
“No!” Noah said, his voice sharp,"I've got it"
I frowned. " It's fine Noah"
Adrian was already stepping back. His jaw was really tight. "See some other time Nat."
When Adrian walked away, I saw Noah glaring at him. Watching him like he knew Adrian had a reason for his return but hadn't made a move just yet.
“What was that about Noah?” I said sharply.
"Nothing," he replied quickly. "Just be careful, with that guy."
His words hit me like a warning.
That evening I went looking for Adrian.
I saw him standing near the driveway. He had his phone up to his ear. He was talking really quietly–his voice, steady and calm. Before I could say anything I heard another voice. It was loud enough to break the silence.
"You think I don't see what you're doing,"
Adrian turned around slowly. "Excuse me?" He said firmly.
"You’re getting close to Natalie and her father.I see the little games you're playing. He continued, "you're building trust, with Natalie and her dad so you could get what you want.”
Adrian laughed."Is that what you think this is all about?”
“I know your type Adrian. Billionaires like you don't actually fall in love. People like you, just take what they want from people; Someone like you chase influence and I know that's what you're here for.
Adrian stepped forward. He was really tall and calm. "Watch your mouth.”
“I know you want something from her family and you won't get it.”
Adrian let out a laugh—Calm and steady. “At least I know what I want. What about you?”
This response seemed to piss Noah off.
That was when I stepped between them.
"Enough". I said, my voice shaking.
Adrian looked at me first. His eyes were searching. "Natalie I would never" he said, then he stopped talking. He looked really upset.
"Then why are you here?" Noah asked, sharply,"Why now?"
Adrian looked at Noah with a face expression I've never seen in my whole life. His eyes got tough. "I came back for her", he replied quickly. And why are you so worked up dude? Does my presence bother you that much?.”
The words hit me like a confession and a promise all at once.
Noah's face got all scrunched up. You could totally see the jealousy. It was there plain as day and it looked really bad.
That was when I figured out something that really frightened me.
The boy who once kept me safe and protected me might be the one trying to ruin everything.
- Writer
