The Whitmore Obsession: The Billionaire brothers

Noelle’s POV “Miss Hayes.” I looked up. “Can you tell me what happened?” I couldn’t answer. “We’re losing him!” “Theo!” I tried to run, but an officer caught me. Then I saw it, my engagement ring, sitting inside an evidence bag. Adrian came running toward us. His eyes went from my bloodstained dress to the ambulance then his eyes moved to me. I knew what he saw. I had left him at the altar. Now I was covered in his brother’s blood. Six months earlier. I pushed open the Whitmore front door already knowing two things. First, I was late and Second, Claire Whitmore was stressed. “Noelle, thank goodness.” She appeared before I could even take my shoes off. “Come and settle something.” I frowned. “Good afternoon to you too.” She held up two bouquets. “Roses or lilies?” I blinked. “Weren’t those roses?” “They were.” “So why are we asking about lilies?” “Because I don’t like the roses anymore.” I stared at her. “You picked them.” “I know.” “You sent me to buy them.” “I know.” “And now you don’t want them?” “I’ve changed my mind.” I slowly looked at Adrian. “Your mother is stressing me out.” He didn’t even look up. “I’m staying out of this.” “Coward.” “Survivor.” “I heard that,” Claire called. “I wasn’t whispering.” A laugh came from the kitchen. “I like her.” Eliana Whitmore walked in carrying a pie. “You’ve liked her for two years,” Adrian said. “And I still do.” I smiled. “I suddenly don’t feel qualified to have opinions about flowers anymore.” “Smart girl,” Eliana Whitmore said. Claire took the roses from my hands. “I’m using the lilies.” “Of course you are.” Claire carried the lilies into the dining room while the rest of us wandered back into the kitchen. The smell of lasagna drifted through the house. Claire checked the oven, nodded to herself and pulled the tray out. “No one touches this.” Adrian looked up. “You say that every time.” “And every time you ignore me.” “I only take a little.” Eliana Whitmore reached over and scooped a little cheese from one corner with a spoon. “I’m making sure it’s edible.” Claire stopped what she was doing. “Mom.” “What?” “You’ve been making sure it’s edible for forty years.” “And has anyone complained?” Claire shook her head. “No.” “I thought so.” I laughed. “You people are impossible.” “And yet,” Adrian said, slipping an arm around my waist, “you keep coming back.” Before I could answer, my phone buzzed. I frowned. Tessa. She never called. I answered immediately. “Tess?” A few seconds passed. “You did what?” Another pause. “I’ll be there.” I dropped my phone into my bag. “My roommate locked herself out.” Claire waved me off before I could say anything else. “Go.” “But Theo’s almost here.” “You’ll meet him another day.” Adrian followed me to the car. His driver was already waiting beside the black Bentley, but Adrian opened the passenger door himself. “You look tired.” “I am tired.” He smiled and reached up, brushing a loose strand of hair away from my face. “You still look beautiful.” I rolled my eyes. “You say that every time.” “Because it is true.” His hand stayed against my cheek for a second longer than it needed to. I looked at him. He leaned closer. I thought he was going to kiss my forehead, but his lips found mine instead. The kiss was slow, warm, and familiar. I reached up and rested my hand against the back of his neck, pulling him a little closer. He responded immediately, his other hand gripping my waist. I could feel his large hands on my waist pulling me closer. I moved against him without thinking, gripping his shirt so tightly I almost tore it. The sound of the driver clearing his throat made me pull away. When he pulled back, I was still holding onto the front of his shirt. He smiled. “You are not letting go.” I looked down and released him. “I was not holding you.” “Of course you were.” I laughed and pushed his shoulder lightly. “Go inside.” “You first.” I glanced toward the driver, who was politely looking away. “Your driver is waiting.” Adrian smiled. “He can wait.” Adrian leaned closer. “I need to see you soon, Noelle.” “You always say that.” “Because I mean it.” His eyes moved over my face before he lowered his voice. “And when I see you again, I am not letting you escape that easily.” Adrain said as he pressed his body against mine. I laughed nervously. “Is that a threat?” “It is a promise.” He kissed me again, quick this time, before stepping back. “Now go before I change my mind.” I shook my head, smiling as I got into the car. “Goodnight, Adrian.” He leaned down toward the open door. “Goodnight, Noelle.” He closed the door gently and walked away. As we drove across the Whitmore driveway, I settled back against the seat and watched the Whitmore estate disappear behind us. The gates opened automatically, and the driver guided the car onto the road. For a moment, I thought about how different Adrian’s world was from mine. Then headlights appeared at the end of the street. Another car pulled in. We drove past without paying it any attention. If had known who was behind the wheel, maybe I would have looked twice.