My Boyfriend is a big shot

Chapter Two

The mezzanine lounge floated above the ballroom like a throne room above a kingdom.

Crystal chandeliers poured light over marble floors, gentle music drifting under the hum of laughter and clinking glasses. From this height, Bella could see Eric below, still scowling up at them, his mistress chattering frantically in his ear.

Adrian hadn't spoken much since they sat at the private table Leo had reserved, his dark eyes scanning the room as his thumb mindlessly revolved the rim of his glass.

Bella shifted uncomfortably in her seat, not wishing to gaze at the way the fitted black suit hugged his broad shoulders, the way his watch glinted with every small movement, the way he appeared to pierce through it all and yet exude calm, unshakable strength as if he had been built for a space she could never hope to enter.

She swallowed, breaking out of it. "Adrian… who is Leo Grant, anyway?

Adrian's gaze turned to her, relaxing momentarily. "A friend," he answered with a straightforwardness that denied any further question.

Bella's forehead creased, her fingers curling in her lap. "And why is your friend working for Crimson?"

A small smile danced on Adrian's lips, but he made no answer, merely taking a lazy drink of his whiskey instead, his eyes drifting back to survey the room.

Since Bella could push farther, a sharp voice cut through the mellow music.

"Leo Grant," said a man, moving into their intimate space uninvited, smiling on his impeccably groomed face. "Didn't think you'd be here."

Bella glanced up, registering the stranger's expensive suit and smug gaze. His hair was slicked back, his watch near blinding in the light of the chandelier. A small cluster lingered in the background behind him, whispering.

"Mr. Romano," Leo said coldly, inclining his head. "Pleasure."

Romano's gaze darted, and he leaned back on Adrian with a scoff of pretended disgust. "And who is this? Your evening charity case?" He laughed harshly, his eyes raking Adrian as if he were nothing with all the disdain and contempt the world had to offer.

Leo's jaw went hard, but Adrian remained absolutely motionless, stirring his drink with listless disinterest.

"Mr. Fox is my guest," Leo said, his voice tight.

Romano sneered. "Fox? What, you're taking in strays now, Leo? He must be doing something out of the ordinary for you to let him sit up here."

A few of the people behind Romano laughed nervously, not sure how far to go.

Adrian set his glass on the table edge, at last looking up to encounter Romano's. The atmosphere shifted, the noise around them hushed as the cold ferocity of his gaze pinned Romano to where he stood.

"Watch it," Adrian whispered.

Romano blinked, and then let out a laugh of laughter, glancing over his shoulder at his group of people for support. "Or what? You'll beg on the street, Fox? You think you can sit up here because Leo gave you a chair to borrow?"

Bella's stomach twisted in knots, her fingers clutching at the fabric of her dress. She glanced over at Leo, but Leo simply stood there, regarding Adrian calmly and still.

Adrian’s lips quirked, but there was no humor in his eyes. “It’s funny,” he said quietly, his tone like velvet over steel, “how men who speak the loudest are the ones who fall the hardest.”

Romano’s laughter faltered, his face flushing with anger as he stepped closer, looming over Adrian’s seated form. “You have no idea who you’re talking to, beggar.”

Adrian’s dark eyes didn’t waver, didn’t blink, didn’t flinch. “You’re right,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “I don’t care.”

Romano’s jaw worked, his hand twitching as if tempted to strike, but the fear in his eyes betrayed him. No one moved, the tension vibrating like a live wire.

“Leo,” Adrian said softly, his eyes still on Romano. “Walk Mr. Romano out.”

Leo's eyes blazed with satisfaction as he advanced a step, his face professional but cold. "Mr. Romano, let's not make a scene."

Romano's gaze darted from Leo to Adrian, confusion giving way to terror. "You think you can eject me? You think you are Fox? This is Crimson's world, not yours!"

Adrian's lips curled, his eyes flashing like a storm on the brink of unleashing. "Exactly."

Romano's mouth was open, but Leo pushed him firmly back towards the stairs, over Romano's spluttering indignation as the crowd of people who'd been following him scattered.

The band started the second song, a babble of conversation breaking out again as if nothing had happened, but the beat of Bella's heart was a drum in her ears.

She glared at Adrian, speaking quietly. "Adrian, who are you? Why does Leo—why did that man—

Adrian gazed at her, his expression easing, but the darkness still lurking in his eyes.

"Not tonight, bella," he murmured, stretching out to take her trembling hand and deliver a gentle kiss to her knuckles.

Bella swallowed hard, a well of heat climbing up her stomach as his lips brushed against hers, her brain reeling with confusion, terror, and a hunger she couldn't deny.

She didn't see the look of the guests below looking up at them in fear and awe.

Didn't notice the way Leo, returning to the table, ducked his head as he spoke softly, "Mr. Fox, it's done."

Didn't notice the way Adrian's jaw was set when he nodded once, his eyes freezing for a heartbeat before coming back to her softening.

All she could be sure of was that this man—this supposed nobody—warped the world around him even as he proclaimed himself to be nothing.

And Bella was beginning to see that Adrian Fox was a man no one really knew.

And that frightened her.

The orchestra transitioned to a soft, refined waltz, and the dance floor below was filled with whirling gowns and suits, sharp and sleek, and laughter mingling with music.

Bella's eyes tracked the motion, but her thoughts were trapped with the man standing before her, the man who charmed the world without trying, who made powerful men shudder with a look, who claimed to be only Adrian Fox as Leo Grant genuflected before him.

She had no clue what terrified her more—that he was lying to her or that he wasn't.

Adrian's dark eyes followed the dance floor for a moment before launching to hers, and the soft curve of his mouth stole her breath.

"Dance with me," he said, rising from his seat with slow ease, offering her his hand.

Bella's pulse accelerated, but she took his hand, letting him lead her down the curved staircase to the dance floor.

On the Dance Floor

His hand on her waist was warm and firm, his other one curled around hers, pulling her closer than the dance required. His scent was clean, upscale, but there was a dark undercurrent she couldn't quite identify.

Bella's eyes flicked around the group, noticing how everyone looked at them. Some with interest, some with weak amusement, others with barely veiled disdain.

They're thinking he doesn't belong here.

Adrian's black eyes locked with hers, the lines at the corners crinkling as he moved in closer, his lips against her ear as he whispered, "Ignore them, bella."

She shivered, her fingers digging into his shoulder. "They're staring."

"They always do," he replied softly, his thumb doodling on her waist as they moved in slow, efficient steps that seemed to leave her floating.

"But why?" she whispered.

His black eyes glinted. "Because they can feel power, even when they don't know it."

Eric Interrupts

"Look at this," Eric's voice cut through the music as he emerged onto the edge of the dance floor with his mistress, his laugh coarse and artificial, and quite showy. "The beggar has turned into a prince now."

Some of the guests that stood around snickered quietly, shifting to watch the spectacle.

Bella felt the warmth flood to her cheeks as she tried to move back, but Adrian's hold around her waist held her fast, his black eyes pinned to hers.

Eric snarled, moving forward. "What's wrong, Bella? Couldn't find yourself a real guy, so you brought your stray here to mess around? You think you're something now, Fox?"

"Eric, get out," Bella spat, seething with humiliation.

Eric spun on his heel, his eyes locking on Adrian with a sneer. "You're enjoying this, aren't you? Stealing a suit, bribing Crimson's assistant—what, do you think you're going to get a little glimpse of this way of life? You're nothing."

Adrian's eyes finally dropped, cold and unyielding, his grip on Bella tightening ever so slightly as he rested his head.

"Be careful," Adrian whispered.

Eric laughed, throwing his arms open wide. "Or what? You'll send Leo over again to throw me out? You think you're Crimson now, Fox? We all know Leo only takes orders from one man, and it's sure as hell not you."

"Eric, please—" Bella tried again, but Adrian's hand drifted from her waist to the small of her back, nudging her aside as he strode towards Eric.

For a moment, the music and laughter around them seemed to fade.

Adrian’s dark eyes glinted under the chandeliers as he looked down at Eric, the silence stretching until Eric shifted uncomfortably, his smirk faltering.

“You’re loud,” Adrian murmured, his tone like a cold knife. “You should learn when to be silent.”

Eric's jaw tightened, but he attempted to laugh, looking around at the row of gawkers. "Oh, look at him—thinks he's so big. Come on, man, what're you going to do? You're nothing. Just a street rat trying to be—"

Eric didn't get any further.

Adrian stepped closer, his presences bordering on suffocating, his voice dropping to so low Bella could barely make out his words.

"I won't repeat myself."

Eric took a step back, shocked by the look in Adrian's eyes. The mistress grasped Eric's arm, her eyes wide as she gasped, "Let's just go."

Eric's face reddened, but he sneered and spat on the ground, walking away while dragging his mistress along.

Adrian stood still, the crowd of people around them holding their breath before responding as if nothing happened, returning to drinks and gossip.

Bella's pulse pounded as she looked up at Adrian, who turned around to face her, his face calming at once, as though the tempest had never blown.

"May I have this dance?" he again asked, extending his hand.

Bella swallowed hard, placing her hand back in his as he swept her into his arms, the music swelling around them.

They moved, the world whirling out of kilter, Bella's head spinning with questions, fear, and an unthinkable desire as she moved forward, feeling the heat and energy of the man who was not supposed to be anything.

"Adrian." she gasped, "who are you, really?"

His black eyes met hers, something unreadable flashing in their depths before he leaned down, his mouth brushing against her ear.

“When the time is right, bella,” he whispered, his voice sending shivers down her spine, “you’ll know.”

And as they moved together under the crystal lights, Bella realized she was falling for a man who was more dangerous—and more powerful—than she could ever imagine.

The dance finished, but tension still filled the air between them as Adrian led Bella off the dance floor, his hand strong at the small of her back.

Bella's head spun, the warmth of his flesh contrasted with the cold fear in her heart. She couldn't help but replay Eric's laughter, the way strangers stared, the way Leo Grant—a man she'd only ever heard rumors about—curtied to Adrian, calling him Mr. Fox.

Nothing made sense.

And yet the manner in which Adrian moved—smooth, controlled, deadly silent—told everything.

He wasn't just Adrian Fox. He couldn't be.

They reached the edge of the ballroom, where a balcony projected over the lights of the city. Adrian stepped out first, peering into the night before turning to glance back and gesture for her to follow.

Bella lingered, her high heels tapping softly on the marble as she stepped out into the cold night, the city glittering below them like an ocean of stars.

Adrian leaned back against the railing, pockets in his hands, looking like a banished king as the wind tousled his dark hair.

Bella crossed her arms, trying to steady her breathing. "Why are we out here?" she asked, her voice tauter than she intended it to be.

Adrian's eyes met hers, dark and unreadable. "You needed air."

"I didn't—" she began, but he nodded, and the words stuck in her throat.

She swallowed hard, her grip on the railing tensing as she looked out over the city. "Adrian… who are you, actually?"

There was simply silence between them, broken by the distant music coming from inside and the rumble of cars down below.

Adrian whirled around to face her, stepping closer, his body crowding in on hers.

"You question everything, bella," he whispered quietly, his hand pushing a lock of hair from her face, his hand behind her ear.

Bella's breath snagged, her body leaning into the warmth of his contact before she could stop herself. "Because nothing makes sense when you're here," she panted. "You were on the street, and you're here now, and Leo—Leo Grant, for Pete's sake—calls you Mr. Fox and does your bidding."

Adrian's jaw tightened, his thumb sweeping over her cheek. "And that bothers you?

It mystifies me," she snapped back, her eyes glinting under the city lights. "Who are you? Why are you doing this? Why me?"

His eyes clouded, his hand coming out to take hold of her jaw, forcing her to stare into his eyes. "Because you noticed me when no one else did."

Bella's mouth opened, her heart thudding against the inside of her ribcage. "That's not an answer.".

"It's the only one you'll need tonight," he whispered, leaning in, his forehead grazing hers.

She could feel the heat radiating from him, the aroma of whiskey and fresh soap, the soft hum of his breathing as it mingled with hers.

"Adrian—" she began, but his thumb was against her lips, silencing her.

"Trust me, bella," he breathed.

Before she could respond, the balcony doors swung open and Leo Grant walked out, his sharp eyes scanning Bella before resting on Adrian.

"Mr. Fox, we have an issue," Leo breathed, but Bella could see the tension in his shoulders.

Adrian rolled his eyes, pulling back just enough to gaze at Leo, his mask-like face a picture of indifference. "What is it?"

Leo's eyes darted back to Bella, faltering. "It's Eric. He's in there, causing a scene, claiming you threatened him and demanding you be expelled."

Bella's eyes flashed with humiliation and anger. "What? He's the one who—"

Adrian held up a hand, his eyes still on Leo. "Deal with it."

Leo nodded, but before he could step forward, a jeering voice bellowed from inside.

"Running away to hide, Fox?" Eric slurred, shoving open the balcony doors, a drink in his hand, his mistress following closely behind him, looking mortified.

"Eric, stop," Bella snapped, advancing, but Eric didn't hear her, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Adrian.

"Think you can frighten me with your street act and your rented tuxedo?" Eric laughed, and it was bitter and harsh.

"You think you can show up here, embarrass me, and just walk out on it?"

Adrian's jaw set, his dark eyes unwavering as he looked at Eric as if he were a sulky child.

"Eric, you've been drinking too much," Leo said, advancing.

Eric's gaze flicked to Leo, a sneer twisting his lip. "And you—you're pathetic, staying with this loser, calling him 'Mr. Fox' as if he were somebody. Everybody knows that you work only for Mr. Crimson, and this guy—" he pointed at Adrian, almost spilling his drink, "—isn't him."

Adrian's jaw hardened, but he remained silent, his gaze still on Eric.

Eric laughed again, to the group that had stood to watch. "You see it, don't you? He's nobody. A beggar impersonating someone he is not, using Leo Grant as a tacky prop—"

Smash.

Eric's words were interrupted by Adrian slapping his hand out, seizing the glass from him, shattering it against the marble floor.

The crisp sound echoed, freezing the whispers, the air thick with tension.

Adrian stepped inside, towering over Eric, his dark eyes a tempest.

"Get out," Adrian breathed, and the stillness of his voice was more terrifying than a scream.

Eric retreated a step, his white face as he stared into Adrian's eyes, looking into something that caused the words to stick in his throat.

"Leo," Adrian spoke without dropping his gaze from Eric's.

Leo stepped in, his hand on Eric's arm, gripping him hard. "Come on.".

Eric fought to break loose, but Leo hauled him back through the doors of the balcony, his mistress brought along, her heels clicking crazily.

The door slammed shut, Adrian and Bella alone now in the silence, the shards of glass glinting at their feet.

Bella gasped, her mind reeling. "Adrian…"

His eyes finally released the door, locking onto hers, the shadows relaxing just far enough that she was able to breathe.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low, warm, soothing.

Bella swallowed, nodded, though her legs were shaking.

Adrian stepped closer, his arm around her waist, pulling her to him.

"Don't fear me, bella," he whispered against her hair.

She closed her eyes, her fists balled in the fabric of his suit as she drew air, "I'm trying not to be."

City lights blazed below them, chill wind s******g Bella's skin, but she barely felt it with Adrian's arm clamped tight around her waist.

His hold wasn't hard, but it was no longer gentle.

It was possessive.

And it surprised her how much she didn't want him to let her go.

Adrian's thumb paced slow, dirt-smelling patterns down her spine, his gaze locked on hers, black and unreadable in the light of the balcony.

"You mustn't let him speak to you in that tone," Adrian had said quietly, his voice fluid but something unforgiving behind.

Bella had swallowed. "Eric is nothing. But… Adrian, the manner in which you stared at him, the manner in which he just—" She'd shuddered, breath trembling. "Eric had a look, like he saw something in you that frightened him."

Adrian's lips curled in a little smile, though there was no humor in his eyes. "Good."

She stepped back, confusion roiling in her chest. "What do you mean 'good'? You're scaring me too."

He leaned toward her, his forehead on hers, his scent surrounding her so that she was dizzy.

"You shouldn't be scared of me, bella," he whispered, his voice a dark promise against her mouth.

"Then tell me who you are," she whispered, her fists in his suit.

A muscle ticked in Adrian’s jaw, and for a moment, his dark eyes flickered with something—pain, hesitation, something he couldn’t name.

“When the time is right,” he said softly, “you’ll know.”

Frustration burned in Bella’s chest, but it melted away when his thumb brushed her bottom lip, his gaze dropping to her mouth as if he were debating something.

“Adrian…” she breathed, unable to stop the tremor in her voice.

His eyes snapped back to hers, blazing, impenetrable.

Then he kissed her.

It wasn't gentle.

It wasn't tentative.

It was slow, deep, and claiming, as if he was marking his territory right there beneath the icy stars, indifferent to who happened upon the balcony.

Bella's breathing caught, her hands shooting to his shoulders to steady herself as his arm cinched around her waist, pulling her hard against him.

His lips were warm, urgent, whiskey-flavored and something else, something darker, as he clamped them over hers and kissed her hard, exhaling a soft gasp from her throat.

When he finally released her, their breathing mingling in the cold air, Bella's lips pounded, her heart racing so violently she could feel it in her fingertips.

Adrian's eyes stayed pinned on hers, dark and unreadable. His thumb caressed the puffiness of her bottom lip, a soft smile on his lips.

"I've wanted to do that since the second I picked you up off the street," he breathed.

Bella's eyes widened, her breath catching. "You—

But before she might have inquired, the balcony doors opened and Leo Grant stepped out once again, clearing his throat softly and with emphasis.

"Mr. Fox," Leo stated, looking at Bella before refocusing on Adrian, "it's time."

Adrian's jaw tightened, but he nodded, stepping back, though his hand never removed itself from Bella's waist, holding her fast.

Bella blinked, her head spinning, his taste still on her lips. "Time for what?" she whispered, barely audible.

Adrian didn't say anything, though his dark eyes softened into gentleness as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and left his fingers there.

"Trust me, bella," he breathed.

And for reasons she could not understand, above the fear and confusion swirling in her heart, she nodded.

Leaving the Ballroom

Adrian escorted her back out of the ballroom, ignoring the stares, ignoring Eric's glare across the room, ignoring the whispers which followed them like ghosts.

Bella tried to focus on the chandeliers, the laughter, the soft music, but she could feel Adrian's hand around her waist, his hand warm and firm as if he were the only thing real in a world made of glass.

They stepped outside into the cold of the night, a sleek black car pulling up immediately, Leo opening the door with a respectful nod.

"Mr. Fox," Leo said.

Bella hesitated, her eyes looking up at Adrian as he stared down at her, his dark eyes uncoiling.

"Get in," he whispered.

Bella gulped hard, climbing into the car, her heart pounding as Adrian slid in beside her, the door shutting gently with a sound that seemed like the world closing out around them.

The car glided away from the ballroom, and Bella glanced back at Adrian, speaking softly, almost inaudible.

"Where are we going?

Adrian's gaze flicked to hers, something dark and soft in it as he leaned forward, his fingers brushing against hers.

"Home."