Chapter 2
524 Words
I froze.
My brain screamed don’t get in, but my heart was beating so fast I couldn’t think straight. The rain kept pouring, soaking my clothes again as Adrian stepped closer, the umbrella still shielding me.
“Maya,” he said quietly, “you have nothing to lose tonight.”
He was right.
No home.
No job.
No relationship.
Nothing.
But it wasn’t logic that made me hesitate—it was him.
He was too calm.
Too powerful.
Too… dangerous.
One of the suited men opened the back door of a sleek black car, waiting, eyes lowered like Adrian was royalty.
“Why me?” I whispered.
Adrian didn’t blink. “Because I saw you when you thought no one did.”
His words made my breath stop.
Before I could reply, thunder cracked above us, and Adrian gently placed his hand on my lower back—not pushing, just guiding. For some reason, the gentle pressure made my knees weak.
“Get in the car, Maya. It’s safer inside.”
His voice was soft this time. Almost… protective.
Against every warning screaming in my head, I lowered myself into the car. The interior smelled like expensive leather and something warm—cedar and smoke. The door shut behind me quietly.
Adrian walked around and entered from the other side. The car began moving instantly, like the driver was waiting for only one word.
Silence.
Not uncomfortable, but heavy. Charged.
Adrian watched me for a moment, his eyes scanning my wet hair, trembling hands, and the way I held my soaked bag like it was the only thing I owned.
“Are you scared of me?” he asked finally.
I swallowed. “A little.”
He didn’t look offended. If anything, he looked like he expected that answer.
“Good,” he said softly. “Stay aware. Fear keeps you alive.”
I felt a chill run through me.
“Who are you?” I whispered.
He turned his face away, looking out the window at the city lights.
“No one you should trust,” he said.
My blood ran cold.
Before I could question him, the car suddenly slowed. Adrian leaned forward sharply.
“What’s happening?” he demanded.
“Sir, someone’s tailing us,” the driver said.
My stomach dropped.
Tailing us?
Who would tail a man like Adrian?
Adrian’s jaw tightened. “Take the second route. Lose them.”
The car swerved. I grabbed the seat, heart pounding.
“Adrian?” I whispered, terrified.
He didn’t look at me, but his hand reached out blindly, finding mine. His fingers closed around mine firmly, steadying me.
“I won’t let anything happen to you,” he said, voice low and certain. “Not tonight.”
The car sped up again.
Then—
A loud bang behind us.
Tires screeching.
Lights flashing through the back window.
I gasped. “What’s happening?!”
Adrian squeezed my hand, eyes locked forward, full of danger and something else I couldn’t understand yet.
“Welcome to my world, Maya,” he said.
“A world you’re already in… and can’t walk away from now.”
- Writer
