Worlds Apart

Brooding Connections

I didn’t realize when I had fallen asleep again. I guess it was boredom. By the time I woke up, it was already the next day. I had no idea if Adrian was back yet or not. Half of me wanted to check on him, but before I could decide, I heard a knock at the door. It was Adrian. He had come to suggest we go have breakfast together downstairs.

This is new, I murmured to myself as I asked him to come in, giving him five minutes to wait while I changed. I could feel my stomach tighten, realizing that I was becoming strangely comfortable with my usually mean boss. The feeling unsettled me, but I couldn’t shake it.

I quickly changed and joined him. The hotel’s restaurant exuded class, and I couldn’t help but admire the view. I think it’s safe to say I’ve never been to such a luxurious place before. When the waiter asked what I was going to have, Adrian suggested something for me, and I gladly accepted.

While eating, I decided to start a conversation. I asked how the business was going so far, and he began drawing me into the details. He then made it clear that I would be joining him for the meeting that evening and that I had to make sure I was prepared in time.

The breakfast went surprisingly well, and I found myself smiling as I walked back to my room. No way was I falling for him, I told myself, trying to banish the thought.

By evening, I had finished getting dressed for the meeting. As I was about to leave my room, I saw Adrian leaving his, probably to knock on mine. He assessed my outfit with a brief nod before leading the way to the meeting room. I sat at his left side. The room was filled with mostly men and a few women, all exuding power. I stayed silent, carefully jotting down summaries of the discussion. Adrian’s powerful tone commanded attention, and I dared not make a sound as the room hung on his every word.

After the meeting, as we were leaving, I accidentally collided with one of the men from the meeting room. He seemed nice enough, quickly apologizing and extending his hand to introduce himself. As I took his hand, I noticed Adrian turn just in time to witness the gesture. The look he gave me made a shudder run down my spine.

I quickly let go of the stranger’s hand and trailed after Adrian, the tension in the air palpable. I could feel it. The unmistakable weight of his anger, even though he hadn’t said a word.

Just as I was about to step into my room, he yanked me by the hand, dragging me into his. The door slammed shut behind us. I didn’t even have time to react before his lips collided with mine. His kiss was hard, like he was trying to punish me while at the same time, it felt like he was trying to make me feel something—something I wasn’t sure I wanted to feel.

I didn’t have time to process what was happening. Everything about it was overwhelming. His grip on me was possessive, yet there was an undeniable spark between us that I couldn’t ignore. Part of me wanted to fight it, but another part of me was... giving in.

Then, just as quickly as it had begun, he stopped. He pulled away abruptly, like he regretted it, like it had been a mistake. His words hit harder than I expected.

“You shouldn’t go around throwing yourself at any man you come across.”

His words stung, humiliating me in a way I couldn’t even explain. My ego took a blow, and I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment.

Without saying another word, I walked out of his room and into mine, slamming the door behind me, a mix of anger and confusion swirling inside me.

How could he do this?

I fell onto the bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to make sense of everything. He was insane. I shook my head, but deep down, I couldn’t help the nagging feeling that maybe... just maybe, I was starting to feel something I shouldn’t.