Chapter Eight A Heart in Turmoil
869 Words
"What do you mean?" Elena’s eyes widened in shock. "You… you saw everything?"
Which meant… he’d seen her slap Victor too?
Was he here now to scold her for it?
"And you’re here to make me apologize to Victor, aren’t you?" Her voice rose with sudden anger, her gaze sharp as a blade. "Well, let me tell you right now, there’s no way in hell that’s happening!"
Adrian blinked in surprise, then quickly shook his head.
"No. That’s not why I came."
His voice was unusually soft, and if she hadn’t been so upset, Elena might have noticed that for once, Harrington’s famously cold and ruthless CEO looked… awkward.
Truthfully, Adrian had never meddled in anyone’s business. He wasn’t the type to care.
But tonight, seeing Elena humiliated and hurt like that, something in him had snapped.
He hadn’t stopped to think about it.
The image of Victor forcing a kiss on her had sent a flash of rage through him, and before he realized what he was doing, he’d already kissed her too — trying to erase the other man’s disgusting touch.
"Then why… why did you come out here?" Elena’s voice was quieter now, confused.
Adrian hesitated for a moment.
"I… I was worried you’d be upset. I came to check on you," he muttered.
If Elena had been paying attention, she might’ve caught the faint pink tinge on his usually impassive face.
"You?" Elena sucked in a sharp breath, staring at him in disbelief.
Was it possible? Did he… care about her?
The thought sent a warmth spiraling through her chest.
"But… I slapped Victor. Your business deal with Sovereign might be ruined because of me. Aren’t you angry?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She risked a glance up at him, searching his face for any sign of displeasure.
Adrian met her gaze squarely, his voice steady.
"Why would I be angry? You think I’d sell out one of my people just to secure a deal? I’m not that kind of man. I may not be a saint, but I’m no coward, and I don’t betray my own for the sake of business."
For a long, breathless moment, Elena just looked at him.
Her heart pounded wildly in her chest.
She quickly averted her gaze, feeling her face burn.
"And… why did you kiss me?" The words tumbled out before she could stop herself, and the moment they did, she regretted it. i***t, Elena! Why bring that up now?
Adrian arched a brow, a slow smirk curving his lips.
"You really want to know?"
The faint scent of cologne and whiskey clung to him, and his nearness made her head spin.
"I-I mean… you don’t have to answer," she stammered, blaming her dizziness on the champagne she’d sipped earlier.
Adrian’s voice was low and rough when he spoke again.
"I don’t know why either," he admitted. "I just… seeing you like that, I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to comfort you. And I hated the thought of another man’s touch on you."
Elena’s breath caught in her throat.
Was this a confession?
Her heart fluttered wildly, a mix of confusion and a strange, forbidden hope.
She stared at him, lost in thought, until Adrian coughed and scowled.
"What are you staring at, i***t? Get up. I’m driving you home."
The spell broke.
Elena hastily looked away, mentally scolding herself.
Don’t be ridiculous, Elena. He’s not the kind of man who falls for someone like you. Don’t start getting foolish ideas.
She stood up silently and began walking away.
"Hey, where do you think you’re going?" Adrian grabbed her wrist. "The exit’s this way."
She yanked her hand back and followed him without a word.
"What the hell’s your problem now?" Adrian grumbled, glancing at her sideways. "I didn’t do anything to you, did I? Why are you giving me that miserable look?"
Elena stayed silent, refusing to speak.
"Dammit," Adrian cursed under his breath. "I didn’t do anything to deserve this, you know. I even saved you back there!"
The night wore on, Adrian ranting irritably, Elena retreating into silence, and neither of them realized it yet, but something unfamiliar had quietly begun to stir between them.
. . .
What is it with that man, anyway?
Back at her desk the next day, Elena sighed, resting her chin in her hand. What does he really want from me?
She was so lost in thought she didn’t even notice the shadow looming over her until a deep, familiar voice spoke.
"Elena, what’s wrong with you? I didn’t hire you to daydream." Adrian frowned down at her.
"I… I…"
Elena opened her mouth but couldn’t find the right words.
Should she ask him directly? Should she pretend nothing happened?
"If there’s nothing, then get back to work," Adrian snapped, turning on his heel and heading back into his office without another glance.
Elena watched his retreating figure and felt a pang in her chest.
Elena, you fool. Don’t let yourself fall for him. You’re nothing to him. Just one of countless women in his world. Don’t be stupid enough to believe you mean something.
But deep down, she knew it was already too late.
- Writer
