Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 88551 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 443(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88551 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 443(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
31
Winter
I never thought Adrian would actually let us out.
When I came up with this plan, the only variable was Adrian. He always keeps me in an ivory tower that he’s somehow blocked from the outside world.
So when I asked him to let me and Jeremy outside, I thought he’d refuse, even though I used my body to relax him a little. Well, used is an exaggeration. I enjoyed every second of last night’s sex. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I was a little terrified by the pure want I saw on my face in the mirror.
But I also used it to my advantage.
Adrian becomes more open to me when he’s inside me. I wouldn’t say he lets his guard down, but he’s more attuned to me. And for that, I had to completely let go, to sacrifice my fight so he’d fall more into me. I couldn’t have managed to do it if I’d faked it or resisted him. He’s too perceptive, so methodical that I held my breath the entire night thinking he’d catch onto me.
I’m still holding my breath.
Jeremy is playing with his toy car as we sit on the bench in a nearby park. Two of Adrian’s guards stand not far from us, but I convinced them to give us some room. They’re both bulky, scowly, and scary as hell. They would draw more attention instead of warding it off.
The sky is cloudy, the air chilly, and the wind is a constant reminder of the cold season each time it blows my hair back.
The park’s busy, though, as I'd hoped. Kids are playing with their toys and adults are jogging or cycling. It’s the type of chaos that’s keeping the guards on their toes and will work in my favor.
The unknown phone number—or ‘shadow,’ as I like to call him—said he’ll make contact. I sent him a text that I would be in this park today before I deleted the entire conversation.
I’m not sure if Adrian is going through my phone, so I couldn’t take any risks.
Waiting for the shadow to make contact is a whole new concept of nerve-wracking. I’ve been watching my surroundings for the past half an hour like a junkie searching for her next fix. I forced myself to remain still so I wouldn’t alert the guards. They’re neither Kolya nor Yan, but they’re Adrian’s men all the same. They’re alert and won’t hesitate to inform their boss if they notice something sketchy.
My phone vibrates in my purse.
My heart thunders as I retrieve it. Adrian. Although I should feel disappointed that it’s not the shadow, my pulse skyrockets even more.
I wish there was a way to stop myself from having this reaction whenever Adrian is involved. I wish I wasn’t lusting after a married man.
Fuck.
It’s not only lust. It’s something more, and that’s what brought tears to my eyes this morning in the shower.
It doesn’t matter, though. He’s not mine and never will be. That’s why I need to leave.
He doesn’t call me usually—but then again, usually he has me under his watch at home.
Clearing my throat, I answer, “Hey.”
“Are you and Jeremy having fun?” His calm, sophisticated voice comes through. I can imagine him sitting behind his desk and tapping his finger on the table.
“Yeah.” I glance at Jeremy, who’s now preoccupied with watching an army of ants disappearing behind the bench.
“It’s cold.”
“We wore coats, scarves, and gloves. You made sure of it, remember?”
“I do.”
“We’re fine, Adrian. We really are.”
“I like that.” His voice drops in range.
“You like what?”
“You two being fine.”
You mean Lia and Jeremy. But I don’t say that, choosing to remain silent.
“Have a date with me tonight.”
“A d-date?”
“Yes. It’s when two people have one-on-one time together.”
“I know what a date is. I’m just not sure why you want it.”
“You’re already having a date with Jeremy. Why not with me?”
“Are you jealous of your own son?”
“Sometimes. What do you say?”
“About what?”
“The date.”
“Do I even get to refuse?”
“You do, but it’s more fun if you don’t.”
“Fine.”
“I’ll see you later, Lenochka.”
“Go see your fucking comatose wife,” I mutter to the dead line as I release a harsh breath.
I know all this is acting, but it’s getting tedious and I want out of this whole charade. I want to erase the day that I first met Adrian. I want to go back to being the nobody on the streets, thinking about my next meal with Larry.
I wonder if I will find my old friend now.
“Mommy, look!” Jeremy exclaims, pointing at a mini passing circus.
A few clowns walk by with large balloons in their hands. A man on tall stilts throws balls in the air and another man with painted white and black eyes plays the harmonica. The crowd’s attention shifts to them. The children—including Jeremy—are completely captivated by the show.
They stop near us, the clowns dancing and taking children by their hands. One of them perches over to Jeremy and gives him a balloon.