It had been for me.
I wasn’t playing games. I loved him. I thought I was over him. Now I was beginning to wonder how I’d ever live without him again. Being stuck together wasn’t helping my resolve by any means. Every time I walked into his bedroom, the framed photo on his nightstand haunted me.
Why that picture? Of all the ones we took together?”
He hadn’t disclosed the reason, no matter how many times I asked him why that photo of us.
The thought alone made me roll my eyes. I had all the time in the world to think. That was the problem. It didn’t matter how I tried distracting myself with some of my favorite books, Adrian was always there.
Lurking.
At that point, the never-ending questions were simply piling on top of one another.
Despite not wanting to sleep in his bed, I did. Even though he had guards at the door twenty-four, seven, I was terrified to sleep alone. Especially after what occurred in his office.
I kept reliving the fear I felt, waking up from nightmares. Nothing like this had ever happened to me before. I didn’t know how I was supposed to feel. I guess up until the glass shattered all around us in his office, it didn’t feel as dangerous as it did now.
My stalker was nowhere to be found and my life was truly in danger. It was a living, breathing nightmare. One that didn’t seem like I’d be waking up from anytime soon.
I was hanging on by a thread, my nerves on ease, just waiting for the other shoe to drop. It was obvious his threats were coming in faster and more violent.
What was next?
I longed to walk outside, stepping into the warm sun. Without having to worry about getting killed or taken.
I missed my old life.
Belle.
My apartment.
There was no peace in my world and it wreaked havoc all around me. As much as I wanted to go back to my old life, I couldn’t help but contemplate him not being part it.
It was one never ending thought mixed into the following. I couldn’t keep up with them anymore.
Through my anxiety, I found myself walking into Adrian’s office, asking, “You’re expecting company?”
With his stare still glued to the paperwork in front of him, he replied, “We’re having company.”
“We’re?”
“That’s what I said.”
“Care to elaborate?”
The doorbell rang.
“I don’t have to. Go answer the door and you’ll find out.”
“You’re going to let me answer the door?” I questioned, surprised. You won’t even let me go get the mail.”
“I know who’s here and they’re no threat to you.”
“What about you?”
His stare connected with me. “I’m not a threat to you either, Paige. The sooner you realize that. The easier our future will be.”
I hid back a smile. “I meant are you coming?”
He winked at me. “I’d love to come.”
“Adrian.” I smiled. “You know what I meant.”
“Do you?”
“Are you exiting your office anytime soon to join us?”
“I’ll be a couple of minutes behind you. I just have to finish this document.”
He checked the monitor on his desk that had all the security cameras in place in his building.
“Miss April led them to the living room. Go be a good host. I’ll be there in a minute”
“Them? I don’t know any of your friends.”
“You sure about that?”
I thought about it for a moment. “Do you even have friends?”
“Friends is a term I use loosely if you must know. But you know you’ll always be my best friend.”
Swoon. Stupid heart.
“What, Cherry?”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“You didn’t have to. It’s written all over your face.”
“And what is my face telling you?”
“That you want to sleep in my arms tonight.”
I shook my head. “I think you’re confusing my thoughts with yours.”
“Paige, go tend to our guests and stop flirting with me.”
My mouth dropped open. “I’m not flirting with you.”
He leaned back into his chair. “You walk around my penthouse in your skimpy little outfits, just baiting me to pay attention to you.”
I looked down at my outfit. “This is a nice dress.”
“It’s a shirt you wear as a damn dress.”
“I have a tiny torso.”
“You have a tiny everything. Especially that tight little pussy of yours.”
“Oh my God!”
He smiled.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t enjoying our banter.
“Now take your tiny pussy and go greet our guests. Belle is waiting for you.”
“Belle?” I exclaimed. “You invited Tristian and Belle for dinner?”
He nodded.
“Ah!” My feet moved on their own, hurrying into the living room. I screamed when I saw her, “This is the best day ever!”
We ran to each other, hugging tightly.
“I can’t believe you’re here!” I was beyond happy with his surprise.
“Me too,” she agreed. “I’ve missed you so much.”
I pulled away, taking a good look at her. “Look at your belly. You look so freaking adorable. How does pregnancy look this good on you?”
Tristian chimed in, “I plan on keeping her that way for a while.”