Adrian (The vampire)

Chapter 7: A Distraction I Shouldn't Want (Adrian's POV )

I was used to silence.

To people keeping their distance. To walking into a room and feeling the tension crawl up the walls, the unspoken rule that no one should get too close.

I preferred it that way.

So why was I thinking about her?

Amber Rose.

A name I shouldn't remember. A girl I shouldn't care about.

And yet, here I was. Thinking. Remembering. Wondering.

I sighed, tilting my head back against my chair. This was a problem.

—

The night was quiet, just how I liked it.

I sat at my desk, flipping absently through a book I wasn't reading, the pages blurring together.

I was restless.

It had been a long time since someone had looked me in the eye without fear. Since someone had talked back.

She didn't flinch when I teased her. She didn't pull away when she touched meeven after realizing how cold I was.

That should have been enough of a warning.

But no. She just kept pushing.

And worse? I let her.

A soft knock at my door broke my thoughts.

I didn't move. "Come in."

The door creaked open, and Liam, my older brother, stepped inside. His sharp gaze swept over me before he leaned against the doorframe.

"You look annoyed," he said.

I exhaled. "I always look annoyed."

"True," he admitted. "But this feels different."

I didn't respond.

Liam raised an eyebrow. "Something happen at school?"

I closed the book, looking at him blankly. "Why would you assume that?"

"Because I know you," he said simply. "And you're never this distracted unless something—or someone—is messing with your head."

I didn't reply.

Because he wasn't wrong.

Liam smirked. "So, who is she?"

I stiffened. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Sure you don't," he said dryly. "Adrian, I've seen you rip people apart with a single look. But now, you're sitting here, staring at the wall like you've forgotten how to function." He crossed his arms. "You're thinking about a girl."

I clenched my jaw. "It's nothing."

Liam's smirk widened. "Then why do you look like you're fighting an internal war?"

Because I was.

Because I had spent years avoiding attachments, keeping my world small, keeping my interactions to a minimum.

Then Amber Rose happened.

And now?

I couldn't get her out of my mind.

Her sharp comebacks. Her stubbornness. The way her heartbeat stuttered just a little when I leaned too close.

I sighed, rubbing my temple. "It's not what you think."

"Right," Liam said, clearly amused. "Not at all. Just tell me one thing—" He tilted his head, watching me closely. "Do you want her to stay away?"

I paused.

Liam's smirk faded. "Adrian."

I exhaled sharply. "It would be better if she did."

"That's not what I asked."

I didn't answer.

Because the truth?

I wasn't sure I wanted her to.

And that was the problem.

—

The next morning, I walked into class expecting her to look at me.

Expecting her usual glare, her usual sarcastic remark.

But instead?

She didn't even glance my way.

She sat down, pulled out her notebook, and ignored me completely.

Interesting.

I leaned back in my seat, watching her from the corner of my eye.

She was focused, her brows drawn in concentration. Acting.

I smirked.

"Alright, Amber. Let's see how long you last."