Amber

Chapter 15: The Fire Between Us (Amber's POV )

Adrian Blackwood was infuriating.

And the worst part?

He knew it.

He enjoyed it.

I could see it in the way he stood there, arms crossed, golden eyes watching me like he was amused. Like he had already won whatever stupid battle he thought we were having.

Like he expected me to react.

And maybe that was the problem.

Maybe I had been giving him too many reactions.

Not today.

—

I forced a slow breath, gripping the strap of my bag.

"Move," I said.

Adrian didn't.

He was still blocking the way, leaning against my desk like he had all the time in the world. His fingers tapped lazily against the surface, golden eyes glinting with something unreadable.

"Not until we finish talking," he murmured.

I scowled. "We don't need to talk."

His lips curved slightly. "You seem upset, sweetheart."

I clenched my jaw. "Stop calling me that."

"Why?" His smirk deepened. "You like it."

I scoffed. "No, I don't."

He tilted his head, watching me. Too closely.

"You don't?"

I let out a sharp breath. "God, why do you do this?"

Adrian exhaled, his fingers still tapping against my desk. "Do what?"

I glared. "Act like you own me."

Something shifted in his expression.

It was subtle.

But it was there.

For a moment, he didn't say anything.

Then, smoothly, he pushed off the desk and stepped toward me.

Not too close.

But close enough.

"Is that what you think?" His voice was softer now. Too soft.

I swallowed, keeping my stance firm. "That's what I know."

Adrian hummed, tilting his head slightly. "I think you like that too."

I stiffened. "Excuse me?"

His smirk didn't falter. "You don't pull away when I get close."

I folded my arms. "Maybe I'm just waiting for the right moment to punch you."

He chuckled. "That's cute."

I scowled. "It wasn't supposed to be."

He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping. Too smooth. Too confident.

"But it is," he murmured.

I hated him.

Hated the way my pulse betrayed me.

Hated the way his presence wrapped around me like smoke, making it impossible to think.

"You don't get to do this," I muttered.

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Do what?"

"Act like I belong to you."

His smirk didn't fade.

But something in his eyes changed.

Something darker.

Something dangerous.

"And what if you do?" he murmured.

My breath hitched.

I took a step back. "I don't."

Adrian exhaled, tapping his fingers against the desk.

"Lie."

I clenched my fists. "You can't just decide things for me, Adrian."

His gaze flickered with something sharp. "Haven't I?"

I scowled. "No, you haven't."

He hummed, watching me carefully. "Then why are you still here?"

I stiffened.

Because he was right.

I had every chance to walk away.

But instead?

I was still here.

Still arguing with him.

Still caught in his orbit.

And Adrian Blackwood?

He knew it.

His smirk deepened, and that was the last straw.

I turned on my heel, storming toward the door.

But before I stepped out, his voice followed me.

"See you later, sweetheart."

And I hated that a small, traitorous part of me wanted to turn around.

—