Amber Rose

Chapter 36: Safe in His Arms

(Amber's POV )

The night air was cool against my skin, but it did nothing to calm the heat that still lingered from his touch.

Adrian walked beside me, silent but close, his golden eyes flicking to me every few seconds—like he was making sure I was still here.

Like he was making sure I was safe.

I should have been used to this by now.

But tonight… tonight felt different.

—

He had kissed me.

Really kissed me.

Not just to tease me.

Not just to frustrate me.

But because he wanted to.

Because he wanted me.

And now?

Now, I had no idea what to do with that.

—

I hugged my arms to my chest, sneaking a glance at him.

He looked calm.

Too calm.

Like he wasn't thinking about it at all.

Like his lips hadn't been on mine less than an hour ago.

And that?

That annoyed me.

—

I cleared my throat. "So… are we just going to pretend that didn't happen?"

Adrian stopped walking.

I barely had time to react before he turned to me, closing the distance in a single step.

His golden eyes burned, his lips curling into a slow, lazy smirk.

"Did you want to pretend?" he murmured.

—

My heart stuttered.

I took a step back. "N-No."

His smirk widened. "That's what I thought."

I huffed, flustered. "You're impossible."

"And you love it."

I glared. "I tolerate it."

He chuckled, stepping closer again, forcing me to back up until I hit the side of his car.

His fingers brushed against my cheek, slow and deliberate.

"You're blushing," he whispered.

I clenched my jaw. "Shut up."

He grinned. "You're cute when you're flustered, sweetheart."

—

I shoved his chest. "Take me home."

He caught my wrist, his grip warm, strong, possessive.

Then, leaning in—his breath hot against my ear—

"Where's the fun in that?"

—

Damn him.

—

The Car Ride

I sat in the passenger seat, arms crossed, pretending I wasn't dying inside.

Adrian drove too smoothly, too confidently— like he wasn't still teasing me, like he hadn't just kissed me like I was the only thing in his world.

I scowled at him.

"You look mad," he mused.

I huffed. "I'm fine."

He glanced at me, his smirk returning. "Liar."

I rolled my eyes, looking out the window.

My face was still burning.

And he knew it.

—

The drive was too short.

Before I knew it, we were in front of my house, the engine idling softly in the silence between us.

I hesitated, gripping the strap of my bag.

I should get out.

I should walk away.

But something about tonight… I didn't want it to end.

And judging by the way Adrian was watching me, waiting—

Neither did he.

—

I sighed. "Are you going to say something or just stare at me all night?"

He smirked. "You like when I stare."

I groaned. "Unbelievable."

—

I went to open the door, but before I could—

His hand caught my wrist, stopping me.

I turned, startled, confused.

And that's when I saw it.

The way his golden eyes softened.

The way his smirk faded.

The way he suddenly looked…

Unsure.

—

"Amber," he murmured, his voice lower, quieter.

I froze.

Because this wasn't his usual teasing tone.

This wasn't Adrian being arrogant and impossible.

This was something else.

Something real.

—

He exhaled slowly, his thumb brushing against my wrist.

Then, softer—

"Be careful."

—

My breath caught.

I swallowed hard, suddenly feeling like I couldn't move.

Like if I did…

Something between us would change forever.

—

He sighed, shaking his head.

Then, smirking again—his voice back to its usual self—

"Get inside, sweetheart. Before I find a reason to keep you here."

—

I stared at him.

Furious. Flustered. Absolutely losing my mind.

Then—

I opened the door, stepping out.

But before I shut it, I turned back, meeting his gaze one last time.

"You already have a reason," I muttered.

Then I slammed the door and ran inside—before he could see how much I meant it.

—