CHAPTER 8

Shit.

"No," I lied, too fast. "Why would I?"

"Huh." His smirk didn't fade. If anything, it deepened.

Before I could panic, he turned his head. "Waiter."

A man appeared instantly. "A bottle," Adrian ordered. Then, his gaze flicked back to me. "Do you want one?"

I should have said no. I should have kept my guard up.

But the way he looked at me—like I was a game he was eager to play—made me reckless.

"Yes."

His expression didn't change, but something flickered in his eyes before he leaned back, watching me like I was more interesting than the drink in his hand.

The bottle arrived. I took a sip, warmth spreading through my chest.

"Thank you," I murmured.

Adrian tilted his head, like he was seeing something unexpected. "No problem."

For some reason, that surprised me. Someone like him—dangerous, untouchable—shouldn't be capable of kindness.

And yet, he was.

"Slow down," he murmured as I took another sip.

I hummed in response, already feeling the alcohol dull my edges.

His gaze flickered. "How old are you?"

"Seventeen," I said automatically.

Adrian stilled.

"Oh," he muttered. "You're still a minor."

I frowned. "Aren't you?"

At the same time, we both spoke.

"You'll be eighteen soon."

Silence.

My blood turned to ice.

Adrian's smirk vanished.

His sharp blue eyes locked onto mine, a calculating glint flashing across them. "Wait." His voice was slow, dangerous. "How did you know that?"

Shit.

"I—uh—just guessed," I stammered, reaching for my drink like it could somehow erase my mistake.

Adrian didn't blink. Didn't move.

Didn't believe me.

The silence between us stretched, thick, suffocating.

And then—

"I should go," I blurted, pushing to my feet.

Bad idea.

The room tilted.

Strong arms caught me before I could hit the ground.

Adrian.

Warm. Steady.

Holding me too close.

"How are you getting home?" His voice was quieter now, almost gentle. "Do you have anyone I can call?"

I shook my head. "No one."

And just like that—the dam broke.

Tears spilled down my cheeks before I could stop them.

Adrian stilled, his usual unreadable expression cracking—just slightly. "What happened?"

"I'm alone," I whispered, the words tumbling out before I could shove them back. "Why doesn't anyone want me?"

His grip on me tightened.

For a long second, he said nothing.

Then—his arms wrapped around me.

Warm. Steady. Safe.

"Everyone around you must be stupid then." His voice was low, steady. "Because I just saw you, and I want you."

My heart stopped.

I hiccupped. "Really?"

He hummed in response, tilting my chin up with his fingers. His touch was gentle, yet it sent a shiver down my spine.

I stared at him, caught in the way the dim lights highlighted his sharp features—his stormy blue eyes, the way his jaw tensed like he was fighting something.

Before I could stop myself, I blurted, "You're so handsome."

Silence.

I froze.

I just called Adrian Morreti handsome.

To his face.

Oh my God.

Adrian blinked. Then again.

And then—

A slow, wicked smirk curled his lips.

Horrified, I grabbed my glass and chugged the rest of my drink.

"Let's go." His tone was unreadable, but the way he looked at me—like he was entertained—made my stomach twist.

Before I could argue, he scooped me into his arms.