Chapter 83: Adrian

The storm outside raged on, painting the night in shades of gray and blue. Each droplet that collided with the massive glass windows of my penthouse seemed to echo the chaotic rhythm of my thoughts. But now, more than the storm, it was the lingering taste of her on my lips that muddled my senses.

Pulling away, I took in Emily's expression, a myriad of emotions playing across her dainty, elfish features. I hadn't expected the electricity between us — it was powerful, raw. For a moment, we were both trapped in a silence, punctuated only by our slightly labored breaths. Had I just made a monumental mistake? The weight of that possibility pressed heavily on me.

"How was that?" I finally managed to ask, my voice gravelly. I tried to keep my tone casual, even as my heart raced. Her eyes, widened in surprise, began to reflect a glint of amusement.

She gave a teasing smirk, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Not as bad as I thought it would be... no offense."