The heavy rain lashed against the windows of the estate, creating a steady, rhythmic drumming that filled the dimly lit corridors. Thunder rumbled in the distance, vibrating through the stone walls. The storm outside mirrored the storm brewing inside Adrian's chest.
His knuckles were bloodied. His hands trembled slightly as he wiped them on a white towel, now stained crimson. He stood before the large mirror in his bathroom, staring at his reflection. His eyes were cold. Void. A haunted storm of rage and darkness swirling behind them.
The photo of Liana—the one Scarlet had sent—was still crumpled on the sink. The mocking note scrawled on the back felt like a knife lodged in his chest.
"You can't protect her forever."
Adrian's fingers tightened around the edge of the sink. His nails scraped against the porcelain. His jaw clenched as he tried to steady his breathing.
But nothing could extinguish the rage inside him.
Not anymore.
---
The Garden – Fading Innocence
Liana sat on the stone bench beneath the old oak tree, her arms wrapped around herself. The cold wind bit at her exposed skin, but she barely felt it. Her chest was tight, her throat raw from the emotions clawing at it.
She stared at the wilting roses in front of her. Their petals were soaked and bruised by the storm, drooping under the weight of the rain. Once vibrant, they now looked broken.
Just like she felt.
The photograph Adrian had shown her still haunted her.
Someone had been watching her.
And not just watching. Stalking.
Calculating.
Waiting.
A chill ran down her spine despite the warm jacket she wore. She tightened her arms around herself, trying to hold in the growing fear.
The sound of boots crushing the damp grass made her stiffen. She knew who it was before he even spoke.
"You shouldn't be out here," Adrian's voice was low, rough.
She didn't turn. She kept staring at the roses. "I needed air."
He moved closer, his dark silhouette towering over her. "It's freezing, Liana." His voice was laced with frustration, but there was a softness beneath it. "You'll get sick."
Her fingers tightened slightly against her arms. "I'm fine."
Without a word, Adrian slipped off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. The heavy fabric was still warm from his body heat, and she shivered slightly at the unexpected comfort.
He sat down beside her, close enough that their legs were barely touching. His presence was overwhelming, suffocating. But she didn't pull away.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The rain dripped softly from the branches above them, the occasional drop splashing against their faces.
Finally, she whispered, "Do you think they'll stop?"
His jaw tightened. "No."
He didn't sugarcoat it.
He wouldn't lie to her.
She inhaled sharply, her chest tightening. "What do they want from me?"
His hands fisted at his sides. His knuckles turned white. "It's not about you, Liana." His voice was low, dark. "It's about me. You're just…" He trailed off, closing his eyes briefly. "…the easiest way to destroy me."
Her stomach twisted painfully.
She turned toward him, her voice barely a whisper. "Why me?"
Adrian's gaze flickered down to her face. His eyes softened slightly—just barely. "Because you matter." His voice was hoarse. Rough. "More than I ever wanted you to."
Her breath caught in her throat.
Before she could respond, his hand came up slowly, brushing a damp strand of hair from her face. His fingers lingered at her cheek, and when she leaned into his touch, his hand slid down, cupping her face.
Her lips parted slightly, her breath uneven.
And then, without another word, he kissed her.
The rain blurred around them, the coldness forgotten. His lips were rough and demanding, but there was a desperate tenderness in the way he held her face. Like he was afraid she would slip away.
She clutched at his shirt, pulling him closer, losing herself in him.
When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against hers, their breaths mingling in the cold air.
"You should be running from me," he whispered hoarsely. "You should hate me for pulling you into this."
Her hands tightened slightly against his chest. "I don't want to run."
The admission hung between them, raw and vulnerable.
For the first time in his life, Adrian Sinclair was afraid.
Not of his enemies.
Not of death.
But of losing her.
---
The Warehouse – Scarlet's Next Move
At the far edge of the city, a dimly lit warehouse stood abandoned, its windows shattered, its walls covered in graffiti. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of damp concrete and gasoline.
Scarlet stood near the window, her red hair falling in loose waves over her shoulders. Her lips curled into a slow, menacing smile as she lit a cigarette.
Lucas Donovan leaned against the wall beside her, watching her carefully. His sharp eyes narrowed slightly.
"You're enjoying this too much," he drawled.
Scarlet's eyes glimmered with cruel amusement as she exhaled a cloud of smoke. "And why shouldn't I?" She turned to face him, her lips twisting into a smirk. "Adrian Sinclair is coming undone, piece by piece."
Lucas arched a brow, unimpressed. "You're playing a dangerous game."
Scarlet's smile widened. She turned slightly, lifting a small black box from the table. She ran her fingers over the sleek metal casing with a dark glimmer in her eyes.
"You underestimate me, Lucas." She purred softly. "Adrian may be ruthless…" She traced the edge of the device lightly with her fingertips. "…but he has a weakness."
Lucas's eyes narrowed. "And what's that?"
Scarlet's lips curved into a wicked smile. She turned the device slightly, revealing the tiny screen. A red blinking light appeared—a live feed.
The image was grainy but clear enough.
Liana.
Alone in the library, unaware of the hidden camera watching her every move.
Scarlet's voice was soft but venomous. "Her."
---
The Estate – The Calm Before the Storm
Liana sat cross-legged on the floor of the library, oblivious to the camera hidden inside the antique clock behind her. She flipped through an old book, but her mind was elsewhere.
She rubbed her wrist absentmindedly, still sore from the bruises. Her heart was still racing from the kiss she shared with Adrian, but the weight of the danger around her made it hard to breathe.
She didn't hear the footsteps.
But she felt him.
Adrian's hands slipped around her waist from behind, pulling her back against his chest. His lips brushed against the side of her neck softly, sending a shiver through her.
She leaned into him, closing her eyes.
"You're still trembling," he murmured against her skin.
She barely managed a whisper. "I'm fine."
But she wasn't.
And he knew it.
His arms tightened around her possessively, his breath warm against her ear.
"You won't lose me," she whispered, as if sensing his unspoken fear.
His grip on her tightened slightly, his lips brushing against her temple.
"No, Liana," he murmured darkly. "You won't lose me. But they…"
His voice dropped into a deadly whisper.
"…they will lose everything."
---
See you in next chapter.....