Adrian's penthouse guest room was beautiful — warm-toned, spacious, clearly prepared in a hurry but still meticulous.
Zara noticed everything:
• the fresh sheets
• the folded blanket
• the glass of water on the nightstand
• the small vase of white flowers
"You did all this?" she asked softly.
His voice was low. "I don't like carelessness. And I don't bring people here."
A beat passed.
"I mean that literally, Zara. No one stays here. Ever."
Her chest tightened.
Why her?
She set her bag down gently. "Thank you. Really."
He didn't move. He stood by the door, watching her with an unreadable expression — the kind that made it impossible to think straight.
Then, after a long pause:
"There will be rules."
Her breath caught.
Of course. Adrian Kole always had rules.
"What kind of rules?" she asked.
He approached her slowly — each step measured, controlled, almost predatory in its quiet confidence.
When he reached her, he lifted a hand but didn't touch her — just hovered his fingers near her chin, close enough to feel the heat.
"Rule one," he murmured.
"You tell me when you're uncomfortable."
She nodded, almost breathlessly.
"Rule two. You don't disappear on me again."
Her eyes widened. "I didn't—"
"You shut down," he said softly. "You fade when you get overwhelmed. I see it."
Zara's throat constricted. "Adrian…"
"Rule three," he continued. "If you need something… you tell me. No guessing games."
Her heart twisted, warmth spreading through her chest.
This wasn't control.
It was protection disguised as dominance.
"And rule four?" she whispered.
Adrian's lips curved just slightly — not a smile, more like a secret he wasn't ready to say aloud.
"Rule four… I'll tell you when you're ready for it."
Her pulse jumped.
"And if I break a rule?" she asked.
He leaned in — not touching, but close enough that the air shifted between them.
"Then I'll handle you," he said quietly.
"Gently. But firmly."
Zara's breath tangled in her lungs.
Then suddenly — as if he sensed how close she was to combusting — he stepped back.
"Get some rest," he said, voice steady again. "If you need anything… call my name."
He left the room, closing the door softly behind him.
Zara sank onto the bed, her heart pounding violently, whispering to he
rself:
"What am I getting into?"
But somewhere deep down…
She already knew.