KISS'S POV
I barely had time to process what had just happened in Adrian's office. My heart was still hammering, my palms clammy, and my cheeks burned with a mix of embarrassment and something else I didn't quite want to name.
I had to get out. Now.
Grabbing my bag, I pivoted toward the door, heels clicking quickly on the polished floor. The thought of being alone with Adrian after that almost-kiss was unbearable. My chest was tight, my mind racing, and every logical part of me screamed: run. Run before he notices how much that moment shook you.
"Wait," Adrian's voice stopped me dead in my tracks.
I froze, bag halfway in my hand, and slowly turned with my heart accelerating I thought I'll die soon.
His expression was calm, collected, but the depth in his eyes made me shiver. He was standing near my door, hands in his pockets, like he had all the time in the world.
"I'll send you home," he said, voice low, smooth, and impossible to ignore.
My stomach twisted. Send me home? Like a little girl or like I'm something important to him?
"No, I… I don't need a ride," I said quickly, forcing my voice to sound normal. I didn't want to admit that a part of me would have melted into the idea if he insisted.
Adrian raised an eyebrow, the kind of single, silent gesture that carried both amusement and mild warning.
"You're not leaving like this," he said, taking a step closer. "I don't care what you think. You've had a long day. It's late. I'm not arguing."
My mind raced. How could I escape this? How could I get out without embarrassing myself further? Then… an idea.
"Actually…" I started slowly, pretending to check my phone, "I just got a call from… uh… my neighbor. She needs help with her cat. Yeah. Very urgent. Very… cat-emergency."
Adrian's eyes narrowed slightly. "Your neighbor?"
"Yes," I said, smiling sweetly, hoping my innocence would distract him. "The cat is stuck in a tree. You know how it is. Cat emergencies don't wait",I said knowing I already sound like a fool.
He crossed his arms, silent for a moment, clearly not buying it. My heart sank slightly. He was too smart for this.
"You're creative," he said finally, a slow smirk tugging at his lips. "But not fast enough."
I gulped. That smirk was dangerous. He knew.
Adrian walked toward me, and instinctively, I tried to back up—but he was too fast. He reached out and caught my wrist, firm but not harsh. My pulse jumped.
"I said I'm sending you home," he repeated, tone leaving no room for argument.
"Uh…" I stammered, then smiled mischievously. "Well… you can't! You see… I accidentally—very accidentally—locked myself out of my apartment keys! Yes! Can't go home without the keys!"
Adrian blinked, clearly unimpressed.
"You're inventing new problems now?" he asked, voice amused but warning.
"Yes!" I said quickly, clapping my hands together like a child caught in a minor lie. "Very new. Very serious. Must stay here!"
He narrowed his eyes, and for a heartbeat, I thought he might see right through me—but then he chuckled, low and dangerous, shaking his head.
"You're impossible," he said softly.
I tried not to smile too widely. That chuckle… it hit my chest differently than anything I expected.
"Maybe," I said lightly, trying to sound nonchalant, "but you already know that."
Adrian took a step back, releasing my wrist, though his gaze stayed locked on me. There was a dangerous energy in his eyes, one that made my stomach twist in ways I couldn't fully explain.
"Fine," he said finally, with a mock sigh. "You win—for now. But Miss Hilson…" He leaned slightly closer, voice dropping. "You're not escaping next time. I'll make sure of it."
I gulped, heart racing, and for once, I didn't protest.
"Yes, sir," I murmured softly, trying to keep my composure even as my brain screamed at me that I was walking on a wire over an emotional abyss.
---
ADRIAN'S POV
Watching her scurry out of the office like a cornered fox made me both frustrated and… entertained.
I knew she was trying to hide her reaction, trying to play tough, but the way her cheeks were flushed, the way her eyes flicked nervously, and the tiny hesitation in her steps betrayed her.
She cared.
And that knowledge twisted something deep inside me. Something I wasn't ready to admit, even to myself.
I had nearly kissed her. Nearly.
And the idea of her standing there, pretending to be clever and independent while her heart raced… made me want to… no. I stopped myself. Not here. Not now.
"Miss Hilson or Kissabel …" I murmured under my breath, watching her disappear down the hallway. The warmth of her almost-lips, the spark of her defiance—it is very addictive.
And damn it, I didn't know how long I could resist this charm.
---
KISS'S POV
I practically sprinted to the elevator, cheeks flaming, trying to make myself invisible. Too close. Too intense. Too much.
By the time I got to the lobby, my hands were trembling. I had survived the near-kiss, the office intensity, and Adrian's dangerous calm. Now, I only had one goal: make it home, lock the door, and hide from the world… or at least from him.
I barely noticed the receptionist looking at me oddly as I practically shoved my card into the elevator.
Finally, as the doors closed, I leaned against the wall, exhaling shakily. My mind replayed everything that had just happened, over and over.
Adrian had defended me. He had leaned close—too close. And somehow, he had allowed me to escape, giving me the smallest sliver of control.
And that control… made me want more.
I pressed my lips together, realizing something that scared me more than the near-kiss: resisting him was going to be hardly … impossible.