Page 17 of Protected By My Playboy Billionaire

“I would love you to,”she breathes.

“Mm, let’s see just how much,” I say, my voice low and husky, offering her my arm as we make our way into the building.

As soon as we’re inside her apartment, Mia closes the door behind us and turns to face me. Without a word, my right arm snakes around her waist, and my other hand finds its way to her exposed neck. Our lips crash in a heated kiss, and my fingers tighten around her throat, resulting in a deep moan climbing out of it.

I feel… nothing. Absolutely nothing. What’s happening? I groan in frustration and cup Mia’s head to protect it when I push her against the wall rougher than I’d intended. I put my thigh between her legs and push them apart as a gasp escapes her. I deepen the kiss as if trying to dig out something I’m craving. Something that isn’t there. Something blonde and green-eyed.

It’s not Mia I want. It’s the fucking houseguest back in my penthouse. The little beauty with lush lips and an adorable smile. My body doesn’t want anyone else. The realizationhits me like a ton of bricks. I pull away from Mia, my chest heaving as I try to catch my breath.

“Adrian?” Mia’s voice is filled with concern as she looks up at me, confusion etched on her flushed face.

“I can’t,” I say, my voice strained. I shake my head and take a step back, releasing her.

“Have I done something wrong?”

“Not at all.” I’m not sure if my words reassure her, but they’re all I’ve got.

“There’s someone else on your mind.” I’m surprised by her accuracy. A small, sad smile graces her lips. It’s my turn to look at her in confusion. My silence gives her the answer she needs. “It’s alright. I understand.” She places a hand on my upper arm.

I look down at her and narrow my eyes. She… understands? I thought she might kick me out, but here I am, having a damned therapy session with the woman I should be fucking right now. This has never happened to me before, and I don’t like it one goddamned bit.

Suddenly, she leans in, stepping on her tiptoes, and presses her soft lips to mine. I feel her hands cup my face for a second before she pulls away just as gently.

“Forgive me. I needed to steal one last kiss.”

I don’t regret tonight. This was inevitable, whether it was going to be Mia or someone else. Although, I doubt I’d be met with the same understanding as Mia’s. A bitter chuckle escapes my lips as I step out of the building. As I slide into the car, Mac looks at me, perplexed. He wasn’t expecting me to be back so soon.

“Sir? Is there a problem?” He turns to face me.

“Oh, Mac, you have no idea,” I murmur. It was bad enough for her to flood my mind, to possess every corner of it, but now my body knows it too.

“It’s early. Miss Turner is likely still up.” Mac smiles reassuringly.

“Take me home.”

Chapter eight

~ELANA~

Hours have ticked by since I returned from classes, and there’s still no sign of Adrian. Mac mentioned he might be home late, granting me the rare opportunity to roam the penthouse without feeling under surveillance.

There weren’t any unpleasant encounters with Carson today. Hopefully, it’s because he’s finally given up. Unfortunately, knowing Carson, that’s not likely. I stole a moment to call Lilly and explain why her grand house party plans had to be shelved. My ears are still ringing from the squeal she produced when I told her I’m staying with Adrian.

As I stand in the kitchen, a wave of embarrassment washes over me as I recall the dream I had earlier.

“No.” I press my hands to my face in embarrassment. Seeing Adrian shirtless shouldn’t have led to such a dream, but there it was, vivid and ridiculously realistic. I shudder at the recollection, praying fervently that I didn't engage in any sleep-talk antics. I would have to pack my stuff and pay Ethan a visit in LA if even a sound escaped my lips in my sleep.

With a deep breath, I let my hands fall and scan the unfamiliar cabinets, trying to recall why I ventured into the kitchen. Ah, yes, tea. I quickly open and close cabinets until I find the one with coffee and tea. The brands are all unfamiliar and clearly leagues above my usual budget. I look through the assortment of flavors until I spot the forest fruit one. I climb on the counter, careful not to knock anything over, and reach for the tea.

As I’m perched on the countertop, the sound of movement slices through the air, causing me to startle.

“Quite the acrobat, aren’t we?” Adrian’s voice cuts through the air like a blade, chilling me to the boneas he looms behind me. Slowly, I turn to meet his piercing gaze. His tie is gone, the top buttons of his shirt undone, and his hair looks wind-blown. It’s impossible to look at him and not be reminded of my dream, which feels more like a memory.

“Hey.” I offer him a hesitant smile, but it’s met with cold indifference. He takes long, lazy strides towards me, his eyes locked with mine. “I’m just trying to get the tea.” I point up to the container of forest fruit tea and watch as he effortlessly reaches up and retrieves it. He hands me the glass container, not breaking eye contact. “Thanks.” My voice comes out in a whisper, and I quickly clear my throat while taking the tea from his outstretched hand.

“Honey?” His voice is low. Did he just call me honey?

“Yes?” My eyebrows shoot up. The feeling of being at the same eye-level as him now that I’m kneeling on the counter is unnerving. His eyes dart up, and he reaches once more, retrieving a jar of… honey. Shit. My cheeks immediately heat from the embarrassment.