Page 23 of Protected By My Playboy Billionaire

“I don’t need a reason.” His chin lifts a bit as he looks down at me.

“But I do.” I fold my arms across my chest with my newfound courage.

“Then maybe I’ll give it to you.” His voice drops to a low murmur. “If you agree to come with me.”

His words catch me off-guard, a flush creeping onto my cheeks as I struggle to formulate a response. “That’s unfair.”

“Is it?” He lowers his gaze to my lips and takes a deep breath through his nose. “It’s simple, Elana,” he says, looking back into my eyes. “Come with me, and you can ask me about my reasoning again.”

“You don’t play fair.” My hands fall to my sides, and Adrian takes the opportunity to close the distance between us once again.

“I’ve never played fair, and I’m not planning on starting anytime soon.” He lowers his head until his forehead almost meets the top of my head. “Especially when it comes to you.”

Especially when it comes to me? Heat pools low in my belly as I fight the instinct to look up at him. Fuck. He definitely noticed my change of breathing because his chest shakes gently with a silent chuckle.

“You really don’t take no for an answer, do you? I have nothing to wear,” I breathe out in an attempt to laugh. I hope a joke can get rid of this feeling in my chest spearing down to my lower half. “I might have to borrow one of your suits.” I slowly peek up at him.

A satisfied smirk plays at the corners of Adrian’s lips, a glint of triumph in his eyes. “I’ll have Melissa arrange for suitable attire to be delivered.”

“Do you always talk so funny?” I furrow my brows. “Very proper.”

“Would you like to see just how improper I can get, Elana?” His grin widens, a mischievous spark dancing in his eyes.

That familiar electricity strikes my belly again. Flashbacks of my dream flood my mind, and the butterflies in my stomach threaten to break free. I can do nothing to slow the rush of sensation his question ignites in me except to leave it unanswered.

As Lilly and I step into the boutique, a surge of nervous excitement comes over me. Adrian gave me his card earlier, despite my protests, insisting that I shouldn’t worry about the expenses for the event tonight. I had never seen a black AMEX before. I look down at the card between my fingers. I probably shouldn’t wave this around. I slip the card into the inside pocket of my purse and try to ignore the discomfort of spending Adrian’s money.

“Lilly, I really don’t know about this,” I mutter as we browse through racks of dresses worth more than my tuition.

“Come on, Elana. It’s not every day you get to dress up like a movie star! Adrian clearly wants to make sure you don’t go in that duck dress again.” I gently push her with a laugh. I shouldn’t have told her about Adrian’s nickname for me. “All I’m saying is that you have to look stunning, so let's make sure you do!” Lilly chirps, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

“Alright.” Her enthusiasm is contagious, and I find myself smiling despite my reservations.

As we continue our search, I notice the judgmental glances from the saleswoman. I don’t know if it’s the stick up her ass or my less-than-fancy outfit making her glare at me like that. Either way, it’s making me feel self-conscious. I know I don’t belong here, but I don’t need her to remind me each time our eyes meet.

But then, I spot it—a stunning red velvet dress. The thin straps seem to go below the shoulders and the neckline is lower than what I’m used to. “Lilly, look at this!” I exclaim, rotating the dress for her to see.

“Now, that is why we’re here!” Lilly dramatically points to the dress. “You’ve got to try it on.”

“I think so, too,” I breathe out. I carefully take the dress off the rack and lift it so it doesn’t touch the ground. I’m afraid the slightest touch might ruin it.

It’s just a piece of fabric, Elana.Yes, a very expensive piece of fabric.

As I make my way to the fitting room, the saleswoman’s eyes burn holes in me.

“That dress is from our newest collection, darling. It’s probably a bit out of your budget range,” she comments snidely. “There’s a Forever 21 down the street. I’m sure they have something more fitting for you.”

Before I can say anything, Lilly reaches into my purse and pulls out Adrian’s black AMEX.

“Come again?” She waves it around, and the woman’s eyes widen for a split second before she regains control of her expression.

“Please, accept my apologies.” The woman gives me a nod that I don’t return. “Feel free to try anything you’d like. Do you need any help with the dress?”

“No, thank you.” I give Lilly a look and snatch the card away from her. I look down at itbetween my fingers and scoff before returning it to my purse. It’s absurd how a piece of plastic holds so much power.

I close the dressing room door and hang the dress on the golden hook on the wall. I take off my clothes, feeling more exposed with each item I take off until I’m sitting there in my underwear and shoes. I quickly slip the dress on, careful not to stretch it or do something that would unlock an unfortunate series of events.

This isn’t a rom-com, Elana. Just put the damn thing on.