Page 34 of Protected By My Playboy Billionaire

“I’m glad you like the cocktail.” Meanwhile, Jason continues to flirt with me, his words becoming more playful and suggestive with each passing moment. He leans in closer, his breath warm against my ear as he whispers, “I have another something I’m hoping you might like.”

I furrow my brows in confusion and meet his blue eyes.

“I’m sorry.” He lets out a laugh. “I meant I can make you something else if you don’t like this one.”

“No, I like it.” I take a sip from the second one, feeling the burn. This one is definitely stronger.

Amidst the chatter and laughter of the party, a group of guys nearby starts shouting, their voices growing louder and more obnoxious by the second. Jason leans back. “They won’t leave for a while.” He extends a hand. “Care for a tour of the house? I’m sure we can find someplace more… quiet.”

“I don’t know. I’m supposed to wait for my friend here.” I hesitate, glancing around for Lilly, but she’s nowhere to be seen in the crowded room. “She went to get some Sprite.”

“Yeah, like an hour ago. I feel like she found more than Sprite.” He chuckles. “If she’s looking for you, she can always call or text you.” He shrugs. “Come on.” He points his chin to nowhere in particular.

“Lead the way.” I take his hand and let him lead me through the throngs of people.

We make our way upstairs, away from the noise and chaos of the party below. The air is cooler up here, and I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart as Jason leads me downa hallway.

As my phone buzzes again, I fish it out of my pocket and glance down to see Adrian’s name flashing on the screen. My heart skips a beat at the sight of it.

“Everything alright, beautiful?” Jason, whom I’d momentarily forgot about, is standing a few steps ahead.

“Yeah, it’s my friend. Probably asking where I am. I’ll just let her know I’m okay,” I lie, and he nods as I step away to answer the call.

“Hey,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach.

“Are you alright?” Adrian’s deep voice comes through the phone.

I take a deep breath, feeling a surge of liquid courage from the alcohol coursing through my veins. “Everything’s perfectly fine. You don’t need to worry about me, Adrian,” I reply, my words slightly slurred.

There’s a brief pause before Adrian speaks again, his tone serious. “You’re drunk.”

“Drunk at a party?” I let out a fake gasp. “Impossible!” When he says nothing, I add, “Why don’t you just go to sleep? It’s past your bedtime.”

“Elana, I promised your brother I’d keep an eye on you. That’s exactly what I’m doing.”

“Oh, to hell with that.” I roll my eyes, feeling a surge of frustration. “Ethan, Ethan, it’s all about your promise to Ethan. Is that why you didn’t kiss me? I wanted you to kiss me, Adrian,” I whisper the last part.

Adrian sighs, his voice softening slightly. “Can you at least tell me where you are?”

I hesitate for a moment before replying, “I’m not giving you the address if that’s what you’re asking for.”

Adrian’s tone turns stern once again. “Then send me your location.”

I feel a surge of anger bubbling up inside me, fueled by the alcohol coursing through my system.

“You’re so weird, you know that?” I retort, my words slurred. “You look at me like you want me, then look at me like you hate me a second later. You avoid me all day and then ask for the address of the party. Getting bored in the penthouse? Maybe you should ask one of the many women in your contact listfor company.”

Before Adrian can respond, I hang up the phone, the realization of what I just said hitting me like a ton of bricks. I can practically imagine the look on his face when I hung up, and despite it, I giggle drunkenly to myself. My phone buzzes again, and his name flashes on the screen.

“I’m not giving you the address, Adrian.”

“You have fifteen minutes until I’m there.” His voice comes out loud from the speaker before he hangs up. Fuck.

Chapter fifteen

~ADRIAN~

I storm out of the elevator and into the private garage. I didn’t bother calling for Mac. It would have only set me back. I snatch a set of car keys from the row of hangers and press the unlock button, scanning the lot for any response. A soft beep draws my attention to my Audis, its lights flickering to life as I stride towards it. I hope fifteen minutes is enough for Elana to say goodbye to everyone. I don’t care who I’ll have to bulldoze through to get to her.