Page 60 of Protected By My Playboy Billionaire

“No ‘little duck’ today?” I ask playfully.

“You’re always my little duck. It doesn’t mean I can’t call you baby.” He flicks my nose and points at my plate. “Would you like another pancake?”

“I’m good for now. I’ll get some more later. Thank you. These truly are the best pancakes.” I kiss his bare chest and smile up at him. “I’ll wash the dishes and clean up while you get ready.”

He leans down and kisses me once more before pulling away just enough to look at me. His eyes are glistening, clear and warm as he scans my face with a smile.

“What?” I ask, turning my head to kiss the palm of his hand.

He shakes his head. “Nothing.” But the smile remains.

Alone in Adrian’s apartment, I decide to make the most of my day off. After spending a couple of hours in the library, I return to the living room. The weather outside is still gloomy, with raindrops pattering against the windows, so cozying up indoors sounds like the perfect plan.

I head to the kitchen, grab a bag of popcorn, and pop it in the microwave. Once it’s ready, I return to the living room with snacks in hand, set them on the coffee table, and then grab a blanket from underneath the couch and settle in.

As I look around, I notice something different about the couch—it’s spotless, the bloodstain from last night completely gone. Adrian must have taken care of it before he left for work. Smiling, I rise from the couch and make my way over to the fireplace. With a flick of the switch, the flames dance to life, casting a warm, flickering light around the room.

With popcorn in hand, I grab the remote and power on the TV, flicking through the channels for something to watch. After scrolling through a few options, I settle on a romcom. As the movie begins,I snuggle deeper into the blanket and pop a handful of popcorn in my mouth.

Halfway through the movie, my phone suddenly buzzes, startling me. I fumble for it, expecting to see a message from Lilly or Adrian., but a text from Ethan pops up instead.

Ethan: I’m on my way. Stay where you are.

I furrow my brows in confusion. Did he text me by mistake? Maybe this was meant for someone else.

Without hesitation, I dial Ethan’s number, but it goes straight to voicemail. My stomach drops as panic sets in. Ethan always answers his phone, no matter what. What the hell is happening? I set the bowl of popcorn aside and quickly dial Adrian’s number, my hands trembling.

“Hey.” He picks up after just one ring.

“Adrian, Ethan just texted me.” I pause, unsure how to word it.

“What’s wrong?” I can hear the tension in his voice.

“He texted me to stay where I am and that he’s coming. I don’t know if the text was meant for me, but he won’t pick up the phone. He always picks up his phone,” I blurt it all out.

“Shit.” There’s a brief pause before Adrian responds. “I’m coming back,” he says firmly.

“Okay,” I reply, my mind spinning with possible reasons. “Do you know anything?”

“I’ll be home soon,” Adrian assures me, his tone unwavering. “Just stay put and keep trying to reach him. I’m coming.”

I nod, even though he can't see me. “Okay,” I reply, trying to steady my breathing.

“I’m coming,” Adrian says again before hanging up.

I stare at my phone for a few seconds before calling Ethan again. Nothing. If the text was really meant for me, what on earth could have made Ethan fly back home, and why won’t he answer his phone?

Twenty minutes and a dozen attempts to reach Ethan later, Adrian strides into the penthouse, his expression tense with concern. I rush to meet him, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Did you reach Ethan?” he asks as soon as I’m within earshot.

I shake my head, my voice trembling. “No, he’s not answering. Did youspeak to him?”

Adrian’s expression darkens as he shakes his head. “No, but I received this on my way back,” he says, pulling out his phone, opening his messages, and handing it to me.

My eyes widen in shock as I recognize the footage, my hand flying to my mouth. It’s a video from last night of me protesting as Adrian throws me over his shoulder and carries me into the car, making it seem like he’s forcing me against my will.

“Oh my god,” I gasp, unable to tear my gaze away from the screen.