Chapter 18:”Calm before the storm”

Adrian’s pov

Standing outside her room, I kept pacing back and forth not knowing whether to knock or just walk past. Since the last incident, she’s been avoiding me and it’s worse since we didn’t go to work anymore.

I could hear the rustling pages of a book, I guess she’s reading a book. I really don’t even know how to go over and invite her for the banquet we would be going for. She made it clear to me that she hated my guts and didn’t want to have anything to do with me but this banquet is a huge deal for me as I get to meet investors too.

I knocked on her door twice but got no response and just as I was about to leave, I heard the door creak open. It looked like she had been away for months while she was just here but staying away from me.

“I’m sorry to disturb you, I just wanted to give you this.” I said stretching out my hand to give her a box. It contained a gown and jewellery for the banquet tonight.

She looked at the box and back at me before muttering some words.

“What’s that for?” She asked.

“It’s what you will be wearing for the banquet this evening. It’s important, if it wasn’t then I would have let you sleep in.

She shrugged and collected the box from my hand before heading towards her bed like I wasn’t standing there.

“Amber.” I called

“What is it again?”

“Can you stop with the silent treatment? It’s killing me.” I practically begged.

She finally looked at me for the first time in how many days.

“Are you trying to control me now? Tell me how to react and what to do?”

“You know that’s not true, that’s not what I meant?”

“I don’t want to speak to you, leave me alone.” She said almost screaming.

“Don’t you think you are overreacting?”

“Oh, now I’m overreacting? You want to control my reactions now my lord?” She said making sure I could hear the sarcasm in her tone.

“I just wanted to protect you and keep you safe, I didn’t want to become cautious and alert them plus I knew you wouldn’t have agreed.”

“All you had to do was ask Adrian, don’t make excuses. Take accountability for your actions and stop acting like a jerk.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. One minute you act like my boss and the other you kiss me and now you want to control my life? I don’t want a control freak around me ok? Choose who you want to be to me and stick to it.”

I stood there perplexed and motionless as I watched her vent out everything.

“If you are going to stand there and say nothing then it’s best you leave.”

“The banquet is for 9pm, be ready.” With that I walked out of her room.

I couldn’t imagine what I had become, standing outside her door and explaining. That’s not my style. But maybe she is right, I know I can be a bit controlling but all she said to me wasn't necessary.

I ran my hand through my disheveled hair as I exhaled loudly. She asked me to pick a side, the second assignment she was giving me in the space of three months.

That’s right, only she had the audacity to order me around and speak to me in a way others wouldn’t dare to. I didn’t mind anyway because her angry face is beautiful to look at not that I deliberately make her mad tho.

How would I submit my assignments to her though when I didn’t even know what I wanted? I mean, I’m yet to determine if it’s love I have for her or just admiration. I’m just going to settle down and try to ignore all those thoughts going on in my head.

Amber’s Pov

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the gown for what felt like the hundredth time.

“Unbelievable,” I muttered under my breath.

I smoothed the fabric down my hips, turning slightly to the side. The dress fit perfectly

“How does he even know my size?” I whispered, narrowing my eyes at my reflection.

For a second, I almost let myself think about it but I quickly shut it down.

I picked up the jewelry from the box and wore them while trying to take my mind off Adrian.

“Control freak.” I scoffed lightly.

Once I was done, I took one last look at myself and I was pleased with the outcome.

As I stepped out, I saw him. Looks like he’s been waiting for a while, not like I care.

He was leaning against the railing, looking like a snack too but I would rather chew jeans than compliment him.

The moment his eyes caught mine, I could see him stare and I loved that I had such an effect on him.

“You look…” he paused briefly, like he was searching for the right word. “…breathtakingly gorgeous.”

“Thanks.” I said without a smile. I wasn’t going to make this easy for him

****

The drive to the banquet was suffocating. No music, no conversation, just silence.

I kept my gaze out the window, refusing to look at him but I could feel his eyes on me.

If he wanted to say something, he should.

We eventually got to the banquet and it was grand. I had never gone for such a luxury event before but here I was.

The lights, laughter, expensive suits, and fake smiles. The typical rich people gathering and everything about it screamed power.

The moment we walked in together, heads turned then the whispers followed.

Adrian Volkov and his wife.

I felt his hand lightly brush against my back as he guided me forward. I could see he was trying to pass a message like he was claiming me as his, it was precise.

“Amber.”

I didn’t need to turn to know who it was. Only Adrian and Richard knew my name in this part of the world so I wasn’t surprised.

I slowly turned, offering him a small smile.

“Hi, Richard.”

“You look stunning tonight,” he said, his gaze lingering

“Thank you.”I said with smiles plastered all over my face.

I could feel Adrian’s eyes on us but I didn’t care. Let him watch. I knew what I was doing was drastic but I needed to teach him a lesson. What other way than to use his rival for that.

“Care for a dance?” Richard asked, extending his hand.

Just who I wanted.

“Why not?”

He took my hands and we headed to the dance floor. The music was slow and smooth. And Richard knew his onions well, he’s an excellent dancer.

We moved effortlessly, like we had done this a hundred times before.

I laughed softly at something he said, letting myself relax into the moment.

From the corner of my eyes, I could see Adrian at the bar stand, gulping drinks after drinks.

His expression is unreadable. I expected him to act out of character but he didn’t. I guess it was because he knew what was at stake. So many investors and big business moguls that he would love to partner with in the future, he prolly didn’t want to take chances.

The banquet finally ended and the air between us was worse than before.

He didn’t say a word to me, instead he led me towards the car and we drove home. From the way he acted, I could tell he wasn’t fully sober.

The moment we drove into the house, he dismissed the driver immediately. He loosened his tie, and exhaled sharply like he was holding back.

“Enjoy yourself?” he asked, his voice low.

I turned to him. “I did.”

Then he laughed softly but there was no humor in it.

“Of course you did.”

Before I could say anything, he stepped closer.

“You think I didn’t see that?” he said.

“See what?” I shot back.

“The way he touched you.”

“Don’t exaggerate Adrian, we were only dancing.”

“And what did I tell you concerning Richard?” he snapped. “You’re my….”

“There you go again.” I cut in

Silence filled the space.

“Look, I’m sorry. I just don’t want to lose you.”

That caught me off guard, completely.

“What?” I asked.

He ran a hand through his hair, frustration written all over him.

“I’ve lost someone before,” he said quietly.

He looked a bit sober than before.

“I watched my mother fade right in front of me,” he continued. “Day after day, helpless. And there was nothing I could do.”

“She kept smiling like she was fine,” he added. “Even when I knew she was suffering. Then one day, she was gone. No goodbye notes, nothing.”

“I don’t do attachment,” he said. “Because losing people…” he exhaled. “…destroys you and I don’t want to go through that again.

His eyes met mine.

Something inside me softened.

“And who said you would lose me, silly?” I said quietly.

He looked at me and smiled. Before I knew it, he kissed me. This time, the kiss was slower and intense. I kissed him back while my hands gripped his shirt tightly. By the time we were done kissing, we were both out of breath.

“I want you Amber,”

“Then take me.”

He carried me in a bridal style up to his room, he laid me gently on the bed as I watched him unclad. He had a well built body and those arms, I could die for it.

“Like what you see?”

I nodded shyly

“It’s yours baby.”

Before I could make sense of the words, he engulfed me in another breathtaking kiss. As he kissed me, I felt his hands rummage through my body and land on my boobs. His palm covered it in a whole and I began to wonder how big his palm could be.

The tingling sensation from my boobs brought me back to reality, I couldn’t feel him knead my nipples and the feeling I got from it was enough to send me out of this world. The warmth from his lips on my nipples almost had me spiralling out of control and I didn’t know what I was muttering anymore nor did I care.

“Oh Adrian,” I moaned.

“Relax, I’m just starting.”

He trailed his fingers down to my abdomen, my breath hitched but he continued anyway. I could feel his fingers in my lower region and oh the pleasure he gave me. He gently played with my clitoris and I could feel my body shake in pleasure.

“Oh fuck, Adrian. Please, don’t stop.”

“You like it ?

I didn’t get to reply, I felt his tongue down there and the feeling was heavenly. I found myself muttering words I couldn’t understand. With my head thrown backwards I begged and pleaded for Adrian to stop but it fell on deaf ears. I finally climaxed but it seemed like he wasn’t done with me yet.

“You are so sexy Amber”

He climbed to the bed and I could see his member spring up and ready for action.

“How did that fit in before?” I asked in amusement.

“I can wait if you are not ready.”

“No, I’m ready, please take me.”

That was all the confirmation he needed. I could feel him at the entrance of my region and when he entered, a gasp escaped my lips. I didn’t know how I was able to take him the first time but that didn’t matter. He waited for a bit as if trying to let me adjust to his size but my desire outweighed my sense of reasoning.

I arched my back forward as a go ahead for him and he got the message. At first, he went slow and then faster till we both climaxed together.

******

Morning came faster than I expected it. I woke up before him and watched him sleep for a moment. He looked peaceful and happy, different from when he was trying to be a control freak.

A small smile tugged at my lips then I got a thought. Maybe, I could do something nice for him. Just maybe cook something simple but different from the usual.

I slipped out quietly and got dressed, no security and no driver. There was no need for that, the market wasn’t far.

I picked up groceries quickly, mentally planning what to cook, something he would like.

As I approached the villa, I anticipated the look on his face that I did not notice the car behind me until it was too late.

And just as I got to the gate, a hand grabbed me, my scream barely left my lips before everything went dark.

Adrian’s POV

I woke up feeling happier and relaxed. Last night replayed in my head. Her touch, the kiss and her reassurance. I couldn’t help but smile.

Then I reached out to the other side of the bed and it was empty and cold which meant it’s been a while since she left the bed.

“Amber?” I called

No response.

I sat up and went to the bathroom. I knocked and called again but still no response. I opened the bathroom door but was meant with silence, she wasn’t here either.

I walked downstairs.

“Amber?” I called again

“Where is she?” I asked one of the staff.

“I haven’t seen her this morning sir.”

Something didn’t feel right.

“Pull up the CCTV.”

The screen flickered.

I watched her walking out and after a while she was back with some things till I noticed the black van behind her. She was almost home when she was grabbed and dragged to a black van.

My blood ran cold. I paused the screen, “FIND THIS VAN NOW.” I thundered.

I wasn’t about to lose this one now. At least not now that everything was starting to make sense. Whoever took her just made the worst mistake of their lives.