Chapter 5

I woke up to light shining through the curtains. My body flinched as I rolled in the bed. Last night’s events had taken a toll on me.

Realizing I was not in my own bed, I jumped up. Looking around at the unfamiliar space, I tried to take in my surroundings. I was in this dark, elegant suite of some sort. My legs rubbed up against the silk sheets. So soft. Memories of last night started flooding back in my head.

I scanned the room and then I saw him. Adrian. He was sitting in the corner in a chair his eyes glued on me. How long had he been there? Was he watching me sleep?

I looked down and noticed I wasn’t wearing what I had on last night. Somehow I had been changed into an oversized t-shirt and some boxer shorts.

“What the hell? I raised my voice. “Where are my clothes? Did You undress me?”

“No. No. Calm down. Our live-in housekeeper helped you. You undressed yourself.”

“Your housekeeper,” I repeated side-eying him.

“Wait. Why am I here? What happened?”

“Well, I didn’t really know where you lived. I didn’t even know your name, remember, Araya?” he said smiling.” My name rolled off his tongue like butter.

“So how do you know it now?” I asked squinting my eyes. Had he been checking up on me?

“Well, your phone has been going off pretty much nonstop. I couldn’t help but see a few notifications.”

Oh, that made sense.

He continued, “Kiera has called and text numerous times” - that was my sister. I wasn’t surprised. She can get crazy when it comes to not hearing from someone.

“And then a Tristan.” My eyes shot up when he said that name, and I’m sure he caught the look on my face. I leaned back against the headboard trying to wrap my head around everything.

“Wow. I’m sorry. I’ve been asking you 21 questions and didn’t even say thank you. I really do appreciate you being there and getting me here safe. Where is here exactly?”

“We are at my home, my parents’ estate, just outside of Sequoia,” he said nonchalantly.

Estate. Well, excuse me.

Adrian got up and walked towards me. My eyes went up and down his body. I turned away hoping he didn’t catch me looking. He had on black pants and a fitted black shirt. I could see his muscular build through his clothing.

“Just my type.” I thought.

“You’re not even supposed to have a type at this point,” I responded to myself in my head. It’s like my angel and devil were arguing with each other.

He came to me handing me my phone and sat down beside me. I inhaled his musky, wood, and spicy scent. He smelled great. His hand lifted to brush the hair off my face and his touch made me twitch a little.

I scooted away from him instinctively. He frowned. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

“I didn’t think that. It’s just..” I trailed off. I looked back at him. The intensity in his eyes never wavered. I wanted that and that was a problem.

“I just need to get home,” I said halfway hoping he’d try to stop me from leaving.

“Thank you so much, again. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

“Of course, love. I’m glad I was there. But you shouldn’t be out walking alone,” he forced out a smilie. I nodded at him as I stood up.

“Let me get you a car,” he offered. I wanted to decline but I had no idea where the hell I even was and was just ready to get the hell home, so I let him.

He seemed disappointed as I was leaving and to tell the truth, so was I. There was something inside that wanted to stay with him and feel his arms around me. I felt safe at his side. But instead I walked out the door unsure if I would see him again.

On the car ride home I recalled the events. The stranger that attacked me, something was weird about him. I mean, he was a predator, but there was something else. Somehow he seemed to

know Adrian. I didn’t like that. The way he moved and the bad feeling I had wasn’t sitting right with me. I couldn’t put my finger on it. He was different and not in a good way.

I probably needed to file a police report, but I’d do that later. Running off barely any sleep and a lot of alcohol had exerted me.

A headache started to form in my temples. The cold window gave me some comfort as I leaned my head against it.

Flashbacks of Adrian danced in my head. Who knows what would have happened if he hadn’t been there. We only knew each others’ names, nothing else. I may never see him again. I sighed. Probably for the best.

Kiera had, in fact, blown me up when I finally checked my phone. She was just being an overprotective sister. I replied to her letting her know I was fine and I’d call later with details. I just couldn’t deal with her drama right now when I could barely deal with my own.

Scrolling down, I came across Tristan’s name.

“So do you miss me yet?” His message read. Was he serious? Instead of him being direct and saying he missed me, he had flipped it. Such a narcissist and full of himself. Obviously he didn’t take me seriously at all. My eyes rolled. I did miss him and he knew it. That’s the problem. Why exactly did I miss him? What was I holding onto? If he really wanted me it would have happened.

I squeezed my phone in anger and dropped my head back against the seat. I decided not to respond and just stared out the window the rest of the ride.

When I got to my apartment, I thanked the driver, got out the car, walked up the stairs, and fell out on the couch. My body was completely exhausted still. Another nap couldn’t hurt. I shut the blinds making the room go dark and cozied up to my soft blanket as I closed my eyes.