Aris knew about the dress drama from earlier that day. He decided not to get into it. Adrea knew how to take care of herself, and he would not step in until he thought she was incapable of handling what came her way. However, this did not mean that he would step aside and watch others attack her. He would keep close and be there, at her disposal, should she need him.He watched her as she walked into the apartment with her purchases. She glanced up at him, flushed, but did not falter in her steps even as something flickered in her eyes.“How was your trip?” he asked her, crossing his leg and stretching his arms into a T across the headrest of the couch so that his chest puffed out and the muscles in his shoulders and biceps were defined.‘Is he doing it on purpose?’ she asked herself.He most likely was. It would be just like him to find a way to get under her skin and make an incurable itch. Well, she was not going to show discomfort. She wasn’t brave enough now, but she had half a m
A cold shower had not been enough to kill the inferno Aris had ignited by making out with Adrea. She had pushed him away a second time and escaped from the room after telling him that they shouldn’t have done that. Aris had watched her flee with a combination of amusement and sexual frustration. He had ignited the fire; he would suffer the consequences.However, he had an idea that he would not suffer alone. Adrea would have to be made of rock if she felt nothing after that passionate kiss.She did not feel nothing. She felt the ache deep in her pelvis. The longing. The muscles clenching, hoping for something to grip. A part of her… a very big part of her was chastising her for the hunger only Aris could placate.She too went for a cold shower and then went to bed early. She had a big day ahead of her. The charity ball was close, and she had not brought anything with her that would do. She had considered going back to her house to pick up something, but she did not feel comfortable ev
Belinda walked into the Nikolaidis home with the same amount of apprehension as she had when she had first walked in. She did not come from a poor family. Her father, his father, and those before them made a long list of doctors. Her family never had to suffer. They had the best of everything… or so she had thought until she had come to this country. The Nikolaidis family had shown her what real wealth looked like. They did not just have the respect of the people, but they had the funds to back that up.Sure, they worked hard to get what they wanted, but Belinda’s family had worked harder and longer and never gotten where the Nikolaidis Family was. She looked around at the tall walls and ceilings. Everything screamed wealth. Corners impossible to reach were impossibly pristine, with servants making sure everything ran smoothly.Irene turned around and smiled at the younger woman. Yes. The expression on her face was what she had been aiming for when she had put her home together.“I am
The last person... okay maybe not the last but Belinda had expected to see Rafael’s motheron her doorstep when she responded to the doorbell. But that had been just as well. She needed someone in her corner, and the sweet, sympathetic expression on the older woman’s face told her she finally had that someone. She let herself dissolve into uncontrollable tears.She did not fight as Irene pulled her in for a hug.“You poor child,” the older woman cooed into Belinda’s hair, “I should have come to see you sooner.”Belinda sniffled as she drew away from the older woman and shook her head.“No. It would have been too troublesome for you.”Rafael’s mother scoffed. “You could never be trouble if you tried.”Belinda offered the woman a rueful smile as she said, “You are too kind. Even my neighbours do not want me anymore.”“What do you mean by that?” Irene studied the younger woman’s face as if it could answer her questions.Big, fat tears spilled from Belinda’s eyes as she let out a wail.“The
A soft knock roused Adrea from the warm cocoon of sleep. She blinked, eyelids heavy, her limbs unwilling to leave the comfort of the bed. For a second, she had no idea where she was. Then her eyes focused, and the scent of Aris’s apartment—clean linen, citrus, and something distinctly him—reminded her.The knock came again, followed by his voice.“Adrea? Breakfast in ten. Unless you want me to eat your pancakes too.”She smiled before she even realised she had. That voice, rich with mischief and subtle concern, eased some of the stiffness in her shoulders.“Coming,” she rasped back, her voice rough with sleep.She sat up slowly. The events of the day before tried to rush her all at once, but she forced herself to breathe. Not now. She’d get through this morning first. She could process everything else later.She stretched her arms above her head and caught sight of herself in the mirror. Hair in a wild tangle, eyes puffy. A slight flush from sleep lingered on her cheeks. Still, she loo
After Felix had gone, Adrea asked Mrs Lynch to dispose of his gift as she saw fit. She never wanted to see that thing again. The older woman had nodded and picked up the jewellery box, examining the contents with admiration. Adrea did not care if she kept it, binned it, or pawned it. As long as she never saw it again, she was fine with it.Memories of the night he had ruined her life entered her mind and she felt physically sick. She remembered that he had kissed her. She wanted to scrub her neck raw. What he had done that night… she saw it in a different light. It had been assault. Had he intended for Rafael to come when he did or had he wanted to take things further? Adrea felt a wave of fear chill her bones. She did not feel safe in this house. Rafael was gone and Felix could clearly bypass the paltry security there was.She needed to get out. She needed to go somewhere safe. Somewhere he would never be able to find her. Somewhere where the security would not be bribed, charmed or i