Chapter 3: The Pull Of Fate

"The whole idea behind BDSM is to allow you to be fully vulnerable with your partner. It sometimes is more of a turn-on than a physical, sexual act." Adam explained, his eyes roaming over me as he spoke.

"Oh."

"Imagine your hands tied up above your head to restrict your movement... as I run a feather slowly down your naked body..."

The fork slipped from my hand as I became absorbed in Adam's voice. I gulped as desire stirred within me.

"Oh! Sorry."

I blushed as he stared at me. His hand tightened around the table, and Adam shifted slightly in his seat.

"Does it not hurt?" I asked as the heat in my cheeks increased.

"It can, but you discuss boundaries with your partner beforehand. You need to know how far they will go before even starting."

"When did you... start your hobby?"

"A few years back. I was dating a girl, and she introduced me to it."

"Oh, you have a girlfriend."

My voice sounded more disappointed than I intended. Adam chuckled and shoved the sleeves of his shirt higher.

"No, Doctor. I am single."

"But your burns..."

"I don't need to date a woman to sleep with her."

"Oh."

I took a sip of wine and smiled at Adam. I wanted him more than I had ever wanted anything before. Every smile, every glance, every word that left his lips seemed to pull me closer to him. Yet a voice in the back of my mind reminded me that acting on those feelings could complicate everything. Forcing myself to remain sensible, I pushed aside the temptation and prepared to leave before I did something I might regret.

"Thank you for dinner. I must be on my way now."

"Let me walk you out."

He stood as I did and followed me to the front door.

"Once again, thank you for healing me."

Adam held out his hand for me to shake. That electric feeling spread through me as my hand touched his, causing a small gasp to escape my lips.

"Just a goodbye kiss, is that okay?"

Before I could answer, he leaned down and kissed me lightly on the cheek. My mind wandered, and I forgot to push him away. The brief touch sent warmth rushing through me. It felt strangely magical, as though time had slowed for a single heartbeat and the rest of the world had disappeared.

"Goodbye, Doctor."

For the next couple of weeks, I was called in every time Adam had an injury. Some were small, like a broken bone, while others were more complicated, like a bullet wound or a metal pipe through his leg.

Nadia, don't ask questions or think too much about it. Just heal the president and leave. I kept reminding myself before every visit.

Yet I stayed a little longer to talk to him every time.

I couldn't seem to stop thinking about Adam.

I learned more about him with every visit. Yet he seemed more distant each time, almost as though he didn't want me around. One day, I had enough.

"Why do you keep calling me over for ridiculous injuries that will heal in a day?" I snapped as I gathered my medical kit together.

Adam's eyes widened in shock at my sudden outburst. We stood in one of the mansion's luxurious lounges, furnished with deep leather sofas, a crackling stone fireplace, and tall windows that overlooked the sprawling gardens outside.

"Yes, I get that it's my job, but you've been ignoring me lately. It's like you pretend I'm not even in the room." I continued.

"I call for you because it's the only way I get to see you."

Adam suddenly stood up and walked over to me.

"I want to be around you, but I remind myself that I can't want you every time we're together."

He stopped only a few inches in front of me. If I took a step forward, I could press against his body. The tension between us was impossible to ignore.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm trying to stay away from you because I don't want to get you involved in my... hobby."

"If you don't want me around, then why am I here?"

"Haven't you figured it out yet, Doctor?"

"My name is Nadia."

Adam smiled and repeated my name.

"Nadia... what a lovely name. You're my destined Luna... my mate. That electricity... that instant connection I felt with you... don't you feel it?"

"I do... I just didn't know what it meant."

"You've been on my mind this whole time. I've had to control myself every time you were here." He muttered, "You have no idea how much self-restraint it took not to pin you to a wall and kiss those soft pink lips."

Adam was close enough that I could simply lean forward and kiss him. My heart pounded as every part of me begged to touch him.

My hand pressed against his chest as I stared into his eyes. Beneath my palm, I could feel the powerful rhythm of his heartbeat. His scent surrounded me completely—clean, warm, and uniquely Adam—making it almost impossible to think about anything else.

"I feel drawn to you."

My eyes flicked down to his lips and back up again as I spoke.

"You make me want you."

Adam groaned as his hands cupped the sides of my face.

"Please... let me kiss you."