Se connecter*Adele's point of view*Just like that, ice-cold water slammed into me, soaking through my skin like knives. My body jerked hard against the ropes as the shock tore a gasp from my throat."Rise and shine, sleeping beauty!" Claire's voice rang out, light and cheerful, like this was all a game to her.I tried to breathe. I really did. But before I could even pull in enough air, another bucket of ice cold water slammed into me again.The water hit my face and chest, forcing its way into my mouth. I choked instantly, coughing as it burned down my throat."Are you awake now?" Claire laughed.I could not answer. My lungs struggled, desperate for air that would not come fast enough. I coughed violently, my body shaking with each broken breath. The ropes around my wrists dug deeper into my skin, biting, scraping and reminding me that I could not move and I could not escape.Finally, just finally, I managed to drag in a proper breath. And it hurt. Everything hurt.Slowly, I lifted my head and
*Adele's point of view*“Okay…” Cindy said slowly.But I was not convinced. Something was definitely wrong. Cindy and I made our way toward the buffet tables together. The closer we got, the stronger the smell of food became. Warm, rich and inviting. It wrapped around me and made my stomach twist with hunger.I grabbed a single plate, holding it loosely in my hand. I was not about to rush this. I wanted to enjoy it, take my time, taste everything.I moved along the line slowly, scanning the different dishes, letting myself actually look instead of just piling food on. After a moment, I spotted one of the waiters and stepped toward him.“Excuse me,” I said politely. “Do you have that special hot tea? The one that helps you eat more?”He nodded with a knowing smile. “Of course. I will bring it to your table.”“Thank you,” I replied before moving on.By the time I caught up with Cindy, I noticed she was already holding two plates.I raised a brow, about to say something, but she beat me
*Adele's point of view*We fought for control of the kiss, but then Demarion stopped abruptly. He pulled back and spoke as if nothing were happening."My friends and I are heading to our usual spot tonight. Would you like to join us?" He asked, sounding so casual, even though he still had me pinned to the door with my legs wrapped around him. "I thought I mentioned already, that I don't—" I started to remind him of what I had already said earlier but he cut me off quickly."It's not a date." He insisted. "It's only a casual hangout.I nearly rolled my eyes, feeling myself having no choice but to give in. "When are we leaving?" I asked. The position we were in felt surprisingly comfortable. He shrugged with a smirk. "You had fifteen minutes when I first arrived, but because of your little stunt, you only have five minutes left to get ready."My eyes widened."Put me down." I demanded, struggling in his grip.He leaned in close again, not letting me go just yet. "Struggling won't help
*Adele's point of view*“Who is it?” I asked again, a little louder this time.Whoever it was at the door still did not answer. Instead, another knock followed. A small frown formed on my face. I found it strange. I had just stepped out of the shower, my skin still warm, my hair slightly damp. After everything that had happened earlier, with Aurora walking in on Demarion and I, I had gotten used to throwing on a bathrobe right away. It felt safer somehow.More secure.I tightened the belt around my waist before walking over and opening the door. And there Demarion was, standing there and staring at me with a smile on his face.“What are you doing here?” I asked, my brows pulling together slightly.He did not answer me, instead his eyes moved slowly, from my face, down my body. Heat rushed up my neck instantly.“Hey. Eyes up here, buddy,” I snapped, lifting my hand and clicking my fingers to pull his attention back.His gaze snapped back to mine, but something had changed. His eyes wer
*Demarion's point of view*“Stop overthinking,” Serenity said gently, though there was firmness beneath her tone. “Stop trying to analyze every little detail. You are both confused, yes. But that is why people are not meant to do everything alone.” She leaned forward slightly. “That is why you have someone. Someone who helps you see clearly when everything feels blurred.”I swallowed, my fingers curling slightly.“But what if I am the reason those obstacles exist in the first place?” I asked, my voice quieter now as I looked back at her.For a moment, she stared at me. Then she sighed.“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Demarion,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of impatience. “The past is the past. You are not the same man anymore.”Her words were sharp, but not cruel.“What does your instinct tell you?” she continued. “Not your fear, or your guilt, or your instinct.” She leaned back slightly. “What is that feeling in your gut telling you to do?”I went still. For a second, everything insid
*Demarion's point of view*“Well?” Kade asked the moment I stepped into my room, his eyes already searching my face for an answer.“She said no,” I replied simply.The words felt heavy and bitter in my mouth.“Aww, man… sorry to hear that,” James said, his tone soft, almost pitiful.I shook my head slightly. “No. It is okay.” I let out a slow breath, trying to calm myself. “She asked for space. And she deserves that.” My voice dropped a little. “She deserves to be happy… so whatever makes her happy.”I meant it. Even if it hurt.“Yeah… well,” Kade said after a short pause, rubbing the back of his neck. “You want to go for a run?”I shook my head again. “Nah. I think I will stay here for a while.”“Alright, man. See you later.”I gave a small wave as they turned and walked out. The door closed behind them with a quiet click, leaving the room still and silent with just me in it.I walked over to my bed and dropped onto it, lying flat on my back. One arm rested over my head, my eyes fixe
*Adele's point of view* We stayed like that for several long seconds. Neither of us saying anything. Just making eye contact and breathing unevenly.The silence stretched, thick and heavy. It felt like the air itself was watching us. I did not know what was running through his mind, but I forced m
*Adele's point of view* A rough shake dragged me out of sleep.I groaned and pushed at the hand. "Okay, okay. I am awake. Relax."Demarion's hand fell away, but his stare did not. His eyes locked onto mine, cold and sharp. The air between us tightened. It felt like a challenge. Or a silent battle
*Demarion's point of view* Adele stood frozen in front of me.She did not move. She barely breathed. Her eyes stayed locked on mine, wide and unsure, like a cornered deer that did not know which way to run.The sight of her made my chest tighten.I hated it.I looked down at her and felt it again,
*Demarion's point of view* Adele came down the stairs, and the sound of her heels tapping against the steps reached my ears before I even saw her.I pulled back from Serena the moment I heard it.My eyes lifted.And there she was.Adele.For one second, the world slowed. Her body went rigid on the







