008 — Caught In His Room

Cara's POV 

I walked in, pushing the wooden door open real slow. My bare feet stepped slowly onto the thick, soft carpet. Each step felt deep and quiet, like I'm walking on the clouds. I turned my head left and right with every move, my eyes scanning everything around me. My heart now beating hard in my chest, a steady thump that I could feel in my throat.

The room smelled really rich and clean. Fresh soap mixed with deep, woody cologne hung heavy in the air. Dark wood furniture glowed under the soft golden lights from the lamps. A huge bed sat right in the middle, covered with smooth black sheets tucked in tight at the corners. Everything looked just as expensive as it should. Not just a man’s room, but the heir and successor to the biggest conglomerate in Italy.

"This must be Adrian's room," I whispered to myself, my voice barely moving the air.

I stood still for a moment. No sound. No movement. He was not here. I checked behind the tall curtains, my fingers brushing the heavy fabric. Nothing. I bent low and looked under the bed. Only clean floor. I opened the big closet door slowly. Rows of perfect shirts and suits hung inside, smelling of fresh laundry. I stopped for a second, turned around. Still no Adrian. I walked around the big bed, my fingers tracing the cool sheets.  My eyes kept moving, searching every corner.

I almost gave up. My legs felt tired and my breathing grew a little faster. Just as I turned toward the door, something caught my eye in a dark secret corner. A small safe sat there, half hidden behind a tall plant. I scoffed hard, not surprised. Rich boy with secrets.

Then my eyes landed on the drawer top near the bed. A small clear packet with white powder inside rested there under the lamp light. It looked pure and dangerous. My pulse jumped fast.

"This guy is on some high shi," I muttered low, my voice rough in my throat as I examine the cocaine.

I moved quick now. My fingers grabbed the packet. It felt light and plastic-cool in my palm. I rolled it tight into a small ball and slipped it deep inside my nightdress. The packet pressed cold against the warm skin between my boobs. I felt it there, hidden and safe for now.

Right at that very moment, a new smell filled the room. Fresh shower steam. Hot water and strong soap. My body tensed. I sniffed the air slowly, my nose catching every bit of it.

"How did you find my space?"

His voice came low and sharp from behind me. I turned around very slowly. My neck felt tight now. There he stood, a few feet away, watching me like a hunter.

Adrian wore a black bathrobe, open at the front. Water drops still rolled down his chest. His body looked hard and perfect. Wide shoulders stretched out strong. His chest was broad with clear, tight muscles that moved when he breathed. Deep lines ran down his stomach, showing every ab like carved stone. His arms were thick and veined, skin smooth and cool from the shower. Narrow waist. Sharp hips. He looked powerful, dangerous, and too hot. Heat rose in my cheeks as I stared at him l.

He did not smile. His face stayed cold, snobbish, eyes dark and sharp. He looked down at me, studying every part of my body.

"You're my dad's new secretary?" he said, his voice deep and low, almost a growl. His eyes moved slowly over my nightdress. "Cara?"

"I'm sorry. I missed my way," I said softly. My heart raced so hard it felt like it would jump out. I kept my face calm and innocent, but inside my stomach twisted with nerves.

He did not believe one word for sure. I could tell from watching his eyes narrow into thin slits. The air between us felt even more thick and heavy.

"It doesn't seem like it," he blurted out. Anger boiled in his voice.

"I'll take my leave," I replied, aiming at an escape. I let out a small, nervous laugh to cut the tension. My legs felt shaky as I started walking toward the door. Each step made the carpet sink under my feet. I was almost there. Almost free.

Then he moved fast. His body blocked the door completely. I stopped sudden. My breath came out ragged and loud in the quiet room. My chest rose and fell fast.

"Are you walking out on me?" he asked. His eyes burned into mine.

"What—"

"We're not done." He cut me off fast, cursing low under his breath. "You need to get punished."

He stepped closer now, his hot breath touching my face. 

"For what?" I shot back, my voice full of sarcasm. I admired his proud face even as fear and something else mixed in my belly. I don't know how long he has saw me, but if he did see more, then I'm screwed.

He grabbed my waist with both hands. His fingers dug in tight, squeezing hard. He lifted me a little off the floor. My toes barely touched the carpet. Pain and heat spread through my sides. His grip felt strong like iron. 

"I hate strangers who are very touchy," he growled deep in his throat. His face came very close. I could see the small water drops on his neck.

I did not pull away. I just looked straight at him, breathing hard.

Then we both heard it. Footsteps. Heavy and getting closer down the hall. Mr. Tony. The sound made my skin prickle.

Adrian looked toward the door. A mean smirk grew on his lips. He started to drop his hands from my waist.

No. I needed this. I wanted to get caught.

I grabbed his wrist fast with all my strength. My nails dug into his skin. I pulled his hand back around my waist and pressed my body against him. He blinked hard, stunned, his eyes wide with shock. I changed my face in one second. My eyes grew big and scared. My shoulders dropped. I made my body look small, weak, and troubled. My lips trembled a little. I looked like a poor girl being forced by a rich bad boy, who's even engaged!

Mr. Tony stepped into the room. His eyes took in the whole picture.

"Sir—" I started. My voice came out shaky and small.

Mr. Tony moved quick like lightning. He grabbed Adrian’s arm and ripped it off me. Then he slapped his son hard across the face. The sound cracked loud in the room. Adrian staggered back, holding his cheek. I gasped loud, shocked even though I knew the possibility. I stared at him, watching red marks appear fast on his skin.

"Go to your room," Mr. Tony growled at me, his voice full of cold anger.

I walked out fast, my legs weak but my heart racing with success. The packet of white powder still pressed warm against my skin under my nightdress. At the door, I took one last look back at Adrian.

His eyes locked on me. They burned with pure hate and dark promise. He was going to make me pay. And I could already feel it in my bones.