PRIVATE INDULGENCE

Lena’s POV 

Morning light filtered softly through the penthouse windows as I slowly woke up. It had been a lovely sleep I had indeed. I turned to confirm if Adrian was next to me because I couldn't feel him, he wasn’t there. It was then I heard the water running in the bathroom. He was up before me to prepare for the day. For a moment, I just lay there, savoring the feeling of being in a soft life forever.

But reality slowly crept in. I needed to get home to Cleo.

Carefully, I lifted the duvet and slid out from under it, then I picked up my phone to check the previous notification and what was going on like I really cared. I took a quick shower, letting the hot water wash away the remnants of last night. 

I picked up a towel and wrapped myself around myself waiting for Adrain to get out of the shower. 

He was out in no distant time. “Morning, beautiful,” he said, walking over to kiss my forehead. “Sleep well?”

“I did,” I replied, smiling shyly as I clutched the towel tighter around my body. “You’re up early.”

“Meeting at 8:30,” he explained. I was listening while walking in to shower as well.

I took my time in the hot shower and washed myself properly. I was having my moment too. Moments like this felt really good to me. It is as though there is a pause in reality and whatever problems life has to throw at me.

When I stepped out and wrapped a towel around myself, I was surprised to find Adrian already fully dressed in one of his sharp black suits, adjusting his watch in front of the mirror.

He turned when he heard me and gave me that slow, possessive smile that always made my knees feel weak.

“I forgot something important. I was supposed to give my mother a document at dinner last night. It’s for the family business — urgent.”

He looked at me with those intense eyes. “Would you mind dropping it off for me? I have back-to-back meetings this morning. My driver can take you and bring you back home after.”

I hesitated, the towel clutched tightly against my chest. “Adrian… I don’t know. Going to your family house alone feels a bit awkward.”

He cupped my face gently and kissed my forehead. “Please, baby. It’ll only take a few minutes. My mom will be happy to see you again. I’ll make it up to you tonight.”

After a moment, I sighed and nodded. “Okay. I’ll go.”

He kissed me deeply, then handed me a sealed envelope. “Thank you. I’ll see you later.”

***

An hour later, the driver pulled up to the grand mansion. I took a deep breath and walked up to the entrance, envelope in hand. I rang the doorbell, expecting staff or Evelyn.

But when the door opened, it was Adrain’s father.

He looked surprised for a brief second, then his expression softened into a warm, charismatic smile.

“Lena,” he said, voice smooth and deep. “What a lovely surprise. Come in.”

I stepped inside, suddenly very aware of how quiet the house was.

“I came to drop this off for Evelyn,” I explained, holding up the envelope. “Adrian forgot to give it to her last night.”

Richard took the envelope and placed it on a side table. “Unfortunately, no one else is home right now. Evelyn went out with her friends, and the boys aren’t home either.”

I nodded quickly. “Then I’ll just leave it here and go. The driver is waiting outside.”

Richard didn’t move. Instead, he studied me with those sharp, knowing eyes.

“There’s no rush,” he said softly. “Stay for a moment. We barely had a chance to talk properly at dinner.”

He stepped a little closer. The air between us suddenly felt thicker, warmer. His presence was overwhelming — tall, distinguished, and carrying an aura of quiet power that made my pulse quicken.

“You looked stunning in that green dress last night,” he murmured, his gaze tracing over me slowly. “But I must admit… you look even more beautiful in daylight.”

I felt my cheeks burn. “Thank you, Sir.”

“Richard,” he corrected gently, his voice dropping lower. “You don’t have to be so formal with me, Lena.”

He reached out and lightly brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. The touch was brief, but it sent an unexpected shiver down my spine.

“You’re different from the women Adrian usually surrounds himself with,” he continued, eyes locked on mine. “You have fire. Strength. And something very… tempting.”

My breath caught. I knew I should step back. I knew I should thank him and leave.

But my feet stayed rooted to the floor.