On the edge

ADRIAN POV.

“Thank you,” she said, lowering her voice to a soft whisper. I gritted my teeth in annoyance.

Her words appeared insincere, but the tiny mask she wore created a barrier to catch her red-handed. I scrutinized her face yet her demeanor stayed calm.

Does she know what was at stake for me also? Does she know how I feel whenever I am around her?

My thoughts were frantic, bubbling up uncontrollably like a neglected pot. I had to leave.

Without another word, I turned and walked out of the conference room, the door closing quietly as I walked out.

I strode across the parking lot, the sounds of my steps reverberating on the pavement, until I reached my car and felt the cool door handle in my hand.

I inserted the key into the ignition, and the engine sprang to life with a deafening roar. I pressed down hard on the gas pedal, feeling a surge of excitement as the speedometer increased.

The road stretched out in front of me, a haze of pavement and dashed markings. My mind raced going over the discussion, her words, her tone.

I was sure that she desired me as well– her eye contact, the gentleness in her tone, everything indicated it. Why the delay? What is the reason for saying no?

I felt a flash of rage inside me, so I pushed the accelerator more forcefully. The speedometer needle trembled as it hit 80mph.

I didn't slow down, the speed increasing in alignment with the chaos within me. My eyes were on the road yet I couldn't see anything.

My grip tightened on the wheel as my knuckles turned white in tension. I hadn't felt this level of rage since Dad announced I'd be going to a business school at 16, ‘no question asked’.

The road extended ahead like a shadowy belt as I consumed the miles, my heart boiling with annoyance.

My mind was clouded with frustration and anger. I couldn't understand the feelings in my heart, but I could tell she also felt something.

Still, she maintained a composed facade, and I struggled to comprehend the reason behind it.

I hit the brakes hard, causing the car to come to a halt in front of the grand ornate gates of the private cemetery on our family’s estate. The harsh silence was a stark difference from the inner turmoil I was experiencing.

I walked onto the perfectly maintained lawn, surrounded by grand marble tombs and tall gravestones, each displaying our family's emblem.

Ken's burial site was defined by a sleek, black granite marker, gleamed with precise-cut borders, surrounded by a field of immaculate, emerald-green turf.

I knelt down, running my fingers over the familiar letters of Ken’s name, finding solace in the familiar action.

This was my sanctuary, where I sought clarity for my mind, to make sense of the disorder. Sitting among the deceased in my family from a generation ago, I sensed the turmoil within me intensify.

I paced around the gravestone, my feet grinding into the perfectly manicured grass. “Can you believe it, Ken?” I muttered, shaking my head.

“She says we need to stop.” I let out a humorless laugh. “We haven't even started.”

I halted before the tomb, my eyes fixed on Ken's name. “She thinks I just want to screw her.” My hand clenched, I drove my fingers through my hair.

“But it's not just that. I want to consume her, to lose myself in her.” My voice dropped to a growl. “I want everything.”

I've never felt this strongly for anyone before. “I've never craved anyone this much–not even my favorite food.”

I wished Ken would say something–anything. I needed advice. I didn't want to leave her.

“I know you would have called me an idiot and told me to go for what I want, but d*mn! She is in denial.”

I sighed, the silence around me heavy. I pictured Ken’s voice in my head as it echoed, urging me to think, not just react.

“But how?” I muttered. “How do I get through to her? She’s so d*mn stubborn, just like me.”

I sat down on the grass, staring up at the sky. “I don’t just want her, Ken. I need her. She makes me feel… alive.”

Closing my eyes, I tried to push away the storm in my head, but her face, her voice–they consumed me. She made me feel powerful and powerless all at once.

“She’s afraid, I know it,” I continued. “But of what? Is it me? Or something else I can’t see?”

I stood, brushing off my pants. The anger had subsided, replaced by a hollow ache. I wasn’t used to feeling this way–so out of control. But with her, everything was different.

“I’ll figure it out, Ken,” I said quietly, looking down at his grave. “I have to.”

As I walked back to my car, the strain in my chest relaxed, replaced by determination. I couldn’t force her to open up, but I wasn’t going to let her push me away either.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, I started the engine and drove home to cool off. I wasn't in the mood to see anyone, so I used the elevator to my penthouse apartment.

As I approached the entrance, I slid my keycard across the sleek reader, and the glass door slid open with a soft whoosh.

I stepped into the apartment, slipping off my shoes in the automated shoe closet, the soft glow of the LED lights of the sanitizing system created a sight.

Peeling off my clothes, I wrapped a plush robe around myself and headed to the bathroom.

Flicking my wrist, the shower sprang to life, the warm water cascading down. Closing my eyes, I let all the tension melt away…

But before I could fully relax, I felt hands caressing my back, sending a jolt of surprise through me.

My eyes snapped open to find Vera standing before me, her long curly hair cascading down her bare shoulders, a sly grin spreading across her face.

I recoiled, taking a step back, my mind racing with questions, “What are you doing here, Vera?” I demanded, trying to keep my voice even.

Vera’s grin only widened, “Welcome back, baby,” she purred, her eyes gleaming with mischievous spark.

I wrapped myself in the robe and walked out of the bathroom and she followed suit, thankfully she was covered up.

She smirked as she sat on the bed, “Did you like my surprise?” I rolled my eyes as I searched for something to wear in the closet.

Again, she walked up to me, and this time, she tried to touch my chest, “This tattoo turns me on…” I held her hand, stopping her from touching me.

“Don’t–” my phone rang and I saw it as an escape. I frowned as I saw the caller ID. Why is Dad calling me?

“My dad is here,” Vera said casually, I spun around to face her.

“Why?”

“He is here to discuss our wedding.”