Mister Adrian, Stop!

Clara James POV

Adrian lowered his head to my level. I felt his hot breath on my face. I lifted my eyes to look at him and found myself staring at his angry features with a strange fascination… he was insanely handsome.

I spoke softly, studying his face. "Are you mad because I said you’re old?"

"You’re a girl who needs disciplining."

He came closer, my body pressed against his, my chest brushing against him.

"Do I need disciplining just because I said the truth?"

He raised an eyebrow mockingly, bringing his face near mine. His lips nearly touched me, but I jerked my head back.

"What do you think you’re doing, sir!"

My legs were trembling with fear. I think he noticed the quiver in my voice because he laughed slyly. He grabbed my neck roughly and pulled my head closer to him.

"I can do whatever I want."

My heart raced in fear as he whispered into my ear. I shook my body to free myself, realizing the danger, but he tightened his hold. He brought his lips close again, this time almost kissing me.

"Mister Adrian, stop!"

He ignored me and moved closer. I thought he was about to steal my first kiss… thankfully, the door opened. He didn’t let go, but I quickly stepped back and stood beside him. My dad and Emilia had returned.

Adrian Cole shoved his hands into his pockets coldly, acting like nothing happened, while my hands trembled slightly.

Emilia was carrying many bags, smiling happily. When she saw me, her joy vanished, replaced by hatred.

My dad approached me and gently touched my forehead. "Just woke up?"

"Y… yes."

He didn’t notice my trembling hands but muttered with concern, "Why are you shaking? Are you okay?"

I looked at Adrian and noticed a small smirk on his lips… I think he was enjoying this.

"Nothing, Dad… just a little cold."

I forced a smile to reassure him, and he sighed with relief. "How are you, Adrian? Feeling comfortable here?"

Dad looked at him with a smile. Emilia stood beside me, hands on her hips, chewing gum angrily and curling her upper lip in disgust.

"No problem, but I don’t think I’ll stay here for long," Adrian said coldly.

Emilia snapped sharply, drawing everyone’s attention. "Why? Is this girl bothering you?"

I glared at her.

"No."

The dark-eyed man added sharply, staring at his sister, "Are you sure, Adrian? I know this girl can do anything."

How dare she insult me in front of her perverted brother who almost kissed me against my will?

"I can do anything because this is my father’s house… if I wanted to kick your brother out, I would have done it yesterday. But my heart wouldn’t let me leave an old man alone."

I said angrily, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. I smiled at my last words and looked at Adrian, but his face revealed nothing.

"Clara, my daughter… don’t take it seriously, excuse her," my dad mumbled, embarrassed, trying to change the subject.

"Have you eaten anything?"

I nodded. "I had a box of noodles. I don’t know if Mister Adrian has eaten."

Dad said firmly, "Emilia, prepare dinner."

"Of course, dear. Dinner will be ready soon," she replied.

Dad added, "If you need help, call me."

Emilia glanced at me, then quickly went to the kitchen.

The three of us sat in the living room. My dad on Adrian’s right on the same couch, and I sat across from him.

I teased, looking at him, "What do you do, Uncle Adrian?"

"Criminal investigator," he replied coldly.

My teasing faded, my eyes sparkling with excitement. Being a criminal investigator was my dream.

"Really? At crime scenes? Do you see bodies? Oh my God… that’s amazing!" I said enthusiastically. He just murmured in agreement… he was cold and twisted.

Dad smiled. "Clara, I see you’re really excited, little one."

"Of course, Dad. I’m passionate about this… my dream is to become a criminal investigator."

I smiled brightly. Adrian stared at me as if analyzing every detail of my face.

"Did you come to New York because of this?"

"A serial murder case… I came to investigate it."

Dad shifted his gaze between me and Adrian, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Serial murder?!"

"Yes… that’s why I helped you yesterday. If I hadn’t, you’d have been another victim."

Dad’s smile vanished, replaced by worry. "What do you mean, Adrian?"

He answered coldly, "The killer is still free, living in this city, and to be precise… near this neighborhood."

Dad’s expression turned to fear.

I said excitedly, "It would be amazing if I were a serial killer’s victim!"

"Clara!"

My body trembled as my dad shouted my name. Tears filled my eyes immediately. Adrian looked at me.

"I… I’m sorry… I didn’t mean it." I stammered, trying to hold back my tears and sobs.

Dad almost spoke, but I ran to my room, threw myself on the bed, and let my tears and sobs flow… it was the first time he had ever shouted at me.

Two hours passed… my crying calmed a little. I lay on my stomach, burying my face in the pillow.

I heard the door open… I whispered in a choked, broken voice from sobs, "Dad… I don’t want to talk now."

"Damn it…"

I raised my head quickly when I recognized the rough voice… Adrian Cole was standing in front of me, aggressive, carrying a tray.

"What are you doing here, Mister Adrian?"

I asked in surprise, wiping my tears. He came closer and placed the tray on my lap aggressively… it was full of food.