Obsession in the making

Adrian’s POV

I want her.

But not in the same way I wanted other women. Not as a trophy nor as a property for display. I want her because this is something else entirely, something i can’t even figure out yet. From the very first moment I laid eyes on Lena Marsh, a fire ignited inside me that I’ve never felt before. She’s different, different from every woman I’ve ever come across and trust me, I’ve been with alot of women. Women from different backgrounds, cities, countries, even continents. I’ve lost count of the nights spent in penthouses in London, the villas in the South of France, the yachts off the coast of Monaco. They came easily, stayed briefly, and left without a trace. But none of them ever made me feel this way, none of them has ever made me feel this happy and excited as she does.

Coming back to the country, and stepping back into the family company, it had felt like a reluctant obligation at first, something I’d been avoiding for years. But now it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. Because now I have a reason to be here, a real reason and that reason is Lena.

It’s been about a week since I started working here. A week filled with fun, effortless moments of making her laugh with stories from my travels, watching her eyes light up as she listens. A week of talking to her freely without the fear of being judged, or having to hide who I really am. The fact that she’s married doesn’t bother me, not in the slightest. Maybe because I’ve had older women threw themselves at me in the past, those who sought the thrill of something forbidden.

But with Lena, that ring on her finger looks nothing more than a decoration, a facade on the surface and I could tell by the way she looks at me, the way she gives me those soft secretive smiles that curve her lips when she thinks no one is watching and that shows she wants me just as fiercely as I want her. I’m certain of it. And I am prepared to go to any lengths, any lengths at all to make her mine.

I had only just settled into my office that morning, the city skyline stretching endlessly beyond the glass walls, when the door flew open. Of course. It was Ethan. He has always done that ever since we were kids and it doesn’t surprise me anymore. I lifted my gaze from the laptop screen, staring at him with a deliberate irritated smirk, the one I know drives him mad. “Ethan,” I said, my voice dripping with mock displeasure. “To what do I owe this unpleasant surprise?”

He slammed the door shut behind him and walked further into my office, with his hands buried in his pockets. He stopped directly in front of my desk, and gently placed his hand in the table, leaning forward with that cold expression he always has.

“Okay,” I sighed, closing the laptop slowly “Straight down to business, I suppose.”

“I know what you’re doing, Adrian,” he said, his voice low and edged. “And you have to stop it.”

I blinked, genuinely surprised. “I’m sorry, it seems I’m missing something here. Do you mind being more specific? Because I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, please,” he sneered, straightening up and shoving his hands deeper into his pockets. “Don’t act ignorant Adrian, it doesn’t suit you. You know exactly what I’m talking about. I’m talking about Lena.”

I scratched my head lightly, tilting it in confusion. “Lena?” I repeated slowly, as if searching my memory. “Lena… why does that name sound so familiar?”

His eyes narrowed dangerously, as the muscle in his jaw tightened.

“Wait—” I snapped my fingers, as a wide grin swept across my face. “Do you mean Lena Marsh? Your assistant?”

He bit his lower lip, it was a habit, something he doesn’t whenever he is trying to keep his temper in check.

“Okay,” I continued, as I leaned back in my chair lazily. “So what about Lena? I’m assuming this has something to do with her.”

“I want you to stay away from her, Adrian,” he said calmly, too calmly.

That caught my attention. I crossed my arms, smiling broadly. “May I ask why you want me to do that?.”

“You know why Adrian,” he replied coldly. “You have a habit of destroying everything you touch, and I won’t allow you to do that to her. Whatever this is, whatever little game you’re playing, it ends it right now.” He reached for the crystal glass on the side table, poured himself a generous measure of whiskey without asking.

I chuckled softly, pushing away from the chair and rounding the desk until I stood a few inches away from him leaning on the table, close enough to see the tension coiling in his shoulders.

“So let me get this straight,” I said, keeping my voice light but laced with like a challenge. “You want me to stay away from Lena for no reason whatsoever? I mean that’s strange, don’t you think so?”

He exhaled heavily, took a slow sip of the whiskey, then spoke again. “This is a workplace Adrian, not your personal playground forfrolicking, or whatever it is you do with women. The company policy explicitly states, no indecent involvement with the staff will be tolerated or condoned. And given your history, and considering the fact that you’re new here, I decided to deliver the message personally.” He finished the drink in one swift motion, setting the glass down with a sharp clink.

I nodded slowly, as if I was carefully considering his words, then I met his gaze, my eyes filled with mischief. “All right, Ethan. I understand and I’ll abide by the company policy.” I paused, tilting my head. “But I do have one question though. Why is the CEO suddenly so concerned about the well-being of one particular employee? Not just any one but his personal assistant. You and I both know you don’t give a shit about anyone except yourself. So why? You can at least tell me that much.”

His jaw tightened visibly and his fists clenched at his sides. Ethan was a little bit taller than I am, by a couple of inches but when we stand this close to each other, our eyes are usually on the same level. He stared at me for a long time and turned to leave but then I spoke.

“Unless…” I drawled, letting the word linger like a smoke. “He’s interested in her too.” I paused, dropping the final blow with a lazy smirk. “You’re interested in Lena, ain’t you?”

He turned to look at me, those cold eyes staring back at me. “I have no idea what you’re talking about Adrian,” he said, calmly. “This isn’t about me, it’s about you, it’s about the company, and what’s best for it. Unlike you, I don’t just chase after anything in a skirt.”

Then he turned back to the door, his hand on the doorknob, he paused, long enough to deliver one last warning over his shoulder. “Stay away from her, Adrian. I mean it.”

Then he left without saying another word. Just as the door clicked shut I chuckled lightly, poured myself a drink as I carried it back to my chair. I sat down, spun around slowly to face the windows, as the sky was painted in soft golds and blues. It was beautiful, limitless, but my smile gradually faded as I turned back to the desk. I took a sip of the whiskey, savoring the slow burn, then set the glass down quietly.

I picked up my phone and dialed a number I knew by heart. It was answered on the first ring.

“Yes, sir,” came the familiar hushed, professional voice.

“I need you to find out everything you can about someone for me,” I said, my tone shifting into something focused. “I want you to find out about her daily routines, what she does in her spare time, her favorite meals, where her family lives, when she wakes up, when she goes to bed. Hell—even to the smallest of habits. Every single detail, down to the most insignificant. Do not leave anything out.” Then I typed swiftly on the screen and pressed send. “I just forwarded her name to you. Get to work immediately.”

I ended the call and leaned back, gazing out at the skyline once more. A slow, predatory smirk curved my lips as I spoke aloud to the empty room. “When I want something, I go to any lengths to get it and you, Lena Marsh… you’ve just become my latest obsession.”

I raised the glass in a silent toast to the city and to her then took another slow, satisfying sip. “The game has just began. May the best man win.”