CHAPTER 8 A BIT CLOSER

ISLA

I woke up with a start, my heart pounding in my chest, breath short and frantic as if I’d just run miles. My body felt cold, sweat covering my skin despite the warmth of the blankets wrapped tightly around me. It took me a moment to realize I was no longer trapped in that nightmare, Victor’s laughter, the sound of the gunshot, Elena’s taunting voice. The cold fear that had gripped me so tightly moments before was still there, lingering on the edges of my mind, even though I was now in a place of safety.

But safety didn’t feel real anymore. None of it did.

The dream…no, the daymare it was all so vivid. Victor, Elena, the gun, Adrian standing in front of me, protecting me from them… It felt so real, too real. My body tensed, and I fought to slow my breathing as I scanned my surroundings, looking for something familiar.

Then it hit me. I wasn’t in the dark, claustrophobic room with Victor and Elena anymore. I wasn’t surrounded by that suffocating tension.

I was in Adrian’s bed.

And suddenly, my head was spinning.

The comfort of the soft sheets and the familiar scent of Adrian’s cologne didn’t calm me. No, it only made the unsettling sensation in my chest worse. The daymare still had a grip on me, holding me hostage in a way that was harder to shake than I wanted to admit.

I couldn’t stay here. I couldn’t be close to him, not when everything felt so… fragile. So on edge.

I swung my legs off the side of the bed, trying to steady myself. The room spun around me, and my head throbbed from the lingering intensity of the dream. I was dizzy, disoriented, and had no idea what to do next.

But then, the door swung open.

Adrian.

He was there, his eyes wide with panic, his body tense. He must’ve heard the sound of my body falling from the bed, my desperate attempt to escape the daymare that haunted me. His gaze immediately locked onto me, his expression darkening with concern.

“Isla!” His voice was urgent, filled with raw worry. “What’s wrong?”

I couldn’t look at him. Not like this. Not when I felt so lost. So… helpless.

“Nothing,” I lied, pushing myself up from the floor, steadying myself against the bed. “Just a bad dream. I’m fine.”

But my words didn’t fool him. Not even for a second.

Adrian crossed the room in two quick strides, reaching out for me before I could step away. His hands were gentle as they cupped my face, forcing me to meet his eyes.

“You’re not fine, Isla,” he said quietly, his voice rough with emotion. “What happened? What’s going on?”

I could feel the weight of his gaze, but I couldn’t bring myself to speak the truth. Not now. Not when it felt like everything I had been running from was crashing into me all at once.

“I... I don’t know,” I whispered, my voice shaky. “It was just a dream, Adrian. I don’t want to talk about it.”

His hands tightened on my shoulders, pulling me a little closer, and I could see the way his brow furrowed, the concern deepening in his eyes. “You don’t have to tell me everything. But I need you to be honest with me, Isla. What are you afraid of?”

I opened my mouth to answer, but the words didn’t come. The truth seemed too much to bear, and I couldn’t bring myself to lay it all out, especially not in front of him.

But Adrian, as if sensing my hesitation, pulled me into his chest, wrapping his arms around me in a way that felt almost too secure. He held me like he was afraid I would slip through his fingers, like he was terrified that if he didn’t hold on tight enough, I would vanish. His touch was comforting, but it was also a reminder of the storm that was brewing just beneath the surface.

And still, I didn’t know how to let go of the fear that gripped me, even though he was here. Even though he was trying to protect me.

“Adrian…” I breathed his name softly, still trying to pull myself together. “I’m so scared. Scared of them. Of what they might do to us.”

I could feel his body tense around me, but he didn’t pull away. He didn’t let go. Instead, he tightened his hold, his voice low but firm. “You’re not alone, Isla. I’m here. I’m not going to let anyone hurt you. I swear it.”

The words were comforting, but in my heart, I knew the truth was far more complicated. Adrian couldn’t protect me from everything. He couldn’t stop what was coming.

But I didn’t want to think about that right now. Not with the weight of the nightmare still clinging to me.

Instead, I allowed myself to be there, in his arms, for just a moment longer.

And for that fleeting moment, I let myself believe him.

But only for a moment.

HOURS LATER

-*********

Adrian

I barely glanced up as my driver opened the door to my penthouse. I stepped inside, my phone pressed to my ear.

"Tell me the numbers," I ordered.

"Stock reports are in. We’re up seven percent this quarter, but the London branch needs reinforcement," my CFO rattled off.

"Then handle it," I said coldly, shrugging off my jacket.

"But, sir—"

I hung up before he could finish.

Lucian smirked from his spot on my couch. "You really need to stop making grown men piss themselves."

I poured myself a drink. "If they did their jobs right, I wouldn’t have to."

He stretched lazily. "You’re ruthless. No wonder women throw themselves at you."

I scoffed. "They don’t throw themselves at me. They throw themselves at my money."

He raised a brow. "You sure? Did you see the intern today? Nearly fainted when you walked past her."

I sighed, taking a slow sip of whiskey. "Not my problem."

"Cold as ever." Lucian grinned. "By the way, some girl got hit by one of our cars earlier."

Driver didn’t stop.

Well She’s probably fine," I said with a shrug. "Or not. Who cares?"

I set my glass down, my jaw tightening. Why did I care?

I shook off the thought.

"Doesn’t matter," I muttered. "We have bigger things to focus on."

Lucian smirked. "Whatever you say, boss."

Lemme check up on Isla, she's has been eating like a whale since this afternoon, I said walking inside.

*****

ISLA

Ever since the dream, I have been eating a lot, and am scared my stomach might burst 😭, Adrian was just staring at me like an alien, well I won't blame him.

The food combination was scary but that's what my baby and I are carving for.

Can I get more cups of chocolate ice cream mixed with banana smoothie please, I said pouting.

He was already frustrated, he looked so pissed. Oohhh so pathetic.

Can't you say thank you, must you always use those bad words as appreciation, he said with anger written all over him.

Suit yourself, I said enjoying my food, he angrily took his car keys and left. Wtf 😒 he left me and the baby all alone in the big penthouse 😭 with those quite maids that don't talk.