Adrian From Miraculous Novels & Stories

Lillian nodded and looked at her tea. “Dana Park,” she said. “Do you know her?” “Only through Lucas’s recommendation,” I said. “He described her as good and fast and motivated by the right reasons.” “Then she’ll be exactly what Sophia needs,” Lillian said. “Someone who sees the case and the person simultaneously.” I agreed. Adrian appeared in the kitchen doorway at nine-fifteen, sleep still present at the edges of his expression, which told me he had finally allowed himself the rest that Friday had required and had not surfaced until his body decided the debt had been sufficiently repaid.

"Adrian." His grip was warm. Firm. “Well, since you insist on not having a boyfriend, Adrian," he said softly. “And you say I’m not your type.” "You’re not." "I wanna make good use of my chance to change your mind.” He said. I shook my head a little, but was smiling now. "You're persistent." "I know what I want." He shrugged "And what's that?" He looked straight at me. "You." The word had a crazy impact on me.

“I raised her when her mother passed.” I looked at her for a moment, her eyes holding more pain than she would have wanted to show. “The maid who told Giovanni what happened to her,” she said quietly. “Her name is Miri. She’s new. Too eager to please the wrong man. I believe this would enough information for you to get what you want.” I nodded slowly. “Thank you.” She looked down at Lysandra with sorrow. “She used to be proud. Fierce. Like her mother. She used to be willing to fight, to stand. She is not weak. I know what I raised. And I know who I raised.”

Zara asked quietly, proud that her voice remained steady despite the storm of emotions in her chest. Adrian was silent for a long moment, his hands stilling on her shoulders before sliding away, leaving her skin cold in their absence. He moved to the window, staring out at the city spread below them like a glittering carpet. The setting sun painted him in shades of gold and shadow, making him look almost unreal, almost like a modern-day Midas touched by tragedy instead of gold. "No," he finally said, his voice rough with emotions she couldn't quite identify. "But they don't tell the whole story."

Antonio de Marino. That is Adriana's father.

Adrian saved me. *****