Guilt and Desire
The warmth pressed against me, a weight both comforting and suffocating.
The scent of cedar and something darker, something distinctly him, surrounded me like a velvet cage.
Adrian’s arm was draped over my waist, holding me against his chest, his grip firm even in sleep.
Elise Carter
(What have I done?)
Guilt slithered in like poison.
I had wanted Daniel—had Daniel—yet here I was, tangled in Adrian’s embrace, my body still humming from his touch.
Elise Carter
*shifting slightly*
Adrian Verlais
*voice husky, amused* Going somewhere?
Effortlessly, he turned me onto my back, his eyes locking onto mine—dark, unreadable. Dangerous.
Adrian Verlais
*thumb brushing over her lips* You shouldn’t feel guilty. Not for last night. Not for the attack. And certainly not for this.
Elise Carter
*closing her eyes, shaking her head* It’s not that simple.
His fingers trailed down my neck, lingering over the faint bruise from Dorian’s bite.
Adrian Verlais
*softly* Yes, it is.
He silenced me with a slow, lingering kiss, sending a shiver through me. His lips moved lower, tracing the marks he had left.
Adrian Verlais
*murmuring against her throat* I won’t let you out of my sight ever again. You’re safe with me.
His mouth claimed mine again, and for a moment, I forget everything except him. The way he made me feel. The way I melted under his touch.
The sharp sound of fists pounding against the mansion gates shattered the moment.
Daniel Reed
*desperate, shouting* Elise! Let me in! I know she’s here!
Elise Carter
*breath hitching* (Daniel!)
Donna Perch
*shrieking* Pervert! Trying to take advantage of a poor woman like me!
Elise Carter
*groaning, rubbing her temples*
The last thing I needed was the nosy neighbor turning this into a spectacle.
Elise Carter
We need to stop this before she actually calls the cops.
Adrian Verlais
*unimpressed hum* And why exactly do you care so much about him?
Elise Carter
*glaring, firm* Because he’s important to me. And I’m not going to let Donna ruin his reputation over… whatever this is.
Adrian studied me, then exhaled, indulgent. A moment later, Daniel was ushered inside.
The air thickened. Daniel stood stiffly, scanning the room like he expected an ambush.
But when he found me, something in his expression softened.
Daniel Reed
*softly* Elise.
Adrian and I were already dressed, but the scene Daniel walked into made his jaw clench.
Adrian was seated on the bed, arm draped behind me, too relaxed. Too familiar.
Elise Carter
*concerned* Daniel, you’re hurt.
Daniel Reed
*tense* Are you… okay?
Elise Carter
*nodding* I’m fine.
Daniel Reed
*voice rising* Fine? Elise, you shouldn’t even be in this place.
Adrian Verlais
*chuckling* She’s been here for quite a while. And, if I recall correctly… she didn’t seem to mind.
Daniel Reed
*fists clenching* You don’t own her.
Adrian Verlais
*smirking* Did I say I did?
Adrian Verlais
* pulling Elise back effortlessly* She stays because she wants to. And well… *leaning in, voice wicked* She certainly didn’t seem eager to leave last night.
Elise Carter
*flushing* Adrian—
Daniel paled, breath hitching, posture locking up.
Daniel Reed
*tight, restrained* You think this is funny?
Adrian Verlais
*bored* I think it’s inevitable. You should really learn to share.
Daniel Reed
*stepping forward* Let. Her. Go.
Adrian considered it before—surprisingly—releasing my wrist. I immediately stepped back.
Daniel Reed
*pleading* Elise, come with me. You don’t belong here.
Celeste Valmere
She does. *leaning against doorway, arms crossed* And she’s not leaving.
Daniel Reed
*sharp look at Celeste*
Adrian Verlais
*smiling* There’s your answer. Now, why don’t you run along before you get into more trouble?
Daniel Reed
*fists clenching looking at Elise* Elise… tell me you’re safe here.
Daniel Reed
*jaw tightening* Fine. But if anything happens to you… *warning glance at Adrian* I’ll be back.
After Daniel left, Adrian’s gaze lingered on me, scrutinizing.
Adrian Verlais
*low, sharp* What do you even see in him?
Elise Carter
*blinking, caught off guard* What?
Adrian Verlais
*leaning closer, teasing* I just don’t get it. *eyes gleaming* Tell me, what is it about him?
Elise Carter
*heat rushing to cheeks* You— *exhaling sharply* You’re impossible.
Adrian Verlais
*soft chuckle, breath warm against her ear* Maybe. But I’m still the one who gets to sleep beside you at night, not him.
Comments