Adrian's POV
I pulled up to Liam's building, spotting Stella walking toward the exit flanked by two security guards. My breath caught as it always did when I saw her. She moved with effortless grace, head held high and steps purposeful—a queen aware of her domain.
The moment she spotted me, her face lit up. She bid goodbye to the guards and raced toward me, launching herself into my arms. The weight of her against my chest felt like coming home.
"I missed you," she whispered against my ear, her breath warm and inviting.
"Me too." I pressed a quick kiss to her lips before helping her into the passenger seat.
The drive to her parents' house was filled with easy conversation, laughter bubbling between us as we teased each other. I couldn't help but notice how her demeanor shifted when I parked outside the house—her shoulders tensing, expression becoming serious.
"What's wrong, Nightingale?" I asked, placing my hand on her knee and giving it a gentle squeeze.
