Shadows of Temptation
Ten Years Later
Adrian's POV
"We're sorry, you didn't pass the interview. We wish you the best."
The notification blinked on my phone.
"What stupid luck," I muttered under my breath, scoffing. My voice was drowned out by the pub's noise… jazz music flowing from the speakers, laughter, and endless chatter from people trying to drink away their problems.
I'm Adrian Sterling. Bartender. Cocktail mixer. Yes, the son of a once-influential business mogul, now reduced to pouring drinks in a dimly lit bar. Life had been unfairly cruel. My parents died in a car accident when I was just eighteen, leaving me with Lina, my younger sister. The company collapsed like a house of cards, and overnight, the Sterling name became nothing more than a faded memory.
It's been five years since then, and I've worked at King's Bar every night since. Not out of love, but out of survival. My days blurred into routines… mix, serve, clean, repeat. Yet, each time I stood behind the counter, I reminded myself: I was fighting for Lina, fighting to keep food on the table, fighting to keep her in school.
"Blackberry martini!" A server shouted over the music as she slid an empty tray across the counter.
"Got it," I replied.
My hands moved quickly, pouring, measuring, and shaking with practiced ease. Five years behind this bar had trained me like muscle memory… precision and style. Some people drink to forget. Others drink to celebrate. But me? I served because I had no choice.
"Yo, man!" Logan's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. He leaned on the counter with his usual mischievous grin. "Was that your sister earlier? Damn, she's growing into a beauty."
I didn't even look up. "Here," I said, sliding the martini onto the tray for the server, who rushed off. Then I turned to Logan, my eyes narrowing. "Stay clear, unless you want to go blind."
Logan chuckled, unfazed. "You're too rigid, bro."
"Fuck off," I muttered, though a smile tugged at my lips. That was Logan. Annoying, inappropriate, but still the closest thing I had to a brother.
"Man?" He called again, this time his tone sharper. His eyes flicked toward the far end of the room.
"What?" I asked, polishing a glass.
"Those girls over there… yeah, the ones in the corner… they're staring at you like you're dessert." His grin widened.
"I know."
"You know?" He laughed. "Then why don't you… you know…" His voice dropped, full of innuendo.
I arched a brow. "Spit it out, Logan."
"Come on, man, take a little bite." His smirk was shameless.
I shook my head. "I don't want anyone else."
That got him blinking. "Wait. You have a girl?"
"Why are you asking?"
"Because you're always turning down offers. You act like you're married already. So who is she, huh? Don't tell me you're secretly dating some model and keeping her from me?" He leaned closer, curiosity burning in his eyes.
"Yes. I have someone," I said simply.
Logan froze, gum halfway between his teeth. Then he laughed, slapping the counter. "Man! You're too secretive. Is she beautiful?"
"Mhm." I couldn't help but smile faintly, though I kept my gaze fixed on the glass in my hand.
"Lucky girl," Logan said with a mock bow. "I swear, you're the most faithful guy I've ever met. Respect, man."
Before I could answer, a man in a dark suit appeared. His presence was so sharp it cut through the noise around us. He walked directly to me, his movements deliberate. I recognized him instantly. He came here every first Friday of the month. Always for the same reason.
"Excuse me," he said politely, his tone smooth. "The VIP is looking for you."
I sighed. My chest tightened with irritation. "I've told you already… I'm busy. I don't have time to meet with anyone."
Unfazed, the man pulled out a thick envelope and placed it on the counter. "The VIP is willing to compensate you for your time."
My gaze lingered on the envelope. Tempting, yes. But not enough. "I don't want anything from him. Tell your VIP I'm not interested."
He didn't argue. He simply left the envelope there, his hand resting on it for a second longer before he slid it closer to me.
"This is from the VIP. He only wishes to meet you."
I let out a dry laugh. "Does your VIP enjoy being rejected? Because I've turned him down countless times. Isn't he tired of chasing? Tell him again: I'm not interested." I pushed the envelope back.
The man's face didn't shift, but his eyes flickered—just for a second… before he finally nodded and turned away.
I watched him leave, my stomach knotting, my chest heavier than I'd admit.
Logan stared at me like I'd just slapped him. "What the hell was that?"
"Nothing," I said, focusing on the counter.
"Don't give me that, Adrian. That was him, wasn't it?" His voice rose.
I stayed silent.
"It is him," Logan gasped. "The same VIP who's been after you for years?"
"Yes."
Logan nearly fell off his stool. "What the fuck, man?! Do you realize what you're doing? That VIP could change your life!"
I finally looked at him, my eyes cold. "You know what it means when a VIP asks for your time. It's not business. It's not charity. It's sex. Nothing more."
He shrugged, baffled. "So? Some of them just wanna fuck. Take it as a blessing. Why keep refusing?"
I slammed the glass down, my patience thinning. "Because I'm not a male slut."
Logan groaned, running a hand through his hair. "You're insane, Adrian. Do you even know what men like him can do for you? For Lina? You're throwing away opportunities."
My eyes flicked toward the clock behind the bar. The red hands glared back at me.
10:00 p.m.
My heart jumped into my throat.
"Shit," I hissed.
"What now?" Logan asked, alarmed.
I yanked off my apron and stuffed it under the counter. My hands moved fast, gathering my bag, slipping my phone into my pocket.
"Adrian? What the hell are you…"
"I have somewhere to be," I said, already moving. "Something important. Don't wait up."
Logan frowned. "At ten at night?"
But I was already out the door, the cool night air smacking me in the face as I bolted down the street. My chest pounded… not just from running, but from the truth I refused to say aloud.
Because I wasn't running home.
I wasn't running for safety.
I was running straight into the shadows that held my darkest satisfaction.
And if you don't want
to know how those shadows consume me… don't scroll any further.